Question:
Joe Rogan has claimed he knows the exact moment Tyson Fury worked out how to beat Deontay Wilder, in the 12th round of the pair's first fight.

Fury said in the build up to the rematch last Saturday that he would put Wilder on the back foot and knock him out, which is exactly what he did.

According to UFC commentator Rogan the fight was pretty much set to go the way it did in the last two minutes of their December 2018 meeting, when the Gypsy King rose from an eight count after a huge shot from Wilder to dominate the rest of the round.

Speaking on his podcast Rogan said, "In the 12th round, he started backing Deontay up - Deontay can't fight backing up.

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"Deontay is a guy who pushes forward, and he's got this ridiculous power. Everybody's scared of his power, so everybody's moving all the time.

"Fury realized in the 12th round after Deontay knocked him down, almost knocked him out, he got up and started chasing Deontay, and Deontay fought sloppy. He said he looked awkward."

Fury did take the centre of the ring straight away in the first round and it was a position that he barely gave up as for most he won every single round of the fight.

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He and his team claimed that Wilder was a bully and when bullies are forced back they don't know how to handle it, and so it proved.

The Brit twice knocked down his American opponent, in the third and fifth round, before eventually having the fight stopped when the Bronze Bomber's corner through in the towel.

Wilder has 30 days to activate a rematch clause for the trilogy fight and has said that he plans on making sure there is a third fight, after they fought out a draw in the original fight.

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Many fight fans would prefer if the former WBC champion moved aside to allow the current champ to fight fellow Englishman Anthony Joshua in a unification fight but that looks unlikely right now.

Fury landed a lot on the front foot. Image: PA Images

If the 34-year-old American is to face Fury for a third time then he might have to completely rethink his plan for the fight.

(CNN) The self-styled "Gypsy King" Tyson Fury produced a boxing masterclass to reign again as a world heavyweight champion after he pummeled Deontay Wilder to claim a seventh round stoppage in their eagerly awaited rematch in Las Vegas Saturday.

Fourteen months after their epic split-decision draw, the British boxer wrested the World Boxing Council (WBC) version of the title from Wilder with a dominant performance at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, flooring his opponent in the third and fifth rounds before the US fighter's corner threw in the towel to spare their man further punishment.

"The king has returned to the top of the throne," said Fury, who remains unbeaten after 31 bouts.

Wilder, making his 11th defense of the WBC crown, was suffering his first defeat in 44 fights, falling to 42-1 with one drawn.

While not quite living up to his pre-fight prediction of a second round knock out, Fury had been on top from the opening bell, landing heavy blows with little coming in return from a well-beaten Wilder.

Only the defeated champion's bravery enabled him to extend the contest to the seventh, with Fury paying tribute to his courage.

"I just want to say a big shout out Deontay Wilder," he said. "He manned up, he really did show heart of a champion.

"I hit him with a clean right hand and dropped him, and he got back up and battled on into round seven.

"He is a warrior, he will be back, he will be champion again."

British boxer Tyson Fury celebrates after defeating US boxer Deontay Wilder.

Wilder, who fell short in his bid to surpass Muhammad Ali's record of 10 successful heavyweight title defenses, protested his corner's decision to halt the fight.

"I just wish that my corner would have let me went out on my shield," he said. "I'm a warrior."

The 34-year-old, who knocked Fury down twice in their previous fight despite being out boxed, could not repeat that formula second time around but does have a rematch clause.

Before that, Fury may turn his attention to claiming the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO versions of the world heavyweight crown, which are held by his British compatriot Anthony Joshua, in a unification bout.

Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn immediately took to social media to talk up the prospect of that fight later this year.

No need for a third let's go straight to it in the Summer! #undisputed — Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) February 23, 2020

For now, Fury, who sports his nickname because of his Irish Traveler background, can celebrate his stunning victory, completing his comeback to the ring after battling depression and addiction and being stripped of the original world titles he won by beating the great Wladimir Klitschko in 2015.

He had looked relaxed and confident as he was carried to the ring on a moving throne to the delight of his many and vociferous supporters in a packed arena.

They had reason to cheer their fighter from the start, but it was in the third round that the action really erupted as Fury knocked down Wilder with a massive right.

Somehow the American, who was down again after a slip, survived to the end of the round and he regained a little of his composure in the fourth as Fury sought a further knockdown.

US boxer Deontay Wilder reacts during his World Boxing Council (WBC) Heavyweight Championship Title boxing match against British boxer Tyson Fury at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on February 22, 2020.

It was not long coming, with a left to the body doing the trick again in the fifth and by then it looked only a matter of time before the fight was halted.

Fury was delivering further heavy blows in the seventh before the towel came in and referee Kenny Bayless called a formal halt to the proceedings after one minute 39 seconds of the round.

Ever the showman, Fury celebrated with a karaoke-style rendition of Don McLean's Amercan Pie while Wilder was left to lick his wounds, being later taken to hospital as a precaution.

Fury, who came in 16 pounds heavier than in the first bout with Wilder, had got the tactics he had worked on with new trainer Javan "Sugarhill" Steward perfectly right.

Tyson Fury knocks down Deontay Wilder in the fifth during their Heavyweight bout for Wilder's WBC and Fury's lineal heavyweight title on February 22, 2020 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

He combined his extra power with patience against the hard-hitting Wilder, who had proved from their first bout how dangerous he could be when cornered.

But there was to be no repeat in what many had billed as the biggest heavyweight title fight of this century, with a host of celebrities that included Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes and retired NBA great Magic Johnson, watching the proceedings.

Photos: In pictures: Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder WBC heavyweight championship British boxer Tyson Fury enters the ring at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Hide Caption 1 of 13 Photos: In pictures: Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder WBC heavyweight championship Deontay Wilder of the United States enters the ring wearing a mask. Hide Caption 2 of 13 Photos: In pictures: Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder WBC heavyweight championship A large screen displays a video of Fury before the start of the match. Hide Caption 3 of 13 Photos: In pictures: Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder WBC heavyweight championship Fury punches Wilder at the beginning of the match. Hide Caption 4 of 13 Photos: In pictures: Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder WBC heavyweight championship Fury knocks Wilder to the ground. Hide Caption 5 of 13 Photos: In pictures: Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder WBC heavyweight championship Fury raises his arms in celebration after knocking down Wilder. Hide Caption 6 of 13 Photos: In pictures: Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder WBC heavyweight championship Wilder throws a punch at Fury. Hide Caption 7 of 13 Photos: In pictures: Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder WBC heavyweight championship Referee Kenny Bayless speaks to Wilder. Hide Caption 8 of 13 Photos: In pictures: Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder WBC heavyweight championship Wilder reacts to Bayless. Hide Caption 9 of 13 Photos: In pictures: Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder WBC heavyweight championship Wilder and Fury exchange punches. Hide Caption 10 of 13 Photos: In pictures: Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder WBC heavyweight championship Fury knocks down Wilder during the fifth round. Hide Caption 11 of 13 Photos: In pictures: Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder WBC heavyweight championship Fury celebrates his win by TKO in the seventh round against Wilder. Hide Caption 12 of 13 Photos: In pictures: Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder WBC heavyweight championship This was the first defeat in 44 fights for Wilder, while Fury remains unbeaten after 31 bouts, with one draw from their previous bout in December 2018. Hide Caption 13 of 13

An all-British clash with Joshua to unify the heavyweight titles, would also be a massive draw, where ever hosted, with Hearn telling the UK's Talk Sport that his fighter is eager for it to happen.

"I have already spoken to AJ, (Anthony Joshua) he wants this fight. He has zero fear of Tyson Fury and he wants to be undisputed.

"It has become not just the biggest fight in British boxing history, it has become the biggest fight in the history of the sport worldwide," he claimed.

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SoftBank's third-quarter earnings revealed a 99% drop in third-quarter profits.

However, investors sent the Japanese conglomerate's stock up 12% on Wednesday.

The rally was due to a judge approving the merger of SoftBank-owned Sprint and T-Mobile.

Sprint stock skyrocketed 78% on Tuesday, netting SoftBank more than $12 billion.

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SoftBank revealed a 99% drop in third-quarter profits on Wednesday. Investors responded by sending its stock up 12%, adding more than $10 billion to its market capitalization.

The Japanese conglomerate's shareholders haven't lost their minds. SoftBank's Vision Fund certainly stomached a $2 billion loss after writing down its investments in WeWork and Uber, slashing the company's operating income from nearly $4 billion to less than $25 million.

However, investors cared more about a federal judge ruling in favor of Sprint's $26 billion merger with T-Mobile on Tuesday, clearing the way for the deal to close after nearly two years of regulatory challenges. The wireless carrier's stock skyrocketed 78% on the news. As SoftBank owns nearly 85% of Sprint, it netted more than $12 billion on paper.

SoftBank led with the good news in its earnings presentation on Wednesday. The third slide is an image of a roiling ocean with the caption, "Tide is turning." The fifth slide is a chart showing Sprint's stock price going vertical on Tuesday. On the next slide, it downplayed the $2 billion loss at its Vision Fund by pointing out the segment lost $8.8 billion in the second quarter.

Kolkata: The BJP leadership has decided to launch a campaign blitzkrieg in West Bengal to counter the TMC's "misinformation programmes" regarding Citizenship (Amendment) Act and reach out to refugees.

The West Bengal BJP leadership had hoped that that the new citizenship law would be its "political trump card" ahead of the 2021 assembly polls in the state.

But an aggressive campaign against the CAA by the Trinamool Congress, other opposition parties, civil society groups, students and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's declaration not to implement the CAA in the state, has put the saffron party on the backfoot.

Apart from launching state-wide campaign against the new legislation, Banerjee has participated in six protest marches and three rallies in various parts of the state.

In contrast, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has organised only one mega march in the city, led by party's national working president J P Nadda, and rallies by the state president to counter the anti-CAA protests led by the Chief Minister.

According to state BJP sources, a blueprint of Bengal-specific programmes and campaigns has been prepared to to reach out to the masses and allay fears and misinformation campaign about the CAA.

"The blueprint of the campaign has already been given a nod by the party's central leadership. The multi-pronged campaign, targeting a cross section of people across the state, will begin from this month," a senior BJP leader said.

It has also been decided that during the campaign not a single word will be uttered about the proposed NRC in the state as it might send a wrong message, the BJP leader said.

According to state BJP sources, the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Act will determine the course of West Bengal politics in the days to come with the state bracing for a deeper polarization between the TMC and the BJP on communal lines ahead of the 2021 Assembly polls.

"We will leave no stone unturned to reach out to the masses on the issue of the CAA. Just to appease her vote bank, Mamata Banerjee is opposing the CAA and trying to stop refugees from getting citizenship.

"But we will not let that happen, we will expose the misinformation campaign through our counter-campaign. There is already a huge support in favour of the CAA," BJP national general secretary and Bengal minder Kailash Vijayvargiya said.

State BJP vice president and MP Subhas Sarkar and state BJP general secretary Sayantan Basu, in coordination with the central leadership, are looking into the campaign strategy in the state.

According to state BJP sources, the campaign programme will include door-to-door visits, street corner meetings, seminars, street plays, advertisements in local newspapers, audio visual capusules on movies about refugees coming to India after partition and using social media to create a positive narrative on the CAA.

"We will form a special team of around two to three lakh activists across the state, who will be trained to carry out door-to-door campaigns.

"Out of these, 20,000 cadres would be selected to look after campaigns in their respective areas," Sarkar told PTI.

According to a senior BJP leader, the specially trained activists would not only make people aware about the CAA but also help them in applying online for citizenship as the state government is not keen on implementing it.

The state BJP also plans to send one crore thanks giving letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Act.

According to the CAA, members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities who have come from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014 and facing religious persecution there will not be treated as illegal immigrants, and be given Indian citizenship.

According to state BJP sources, the CAA will benefit more than 1.5 crore people across the country, including over 72 lakh in the West Bengal.

Hindu refugees are a deciding factor in nearly 80 assembly seats in the state, whereas Muslims constitute a sizable chunk of voters in around 90 constituencies.

Apart from this, Hindu refugees are also spread in around 40-50 other seats, comprising between 10 and 15 per cent of the electorate.

"Our target is to reach out to one crore people across the state with the message of CAA. The new act does not take away citizenship rather it gives citizenship to refugees. We have identified refugee pockets and special focus would be given to these areas," Basu said.

As a part of its audio visual campaign, it is using footage of the exodus of refugees from East Pakistan in 1947, and portions of footage of movies on refugees crisis and will upload it on social media platforms.

The BJP has made a six-minute video using footage of great Calcutta killings in 1946, dialogues from Bengali films, with an objective to showcase the plight of refugees in post- partition years and make people understand the need for the amended Citizenship Act.

"We will also organise special meetings with certain sections of the society such as doctors, engineers, artists, writers, lawyers, teachers, religious leaders and professors, where we would make them understand the need for CAA," Sarkar said.

The TMC mocked the decision of the saffron party to launch a campaign on the issue of the CAA, saying it would "fall flat" as it has already been rejected by the people of the state.

"Their campaign will not find any resonance among the masses as people have voiced their protest against the divisive bill," TMC secretary general Partha Chatterjee said.

The year 2019 was one of headlines about horrific violence committed against innocent and vulnerable people living in South Africa.

From ongoing attacks on women and children, to the apparent targeting of foreign nationals and the deployment of the army to the Cape Flats – violence grabbed the headlines and the attention of citizens in 2019, who registered their horror and marched in protest to make their voices heard.

President Cyril Ramaphosa also cancelled travel plans and important economic forum appearances to address the nation, and come up with measures to show that the government was serious about the levels of angst in the country.

How did we get here?

Cape Flats

There has been an all-out war on the Cape Flats for many years as gangs continue to fight it out for turf and power.

Those who try to go about their daily lives often end up with the bullet wounds – unarmed men, women and children fall while walking or running to their homes, hiding away or playing outside.

This bloodshed is reflected in official crime statistics.

The Cape Flats is home to the Western Cape's 10 police precincts which have the highest attempted murder rates, contributing to 42% of the attempted murders in the province.

For years, many in the community, along with the City of Cape Town and the DA, have been calling for the army to intervene and help the police enforce law and order.

Their pleas were finally heard in July following a heightened spate of recorded murders. Police Minister Bheki Cele announced then that the army would be deployed to help stabilise ganglands in these 10 areas.

This was after Ramaphosa finally gave the go-ahead and wrote up the legally required letter to Parliament. He has since extended the deployment until March, 2020.

But there is still bloodshed.

A night of horror unfolded in Delft in August when separate shootings left three people dead and several others injured.

In September, gunmen kicked down the door of a structure in Elsies River and mowed down three children and a teenager.

Last month, three men and a woman were shot dead in their home in Mitchells Plain.

And in December, notorious gang leader Rashied Staggie was gunned down outside his Salt River home in the early hours of a Friday morning.

It remains to be seen what long-term impact the army will have in Bishop Lavis, Mitchells Plain, Delft, Elsies River, Nyanga, Khayelitsha, Mfuleni, Philippi, Kraaifontein and Manenberg.

Cele proudly stated in September that the work of the police, together with the SA National Defence Force, had resulted in more than 1 000 arrests in gang-ridden areas.

Of those, 806 were already in the system and were wanted for various crimes, including murder, attempted murder, hijacking and theft.

People are still being killed and, as stated by the Institute for Security Studies' Dr Johan Burger, the army, due to leave in March, cannot do the police's job.

#AmINext

The murder of University of Cape Town student Uyinene Mrwetyana, 19, at a Cape Town post office shocked the nation, coming at a time where many murders of young women were being reported.

Horror killings hogged the headlines, such as that of South African boxer Leighandre "Baby Lee" Jegels, University of Western Cape student Jesse Hess, horse-riding enthusiast Meghan Cremer and Cape Town resident Lynette Volschenk, who was dismembered in her home.

In Mrwetyana's case, it emerged that post office employee Luyanda Botha lured her there on August 24 and when she didn't welcome his sexual advances, raped her and used a 2kg weight, used to weigh packages, to bludgeon her to death. He then hid her body in the office safe, before transporting it the next day, to be burnt and buried.

The nature of her murder, committed by a government employee in a public building in the afternoon, shocked the country. Women took to social media to express that they were not safe anywhere, not even in a public place or if they were equipped with self-defence skills.

Protesters gather to hand over a memorandum of grievances during a gender-based violence demonstration outside Parliament. (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)

The senseless killings prompted the nationwide #AmINext movement, with victims of abuse calling out their alleged abusers, which was documented on a viral thread on Twitter.

It sparked marches and protests across the country against gender-based violence, including and especially at universities, where students demanded that campuses be made safer.

Even international delegates attending the World Economic Forum in Cape Town were confronted with the chants of protesters who cried out for something to be done about the high rate of rapes and murders.

Riot police were brought in as the group, many students, demanded to address Ramaphosa.

Ironically, their cries for an end to violence were met with a heavy-handed approach in the form of stun grenades and several arrests.

Last month, Botha was sentenced to life in prison for murder, two life sentences for both counts of rape, and five years for defeating the course of justice, in terms of a plea and sentencing agreement.

Xenophobia

At around the same time, foreign nationals in Gauteng bore the brunt of sporadic violence across all three of the province's major metros.

Communities looted both foreign-owned and local shops while calling for an end to drug syndicates.

Ten of the 12 people killed in the ensuing violence were South Africans, and Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said the evidence did not show that foreign nationals were being targeted because of their nationality.

She reiterated that South Africa was not a xenophobic country.

Pressure was on Ramaphosa to give an official response to both the gender-based violence and the apparent xenophobic violence.

Marchers against xenophobia in Johannesburg in April 2015. (PHOTO: Bridget Mnyulwa of Sonke Gender Justice)

He did so in an address to the nation on television, calling for calm and acknowledging that the period had been traumatic for the country.

He also opted out of the UN General Assembly in New York in September.

Using a provision in the Constitution normally called upon for State of the Nation Addresses, he held an extraordinary sitting of Parliament instead to tackle gender-based violence and femicide.

"There were 52 000 sexual offences reported in SA in 2018/19. Over the last weeks… we have been shaken by the brutal killings of women and acts of violence have just really exploded in this province," he told residents at Lusikisiki College in the Eastern Cape.

The result of the extraordinary sitting was a five-point emergency plan to be implemented over six months.

Pack up and go

Later that month, Ramaphosa was booed while delivering a speech at a memorial for former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe in Harare.

He said Zimbabweans only accepted him after he offered an apology for the violence committed against foreign nationals.

"It was only when I said I regret what is happening in our country and offered an apology on behalf of all of us as SA, that is when they responded positively in accepting that apology. I have apologised on your behalf and I hope that will sink into our consciousness."

He added: "The world expects us to behave in a way where we respect the rights of people from other nations."

Desperate Nigerians living in South Africa, including some who were forced to close their businesses following the attacks on foreign nationals, signed up for free flights back to Nigeria, instead of taking the risk of staying.

In Cape Town and Pretoria, groups of foreign nationals pleaded with the United Nations in weeks of protests outside their regional offices to be taken to another country.

Where to next?

While the government follows its plan to tackle gender-based violence, stories continue to emerge of women who are killed.

Last month, 21-year-old Limpopo student Precious Ramabulana was stabbed 52 times after her attacker sneaked through the window of her rented room while she was asleep.

Her alleged attacker, Aubrey Manaka, 28, has not yet pleaded to charges of rape, murder, housebreaking with intent to rob and aggravated robbery.

Commemorations for 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women have done little to stem the bloodshed.

Tebogo Setlhare was arrested on November 25 for the murder of his girlfriend, Kgaugelo Tshwae, 28, in Mmakau village in the North West.

Her burnt body was found after she apparently failed to return home from a holiday.

Also occurring during the 16 days, was the brutal attack on a woman from uMkhuze, allegedly by her husband.

She lost her arm and also had a cracked skull.

A plastic and reconstructive surgeon said her life would never be the same.

He added that as a teacher, she "needs a hand and one of her hands has lost function, but we will try to restore function to that hand. It will take multiple surgeries."

We do not know what 2020 holds, but 2019 has many lessons for South Africa.

Pearl Lorentzen

Lakeside Leader

‘Thriving in Business’, on February 12, was one of the last in-person events in Slave Lake, for a while. It was the reveal of the Slave Lake Business Survey and an economic development talk, by Ken Coates.

“The information in the survey is based on how the businesses feel the community supports them,” says Josh Friesen, Community Futures Executive-Director. Once the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, the survey has information to “pave the way for a new future for the town.”

The pandemic itself is horrible, he adds, but “it gives us opportunities to reflect on better ways to do business.”

Coates spoke about 12 reasons people in rural areas should be more scared, 12 reasons they should be excited, and 12 ways they can compete in the global economy. There’s a global decline in rural areas was one of the negatives. Two of the exciting prospects were the empowerment of Indigenous Canadians and new opportunities for self-sufficiency.

Three suggests for economic development are change the story, suggest practical innovative solutions, and understand what young professionals look for in a community.

The survey and labour solutions event was put on by Community Futures, Slave Lake and District Chamber of Commerce, and the Town of Slave Lake.

There were around 35 people at the event and over 500 people have viewed the video of Coate’s speech online.

It was bad timing, says Kimberley Hughes, Slave Lake and District Chamber of Commerce Executive-Director, but “the right people were there.” She continues, the event sparked some ideas, and the feedback has been positive.

The launch was supposed to be the first event in a series of labour solutions events, but these have been postponed due to COVID-19. Community Futures physical office is closed, but open for business via phone or email.

The Chamber of Commerce is closely monitoring the situation of the trade show and Riverboat Daze, which are in May and July respectively.

Some of the attendees at the Slave Lake labour survey reveal on March 12. This was one of the last in-person events to be held in Slave Lake for the next while.

Instruction: Retrieve semantically similar text.


Question:
MANILA, Philippines — The cancellation of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s visa may be wrong but there must be a “deeper” reason why the Philippines should terminate its Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States.

“Dapat malalim ang dahilan (There must be a deeper reason). It should go beyond the denial of a US visa to a senator,” Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said in a statement on Thursday.

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“Because what if the US restores the visa of my good friend Senator Bato, are we then going to reverse course, and press the stop button to the revocation process which, per reports, has been started?”

“Paano kung bukas sasabihin ng Amerika na restored na ang visa ni Bato, ano gagawin natin? Is that the remedial action we are seeking or are we motivated by reasons more profound?” Recto said.

(What if tomorrow the US says Bato’s visa has been restored, what are we going to do? Is that the remedial action we are seeking or are we motivated by reasons more profound?)

He said the Philippines should be able to at least prove that the VFA is unfavorable to the country before revoking it.

READ: No stopping Duterte from ending VFA

“We must be able to separate the national interest from the personal. The national harm done by the VFA is an issue separate from the actions taken by the other government on a certain individual,” Recto said.

President Rodrigo Duterte ordered last week the abrogation of the VFA between the Philippines and the US after Dela Rosa confirmed that the US government had revoked his visa.

READ: Confirmed: US voids Senator Bato dela Rosa’s visa

“Personally, tingin ko mali ang ginawa ng Amerika kay Bato. BFF nila si Bato noon. Red carpet treatment sa FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) ‘yan. But our response should be commensurate,” Recto said.

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(Personally I think, what America did to Bato was wrong. Bato is their BFF. They gave him a red-carpet treatment at the FBI. But our response should be commensurate.)

Dela Rosa, a former chief of the Philippine National Police, however, insisted that Duterte’s order to end the agreement was not only because of his visa cancellation.

“Ang sinasabi ko na nga hindi ako importante bakit ako ang gagawin nyong reason?” he said, noting Duterte’s claim that the visa cancellation was just the last straw that broke the camel’s back.

(I’ve been saying that I’m not important so why are you using me as a reason?)

“Napupuno na s’ya (Duterte) so dapat may aksyon syang gagawin. Hindi naman ako ang dahilan…” Dela Rosa also said.

(He is already getting impatient so he had to act. I’m not the reason here…)

But it would still be better if the two allies could find a way to rescue their “dying relationship,” according to the senator.

“The more friends, the better,” Dela Rosa said.

Edited by KGA

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MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has started studying how to correctly discontinue the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

“The DOJ has been tasked to study the proper procedure to terminate the VFA. We are doing it now,” Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Friday.

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President Rodrigo Duterte said the country will abandon the VFA if the United States will not rectify the cancellation of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s US visa.

READ: No Bato visa, no VFA – Duterte

While the US embassy did not disclose the reason for voiding Dela Rosa’s visa, the senator believed that it probably has something to do with his role in the Duterte administration’s bloody drug war.

Edited by KGA

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St. Louise Regional Hospital has been named to the State of California’s Patient Safety Honor Roll for demonstrating safety across multiple departments, and to the state’s Maternity Honor Roll for meeting or surpassing a statewide target aimed at reducing caesarean sections.

“We are proud to be on both honor rolls,” said Gloria Dela Merced, St. Louise Regional Hospital executive. “It takes a team effort, and our physicians, nurses and support staff are committed to meeting rigorous performance measures for our patients’ safety.”

The Patient Safety Honor Roll includes information from hospital-acquired infections, adverse patient safety events, sepsis management and patient experience.

These measurements establish shared goals and sense of purpose, and advance improvements, Merced said. St. Louise Regional Hospital was cited for a strong culture of safety, high-quality patient care and the ability to meet the state’s patient safety measures.

The Maternity Honor Roll’s goal is to reduce cesarean rates in California. There are 500,000 births each year in California (one-eighth of all US c-section births) and in the past decade, the c-section birth rate has risen by 50 percent nationwide. Today, one-third of all babies are born via surgery—significantly more than the federal Healthy People 2020 goal of 24.7 percent for low-risk deliveries, according to the state.

Reducing cesarean sections can result in lowering medical complications in first-time mothers, such as incidents of heavy bleeding, blood transfusions, infections, blood clots and longer recovery time compared with vaginal birth. Higher c-section rates carry risks for babies including potential injury during surgery, breathing problems, neonatal intensive care stays and lower breastfeeding rates.

The U.S. Army hopes a new marketing campaign will show potential recruits a different side of military service.

The campaign, called “What’s Your Warrior?”, steers away from showcasing the glory of the battle-hardened infantryman that has dominated marketing pushes for decades.

It instead focuses on the variety of career fields available to recruits — from space and cybersecurity jobs to science and medical positions. The campaign launched in November and has already resulted in a 35 percent jump in visitors filling out the initial forms on the Army’s website, compared to November 2018.

Brig. Gen. Alex Fink, chief of Army enterprise marketing, is behind “What’s Your Warrior?”. He said filling out those forms is just the first step.

“It's great and fine and dandy to fill out a business reply card online,” Fink said. “But, how does that translate into actually getting folks to make a commitment?”

That’s where the individual relationship between recruit and recruiter comes in.

Dan Boyce/CPR News Colorado Springs Army Recruiting Company Commander Josh Trenkel speaks with new recruits during a tour of Fort Carson Army Base.

Colorado Springs Army Recruiting Company Cmdr. Josh Trenkel said his recruiters are using “What’s Your Warrior?” to simply start the conversation about joining.

“That's where the art of it is,” Trenkel said. “They really need to know how to take that message, and give it to the students coming out of school these days and make sure that they know the opportunities that are available to them.”

Trenkel was supervising a tour at Fort Carson Army Base for brand new recruits. The group took turns in a shooting simulator, peeked inside military vehicles and were treated to an old Army standard, a Meal Ready to Eat (MRE), for lunch.

Crystal Townsend was sitting on the grass with other new recruits, opening her vegetable crumble MRE.

“When I was younger, when I was 18, 19, I did want to join, but I wasn't really competent in myself,” Townsend, now 35, said. “I didn't know anybody in the military and I wasn't really sure I could do it.”

Dan Boyce/CPR News New Army recruits try out a shooting simulation at Fort Carson Army Base.

Townsend ended up in law enforcement, rising in the ranks to become a deputy sheriff in El Paso County. It’s a stable job in a professional career, but as she got older and closer to the maximum age for enlistment, she found herself having regrets.

“It was just eating at me. And I finally said, ‘You know what, I’m gonna go for it,’” she said.

Sitting near her were younger men and women just out of high school and looking for more than the classic Army experience as a gunner or infantryman. One woman nearby was looking to go into communications, another man hoping to jumpstart a career as a firefighter. The range of ambitions these recruits have is exactly how the Army is hoping to sell itself through “What’s Your Warrior?”

The first ad in the campaign looks more like a trailer for an effects-laden superhero movie than a traditional recruitment pitch, with helicopters flying through mountain passes and microscopic cells dividing on screen.

When we think back on the defining beauty moments of the decade, nails are front and center. Hear us out: The most popular nail colors and trends often reflect their respective times. In an era when nail art props abound and the engagement manicure has become a very real (and specific) kind of pressure, it makes sense to take a closer look at the bottles we're gravitating toward for the perfect Instagram shot. The past 10 years have brought us elaborate spins on nostalgic trends—like squishy jelly nails and the immortal French manicure. But in the interest of distilling these moments down to their most basic forms, we're focusing on the standalone shades that made their mark.

So what exactly gives a nail polish notoriety? Sometimes a well-timed celebrity associations raises particular shades to new heights. Other launches start trends of their own. "I know all I wore in 2012 was Essie Mint Candy Apple," reminisced one Glamour editor while we were brainstorming this story. (She was later vindicated by our research; the data shows that Mint Candy Apple was a 2013 top seller.) We talked to three of the top nail polish brands to discover the most popular shades year-to-year from 2009 to 2019. Scroll through for a detailed look at the 11 best-selling shades of the decade—and what made them so iconic.

The University of Minnesota Beef Team will host the annual Cow/Calf Days Seminar Tour and Trade Show at 10 locations across the state in January.

The local event takes place at 9:30 a.m., Jan. 21, at Staples Central Lakes College. This event has been held for 47 years and continues to be the leading information, technology, and research outlet for cow/calf producers in the state of Minnesota, according to a U of M news release.

The 2020 event will feature information on opportunities to evaluate carcass characteristics in your herd, calf scours prevention, finding profit in the cow calf sector, and management of calves before and after weaning. Updates from the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association and the Minnesota Beef Council will also highlight the event. The corresponding tradeshow will feature vendors with new information, technology, and products with a wide-array of practical uses for the operators in the cow-calf sector.

The program is directed at cow/calf producers, allied industry representatives, and is open to the public. A meal will be served with the program and a registration fee of $10 will include the meal, proceedings book, and program materials.

More information can be found at the Cow/Calf Days Seminar Tour and Trade Show website: www.extension.umn.edu/beef or contact Eric Mousel at 218.513.0781, emmousel@umn.edu.

The continent’s sovereign dollar debt has generated total returns of 20% since the start of 2019, more than any other region in emerging markets.

The continent’s sovereign dollar debt has generated total returns of 20% since the start of 2019, more than any other region in emerging markets.

If the world’s major central banks remain dovish in 2020, that should sustain a dash for higher yields in emerging markets and mean that African bonds remain in hot demand.

Africa is a “land of opportunity” and could be one of the main beneficiaries if the U.S. and China make more progress on trade talks, said Bank of America strategists including London-based David Hauner.

The extra yield investors get when buying sovereign dollar bonds in Africa rather than U.S. Treasuries has narrowed almost 100 basis points this year, according to J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.’s indexes. Still, at 461 basis points, that spread remains the highest of any emerging-market region and double that of Eastern Europe.

But investors face plenty of potential risks in 2020. South Africa could lose its last investment-grade rating, Ghana’s government might ramp up spending ahead of elections, Zambia’s debt crisis could spiral out of control and Nigeria may be forced to devalue its currency.

Here’s what to watch for in 10 key markets.

Angola

Africa’s second-biggest oil producer is still reeling from a crash in crude prices five years ago. The economy will contract for a fourth straight year in 2019, the International Monetary Fund said this week. Still, investors have been impressed by the central bank’s reforms, including the devaluation of the kwanza. Its fall of 32% this year against the dollar -- only Argentina’s peso has weakened more -- has increased inflationary pressure. But it’s also eased a shortage of foreign exchange that was crippling businesses.

Egypt

Egypt remains a favorite among portfolio investors. Carry traders, attracted by yields of around 14% on pound bonds, have flocked to the Arab nation. The currency has rallied 12% this year, its best performance in at least 25 years -- and Societe Generale SA forecasts it will gain another 4.5% to 15.35 per dollar in 2020. But the reforms of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi are yet to translate into the foreign direct investment and jobs that Egypt badly needs. Aware of that, investors will watch to see if there’s any repeat of the anti-government protests in September that briefly rocked local markets.

Ethiopia

The Horn-of-Africa nation remains one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. But that masks deep problems: inflation has accelerated to more than 20% and shortages of foreign exchange are acute. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, this year’s Nobel Peace Prize winner, recently turned to the IMF for a $2.9 billion, three-year loan. Investors welcomed the move, which should speed up plans to open up and modernize the state-controlled economy. The central bank has already started to weaken the overvalued birr, which had been largely pegged to the dollar. “This IMF deal is one of the biggest ideological shifts I’ve seen in Africa this decade,” said Charlie Robertson, Renaissance Capital’s London-based chief economist.

Ghana

West Africa’s second-biggest economy holds general elections in late 2020, with President Nana Akufo-Addo probably seeking a second term. The country has a history of fiscal profligacy in the run-up to polls and investors will watch whether the government is more cautious this time. The cedi has been under pressure and fell to a record low this month. But Renaissance Capital, which recommends that clients buy Ghana’s Eurobonds, says it is now one of Africa’s most undervalued currencies.

Ivory Coast

The Francophone country is set to hold a general election in October. Many analysts hoped it would mark a transition to a younger generation of leaders. But there’s a chance it will be a contest between President Alassane Ouattara, who came to power in 2011, and his long-time rivals Henri Konan Bedie and Laurent Gbagbo. If so, “the country risks slipping back into the political turmoil it seemed to have escaped barely 10 years ago,” said Teneo Intelligence analysts Anne Fruhauf and Malte Liewerscheidt.

Kenya

Kenya’s economy is forecast to grow 5.8% next year, making it one of Africa’s most buoyant nations. Bank of America says the removal of a cap on interest rates in November is a further reason for optimism and should help the government obtain a standby loan from the IMF. Key to the East African country’s longer-term prospects will be whether it can rein in the budget deficit. Forecast to be 6.6% of gross domestic product this year, it’s one of the widest in sub-Saharan Africa.

Mozambique

Mozambique completed a debt restructuring in October that had dragged on since it defaulted on $727 million of Eurobonds in early 2017. That should pave the way for the government to raise the funding it needs for its portion of multi-billion-dollar gas projects. Once they’re finished, the impoverished southern African country is set to become a major exporter of liquefied natural gas.

Nigeria

Nigeria’s status as one of the world’s best carry trades will probably last as long as central bank Governor Godwin Emefiele keeps the naira stable. That’s becoming harder, with Nigerian foreign reserves having dropped 14% to $39 billion since July. Emefiele’s signaled he’ll let them fall a lot further before loosening his grip on the currency, which barely budges. Fiscal authorities, meanwhile, will try to boost an economy that’s been growing more slowly than the population for the past five years.

South Africa

Portfolio investors have exited South Africa en masse this year, pulling a net $10 billion from its stock and local-bond markets, according to data from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. They’ve been concerned by the deepening crisis at state-owned power company Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd., which can’t service its $30 billion of debts without government support, and the increasing chance that Moody’s Investors Service will cut South Africa’s final investment-grade rating to junk. But if President Cyril Ramaphosa makes headway in reforming Eskom, investors will probably be quick to come back. Bank of America and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. both say its inflation-adjusted bond yields are attractive and the central bank has room to cut interest rates.

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The event is scheduled for Jan. 25 and will feature opportunities for cash donations

The Central Kitchen and Bar in Kelowna have grilled up an event, Burgers for Elara, in an effort to raise money for the Isagawa family and their one-year-old daughter Elara, who was diagnosed with a tumour on Christmas Eve.

On Dec. 31 Elara underwent a 6.5-hour surgery to remove 98 per cent of the tumour between her pelvis and abdomen, however, family member Jessica Isagawa said Elara still has a long road to recovery ahead of her.

“After meeting with Elara’s oncology team, it was discovered that Elara’s tumour is malignant and needs to be treated with up to four rounds of chemotherapy,” said Jessica.

“Each round of chemotherapy will last about a month.”

READ MORE: Fundraiser for one-year-old Kelowna girl with tumour

According to a post on Central’s Facebook Page, Elara’s parents Nico and Jessica Isagwa have a special connection to the Central. Years ago Nico and Jessica had their first date at the establishment, which led to their engagement, followed by engagement photos at Central, which then led to the birth of their daughter Elara.

“Ok Kelowna, it’s time to show up and show out for the most precious little girl who is currently in the fight of her young life, “read Central’s post on Facebook.

“We cannot imagine what this family is going through, but one thing we do know is that we must help in any way we can.”

On Jan. 25, at 5 p.m. Central will be hosting a fundraiser for Elara who is currently battling at B.C. Children’s Hospital in Vancouver.

The event will feature a “Sweet and Spicy” burger developed by the Isagawas that best represent Elara’s personality. 100 per cent of sales from this burger from over the entire weekend will be donated to the family.

Attendees will also have an opportunity to make cash donations and participate in a silent auction with some prizes donated by local businesses.

For more information visit Central’s Facebook page or the Burgers for Elara at Central event page.

READ MORE: Kelowna family almost reaches fundraising goal for daughter diagnosed with tumour

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A young Kelowna family who is seeking treatment for their one-year-old daughter’s cancer diagnosis has just received a hand up from a local business.

Currently living in Vancouver, The Isagawa's daughter Elara is undergoing chemotherapy at the BC Children’s Hospital.

With the costs of living away from home beginning to add up, Kelowna restaurant Central Kitchen and Bar decided to step in and host a fundraiser for the family this past weekend.

The ‘Burgers for Elara’ event welcomed hundreds to the eatery to join in on supporting the cause by either eating a burger dedicated to the tenacious toddler or by participating in the silent auction.

With 100% of the proceeds from the sales of the burger and silent auction going directly to the family, hungry patrons and generous donors were able to muster an incredible $10,000 for the Isagawa’s.

On Wednesday, Central owners Jared Lee and Devon Murray flew to Vancouver to deliver the incredible news and visit with the family.

According to Elara’s grandmother, Candace Chisholm, the restaurant saw tremendous support over the weekend, selling what she believed to be “hundreds of burgers.”

“We are blown away and humbled beyond belief,” said Chisholm on behalf of her son and daughter-in-law.

“Getting to see Jared and Devon was like getting an extra dose of love from home. We cannot thank these guys and the entire community that came out to support [the event] enough.”

Elara’s parents Nico and Jessica have always had a special connection with the restaurant, as it is where they had their first date and even had their engagement photos done, giving the impressive donation an even bigger impact.

“Central has always been a place that we have gone to feel at home,” added Chisholm. “They have truly become like family to us, and we thank them so much for the continued support as we get through Elara’s treatments."

If you were unable to attend the fundraiser at Central, but are still hoping to donate to the cause, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up for the family.

Planning a wedding is never easy, so we've pulled together a list of top unusual wedding venues across the Midlands and Shropshire that may help you to find the place to hold your fairytale wedding.

From theatres to castle ruins, museums, zoos, and even barges - take a look at our top picks:

Is there a venue we've missed? Email us on webdesk@expressandstar.co.uk and let us know.

Kidderminster Town Hall

Kidderminster Town Hall. Picture from: http://www.wyreforestheritageweddings.co.uk/kidderminster-town-hall-weddings/

Kidderminster Town Hall is a fine Victorian Grade II listed Music Hall set in the heart of Kidderminster's Conservation area perfect for tying the knot.

Still resonating off the walls of this landmark venue, which opened in 1855, are the speeches made by eminent leaders Winston Churchill, Emmeline Pankhurst and Earnest Shackleton as well as great music from The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and The Who.

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For more information, click here.

Hawkstone Park - Shrewsbury

Hawkstone Park

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The Follies at Hawkstone Park offer a wedding venue with a difference - in a medieval cave surrounded by fantasy woodlands and cliff-tops.

Hawkstone Park is well known for its stunning Follies and breathtaking countryside, making it a perfect place for weddings too.

With a number of venues and wedding packages on offer, the park provides flexibility for both your guest number and budget to create your perfect day. You can also book in for a round of golf at one of the parks championship golf courses.

For more information, click here.

Dudley Zoo

Dudley Zoo, Picture from: https://www.dudleyzoo.org.uk/unique-wedding-venue/

Set in 40 acres of landscaped gardens surrounding the 11th Century Dudley Castle - and filled with more than 1,000 animals - Dudley Zoo provides a picturesque venue to get married.

After tying the knot and celebrating in the Queen Mary Ballroom, couples can even enjoy animal experience's with the zoos giraffes, penguins, sea lions and more - perfect for a wedding photographer with a difference.

For more information, click here.

Cannock Chase

Cannock Chase

As well as being home to beautiful woodland walks, mountain bike trails and family activities, Cannock Chase can also be used as a setting for a wedding.

Celebrate your special day in a forest that is home to fallow deer, birds and other wildlife.

For more information, click here.

The Old Library - Digbeth

The Old Library. Picture from: https://www.theoldlibrary.co/

Set in the heart of The Custard Factory, The Old Library is a stunning venue to celebrate your ceremony and reception.

With soaring ceilings, arched windows and white interior, it's easy to decorate the library to suit the theme of your wedding.

The Custard Factory itself is a great wedding venue; its close knit, colourful buildings, unique art installations and bunting make it the perfect backdrop for your photos.

For more information, click here.

Spring Grove House at West Midlands Safari Park, Bewdley

Spring Grove House

With an eye-catching interior and exterior, Spring Grove House is a perfect place to celebrate your wedding – especially if you're an animal lover.

This Georgian building is set right in the heart of the safari park, so you can expect an exciting adventure for your wedding day.

For more information, click here.

The Electric Cinema, Birmingham

The Electric Cinema

Step in to your own movie wedding at The Electric Cinema in Birmingham.

The venue is the oldest cinema in the country, and you can celebrate your special day with a silver screen backdrop and plan your fairytale wedding fit for movie stars.

For more information, click here.

Rowton Castle, Shrewsbury

Rowton Castle. Picture from: https://www.rowtoncastle.com/

Located in the heart of the Shropshire countryside, Rowton Castle is a wedding venue fit for a prince and princess.

What could be more romantic than tying the knot at this Grade 11 listed building; with 17 acres of land perfect for family photos, a beautiful interior and exterior, this award winning venue suitable for any sized celebration.

For more information, click here.

Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton

Molineux

If you're both football lovers, why don't you consider tying the knot at your favourite clubs venue?

Whether you're Wolves fans, Saddlers fans or Blues fans – it doesn't matter. Most clubs have suites that offer weddings.

Of course, the only problem may be if you both support different teams.

For more information, click here.

Drayton Manor, Staffordshire

Drayton Manor

Some people are adrenaline junkies through and through, in which case your perfect wedding venue may be a theme park.

Drayton Manor theme park's four-star hotel offers an array of wedding packages for thrill-seekers looking to tie the knot.

Have your photos taken next to one of the parks iconic rides – there's nothing stopping you getting on one yourselves, you just may want to consider changing your clothes.

For more information, click here.

Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge

Blists Hill. Picture by: Andy Li photography. Picture from: https://www.ironbridge.org.uk/venue-hire/weddings-at-ironbridge/

Step back in time and celebrate your wedding at Blists Hill Victorian Town.

With room for up to 40 guests, this charming venue certainly offers a unique place to say your 'I dos'.

With working shops, a pub and fairground, you can plan your perfect vintage wedding here.

The Forest Glen Refreshment Pavilion is a quirky Victorian tea room that is licensed for civil ceremonies.

If a more intimate wedding is what you're after the Club Room - situated above the New Inn Public House – may be the perfect choice.

You can even enhance your wedding a pint at the pub, a ride on the funfair and actors and singers to give your wedding the ultimate Victorian theme.

For more information, click here.

Severn Valley Railway

Severn Valley Railway. Picture from: https://www.svr.co.uk/Weddings.aspx

Start the new journey in style with a trip in a vintage railway carriage.

The Engine House and Visitor Centre in Shropshire are both licensed for civil ceremonies.

Celebrate your marriage before hoping on board a dining carriage for a journey with the most scenic backdrops.

For more information, click here.

Ludlow Castle, Ludlow

Ludlow Castle. Picture from: https://www.ludlowcastle.com/weddings/

Set inside Ludlow Castle, The Round Chapel and Castle House are two incredible historical venues for you and your partner to celebrate your marriage.

Whether you choose to simply hold your ceremony there or have your reception in a marquee in the castles grounds – the choice is yours. But the venue is certainly fit for a King and Queen.

For more information, click here.

The Boat House at Aston Marina

The Boat House at Aston Marina. Picture from: https://www.astonmarina.co.uk/weddings/the-boat-house/

When it comes to beautiful views, The Boat House at Aston Marina does a pretty good job at ticking off that box and more.

The venue is licensed for civil ceremonies as well as providing somewhere for a relaxed and picturesque wedding.

All food for your wedding is made fresh on site by The Boat House's award-winning chefs and staff will work closely with you to create the wedding you've always dreamed of.

For more information, click here.

Barnutopia, Oswestry

Barnutopia. Picture from: http://barnutopia.com/autumn-wedding/

Get in touch with nature on your wedding say at Barnutopia.

Barnutopia is a glamping, wedding and event venue in the Shropshire countryside. The site offers a luxury camping experience for guests who love the outdoors but prefer the comforts of home.

For more information, click here.

Hundred House Hotel and Tithe Barn, Norton

Hundred House Hotel and Tithe Barn

Get married in a stunning 17th Century oak-beamed barn at the Hundred House Hotel.

The family-run venue is perfect for any themed wedding, and offers award-winning food made from scratch with ingredients from their mesmerising gardens.

What's more, the venue offers packages throughout the year that takes the pressure off wedding planning.

For more information, click here.

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. Picture from: http://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/bmag/venue-hire/venue-hire/weddings

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is a Grade I listed building that provides a unique and sophisticated venue for your wedding.

The Waterhall is licensed for civil ceremonies so you can say your vows in a bright and airy venue with high ceilings, stunning architecture and fine art adorning the walls with up to 200 guests.

If you choose to host your wedding reception at the venue, your party will congregate in the Round Room, standing as it did in 1885 with its ornate glass domed ceiling and extensive collection of fine art on display.

For more information, click here.

Sherborne Wharf, Birmingham

Sherborne Wharf. Picture from: https://sherbornewharf.co.uk/

Hit the water and get hitched on board your very own barge at Sherborne Wharf.

Birmingham boasts more canals than Venice. It is in the heart of the canal system in England and therefore Sherborne Wharf offers the adventurous boater extensive cruising routes and links to other canals on the system.

The large marina gives access to the centre of Birmingham and plenty of venues to continue the celebrations including theatres, museums, concert halls and more.

For more information, click here.

ThinkTank Museum, Birmingham

ThinkTank Museum. Picture from: http://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/thinktank/highlights/spitfire-gallery

Perfect for science buffs, ThinkTank Museum in Birmingham provides you with a truly unfortgettable venue to tie the knot.

The venue's event suite can cater to parties between 50 and 150 people and packages give you and your party access to the Futures Gallery after hours for your very own night at the museum.

For more information, click here.

Sarehole Mill, Bimingham

Sarehole Mill

If you're set to exchange the one ring with your precious, consider tying the knot at Sarehole Mill.

Perfect for fans of Lord Of The Rings, the Grade II listed water mill is known for its association with the books series' author J. R. R. Tolkein.

The cobbled courtyard and millpond provide a tranquil haven away from the hustle and bustle of the city for you to enjoy your big day.

For more information, click here.

Erasmus Darwin House, Lichfield

Erasmus Darwin House. Picture by: Chris Lockwood. Picture from: https://www.erasmusdarwin.org/hire/weddings/

Do you love poetry but your partner is more into all-things science? Combine both of your passions and get married at the former house of poet and physicist Erasmus Darwin, grandfather of Charles Darwin.

There are two rooms licensed for civil weddings seven days a week, with discounts for weekday bookings, and the venue can accommodate up to 36 people for a wedding ceremony.

For more information, click here.

Birmingham REP

Birmingham REP. Picture from: https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/our-place/weddings-parties-and-christmas-celebrations-with-uvb.html

Theatre fans can combine their love of the stage with their big day at Birmingham REP.

A unique wedding requires a truly dramatic setting and where better than your very own theatre stage?

You can walk the boards to tie the knot before your guests take their final bow at the evening reception.

For more information, click here.

Library of Birmingham

Shakespeare Memorial Room. Picture from: http://www.uniquevenuesbirmingham.com/space/shakespeare-memorial-room/

Books lovers can tie the knot in the sophisticated and sleek Library of Birmingham.

The venue's historic Shakespeare Memorial Room was created for the city’s Victorian library by John Henry Chamberlain in 1882. Following restoration by local craftsmen, it now commands an impressive position at the very top of the Library of Birmingham.

It offers a very special setting for small wedding ceremonies or civil ceremonies for up to 40 people, exclusive dining for up to 20 people and drinks receptions for up to 45 people.

For more information, click here.

The Crooked House, Dudley

The Crooked House

Enjoy creative rustic cooking and local real ales in this higgledy-piggledy old world pub.

The venue is flexible and can create bespoke menus to best suit your wedding day and budget.

Both day hire and evening hire are available at the Crooked House - just be careful not to trip down the aisle, its a lot easier to do at this quirky venue.

For more information, click here.

Fazeley Studios, Birmingham

Fazeley Studios. Picture from: http://www.fazeleyevents.co.uk/

Fazeley Studios is a unique and modern wedding venue in Birmingham City Centre.

Located in Digbeth, the city's Creative Quarter, the venue offers couples something a little different for their special day, with exclusive use of the entire venue, which is comprised of Victorian architecture and contemporary design across a series of spaces, including the Grand Gallery reception area, a former Unitarian Chapel.

The versatile venue can accommodate up to 150 guests in the day, and up to a whopping 300 on the night.

For more information, click here.

Tim Kurkjian explains why the Tampa Bay Rays were his favorite team to cover in the past 10 years and details the story of his favorite moment with an analyst. (1:58)

Which pitcher saved his lunch money as a kid to buy shoes and now owns 500 pairs? Whose head is so giant his helmet could fit a six-pack of beer -- with ice? And whose memorable ceremonial first pitch split his catcher's pants?

As the 2010s come to a close, Tim Kurkjian shares some behind-the-scenes stories of characters and moments that helped, in their way, to define the decade in baseball.

'Is that the thesis you stole from me?'

George Gojkovich/Getty Images

Ross Ohlendorf: Smartest player of the decade

A National Leaguer played a game in 17 ballparks in 2010, noticed the retired numbers in each, and eventually asked a teammate, "How many teams did Jackie Robinson play for?" That was the dumbest, or at least the most confused, player of the decade.

The smartest player of the decade was pitcher Ross Ohlendorf. He played for several big league teams. He went to Princeton, as did fellow pitcher Chris Young, who is also brilliant beyond words. "Oh," Young said when asked, "he is way smarter than I am. He is on a different level."

Ohlendorf did not get an 800 in math on his SATs. "I got one wrong," he said, but he took a similar test and said, without pretense, "I think I got them all right."

Princeton baseball coach Scott Bradley said, "There was a famous card game at Princeton when Ross played cards for the first time with his teammates. He raised in the middle of a hand. One of his teammates said, 'What are you doing raising now?' Ross said, 'Three hands ago, Steve had an ace and a king ... ' He was able to recall plays from three previous hands. At that point, guys threw their cards down and said, 'Let's do something else.'"

At Princeton, Ohlendorf wrote his senior thesis on the MLB draft, examining, among other things, the investment and financial return for the top players in the draft. "He is so smart," said one of Ohlendorf's teammates, then-Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson. "We give him a hard time about how smart he is, and he'll come right back at us. We'll say, 'Ross, what is the percentage chance of this or that happening?' And he'll say, 'The percentage chance of you winning that game of Pluck [a card game] is 65.678%, not 65.667%."

Teammates loved him for his smarts. As Ohlendorf was explaining his thesis to a writer, Pirates closer Matt Capps walked by and said, "Oh, is that the thesis you stole from me?"

Magic Mike

Thomas Levinson/MLB via Getty Images

Michael Cuddyer: Best teammate of the decade

When Delmon Young joined the Twins in 2008, manager Ron Gardenhire pointed at teammate Michael Cuddyer and told Young, "Follow him. Do what he does. Be like him."

Be like Mike. Michael Cuddyer was the No. 1 pick by the Twins in 1997. The day he was drafted, he was taking a calculus test. The high school principal interrupted the class and called Cuddyer into the hall to tell him that he had been selected by the Twins in the first round. Cuddyer went back into the class and finished the test. Years later, I asked him if that was all true. He sheepishly said, "Well, most of it. It was a pre-calculus class, not calculus."

There was never a better teammate over the past decade than Cuddyer. His first spring training, he tried to get to know his teammates better by walking up to a group of them, including star Kirby Puckett, who were playing cards. "You guys want to see a magic trick?" He dazzled teammates with an amazing card trick. He was of one them forever.

In 2006, the Twins acquired second baseman Luis Castillo, whose locker was placed next to Cuddyer's. Cuddyer showed Castillo a magic trick. It was stunning. "He's from right on the line between the Dominican Republic and Haiti; he has some ... I don't know, black gods things going," Cuddyer said. "He saw me do this trick and said, 'Whooooo.' The next day, he moved his locker across the room. He didn't want to locker next to me anymore."

Cuddyer retired after the 2015 season because he didn't feel he could play well enough to deserve the roughly $10 million the Mets owed him. He gave the money back. Magic, indeed.

'I barely caught it ... I split my pants'

Brad Newton-Pool/Getty Images

Nolan Ryan: Best ceremonial first pitch of the decade

Nolan Ryan is the greatest power pitcher ever, the hardest pitcher to hit; he threw a baseball as hard as any man alive for nearly 25 years. Power pitchers will always be power pitchers, no matter how old they get. In 2012, at age 65, Ryan was asked to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at a Rangers game. It surely was the greatest first pitch of the decade.

Ryan, being Ryan, was not about to go out there in front of the home crowd and lob a first pitch from the front of the mound. He got loose in the batting cage under the stadium, went to the top of the mound and fired the ceremonial first pitch at -- and this has been confirmed -- 80 mph.

His catcher was Jim Sundberg, a six-time Gold Glove winner. He had caught Ryan many times, but he was not ready for 80 mph.

"I barely caught it," Sundberg said. "I had to bend down quickly just to catch it. I split my pants. I had to be careful walking off the field."

'Have you ever considered batting right-handed?'

Brian Kersey/Getty Images

Adam Dunn: Worst player, single season, of the decade

In spring training 2012, White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen told me, "Adam Dunn is my favorite player of all time. Last year, he was the worst player I have ever seen. But after every game, he stood at his locker and took it. The next day, he always showed up ready to play."

Dunn was the worst player, for a single season, in the decade. The lefty-hitting slugger had averaged 35 home runs over the previous 10 years and hit at least 40 in five consecutive seasons. But in 2011, he batted only .159 and struck out 177 times. He, Mark Reynolds, Chris Davis and Joey Gallo are the only players ever to qualify for the batting title and have a higher strikeout total than their batting average.

The following year, Dunn had recovered from his horrendous season and had a pretty good year. I asked him for the strangest piece of advice he had received the season before. Dunn laughed out loud and said, "My wife, not a great baseball fan, asked me, 'Have you ever considered batting right-handed?'"

'Do want to come over? We'll go out in the backyard and make some s'mores'

Michael Ivins/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images

Terry Francona: Best baseball TV analyst of the decade

The best baseball TV analyst of the decade was Tito Francona, and he only did it for one season. His first assignment at ESPN was spring training 2012, and my boss gave him to me in hopes that maybe I could help him navigate through a new job and help him with, among other things, his impossibly bad sense of direction. This was surprising to me given that I have no sense of direction, but compared to Tito Francona, I was Vasco da Gama.

Our first assignment on the Bus Tour was in Orlando, Florida, where ESPN had us stay at Fort Wilderness, which is a Disney property literally in the woods. The rooms were individual log cabins with bunk beds, as if we were Cub Scouts. "As soon as I walked in," Tito said, "I thought it was a joke. I thought everyone was going to jump out from behind a curtain and go, 'Ha!' When they didn't, I thought, 'Maybe I should have gone to Fox.'"

Tito had won two World Series with the Red Sox, he was on his way to the Hall of Fame as a manager, and he was staying at a campsite. Tito called the front desk of the property looking for room service. The nice lady told him, "Sir, room service here is the Coke machine you saw in the front lobby." After 10 incredulous minutes, Tito called my room and said, "Do want to come over? We'll go out in the backyard and make some s'mores."

The funniest spring of my life continued two days later at Yankees camp with Tito as a working member of the media. "I was dressed in a Today's Man $89 suit, pinstriped," Tito said. "It's the first time that I have ever said 'Good luck this year' to [Yankees manager] Joe Girardi and meant it. It was weird. I threw that suit in the trash can that night."

I laughed all spring. I asked Tito how bad the Phillies were when he managed them. "We were so bad, and we were so young," he said. "I was trying to teach them how to win, and how to be professionals. My closer was Wayne Gomes. Great kid but so young with so much to learn. So I bring him in from the bullpen in the ninth inning, and he gets to the mound and he has mustard all over his jersey. I screamed, 'Gomesy, what are you doing? You can't come into a game with mustard on your jersey!' He said, 'Tito, it wasn't me. Some people in the stands threw hot dogs at me when I was leaving the bullpen.'"

Then Tito laughed.

"And we were at home," he said.

'He was never wrong. Never'

Matt York/AP Photo

Torey Lovullo: Best (legal) sign stealer of the decade

For 150 years, stealing signs has been an integral (and, lately, extremely controversial) part of the game. So many have been so good at it: Gene Mauch, Sandy Alomar Sr., his boys Roberto and Sandy Jr., Eduardo Perez, Buck Showalter, Rich Dauer, Davey Lopes, Ted Simmons, Paul Molitor, Joe Nossek, Tom Foley. But no one was better this decade than Torey Lovullo.

"Torey is the best sign stealer on the planet," said former infielder Kelly Johnson, an ex-teammate. "When he was the first-base coach with Toronto [in 2011 and 2012], he would make a little hissing noise when the pitcher was throwing over to first base. He was never wrong. Never."

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"He is a great decoder," said Cubs third-base coach Brian Butterfield, who took signs from Lovullo when Lovullo managed 48 games for the Red Sox in 2015. "We watch the same guys, he picks up things that no one else can. I ask, 'What did you see? I can't see that.'"

Lovullo is wicked smart and observant, he is a former player, a former coach and currently the manager of the Diamondbacks. He said sign stealing is "alive and well today. Every pitch of every game, a sign is being given. It is the underworld side of the game, and it is understood by everyone in the game. There are a lot of moving parts every night." (The Astros are currently embroiled in a sign-stealing controversy, but unlike Lovullo, they allegedly needed electronic assistance, where Lovullo just uses his eyes.)

He doesn't mind staring at another man for four hours at a time because, he said, "we are trying to win a pitch, win an inning, win a moment. That can make a difference in a division race. It's all about helping your team gain a competitive advantage. What's happening inside the game is the grease that runs the engine of the game."

Stealing signs can be difficult. "The [2017] Twins, I couldn't decode what they are doing," Lovullo said. "The teams that are hypersensitive to those things are the teams that are doing it themselves. They are so good at concealing signs because they are so good at stealing signs. I am trying to crack into the president's bedroom, and they will not let me in."

'I hit a home run in a trash can'

AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

Mike Trout: Best player of the decade

The greatest player of the decade, Mike Trout, is the greatest player of almost any decade. And it's because of his insatiable competitiveness, not just in baseball but anything.

"So one spring, I invented this game in batting practice," said Raul Ibanez, a former teammate of Trout's with the Angels. "There are screens all over the field in BP. If you hit that screen, you get X number of points; that screen, X number, etc. The first day I played him, I won 9-3. He was so mad that he lost. He came in the next day and said, 'We're playing again!' I told him I didn't want to. He said, 'Yes, you are!' We played. He beat me 40-4."

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Ibanez said that during the same spring, Trout whispered to the guys in his BP hitting group, "'See that trash can out there beyond the left-center-field fence? I'm going to hit a home run in it.' This wasn't a dumpster, it's a green trash can like you might see in a park. And maybe 15 pitches later, he hit a homer in the trash can. He did it a few more times that spring."

Years later, I went to Trout for confirmation. He was embarrassed. He wouldn't confirm it.

I pressed.

"OK," he said. "I hit a home run in a trash can."

That's Trout. "He does everything in his life at 100 mph," said pitcher Garrett Richards, a former teammate and one of Trout's best friends. "He came to a cookout one spring. We were having steaks on the grill. I was cooking. I put his steak on, and after about a minute, he said, 'Come on, it's done, let's eat.' I said, 'It's not done. There is a process to this. Let the process work.' But with him, he has to win -- and he has to win, or do anything, right now."

'I saved my lunch money as a kid to buy shoes'

Getty Images

2019 Tampa Bay Rays: Favorite team to cover of the decade

My favorite team to cover during the decade was the 2019 Rays. They were electric, so eclectic.

Pitcher Tyler Glasnow's mother is a former gymnast. He is 6-foot-8, and he can do a backflip. I told him he has to be the tallest man to do that. "No," he said, "I'm sure there are taller."

Ace Blake Snell owns 500 pairs of shoes. "I'm going to build another room in my house, just for shoes," he said. "I've always loved them. I saved my lunch money as a kid to buy shoes."

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Pitcher Charlie Morton is an expert barbecue cook. Brisket is among his many specialties. He has a hitch on his car, allowing him to take his barbecue rig on the road. He often starts his cooking at 3 a.m. I asked if he ever cooked for his teammates. "There's no way I'm going to drive to the Trop at 3 a.m.," he said. "Anyway, who would come?"

Infielder Brandon Lowe, at rookie development camp, won the rock-paper-scissors championship. "I used to play every day at [the University of] Maryland with our shortstop," he said. For energy, he eats applesauce from a squeeze pack every day. "Whatever works," he said.

Infielder Matt Duffy, while on the injured list, took up painting to kill time. He took the Bob Ross course on TV. "I got pretty good," he said, "but I had to rewind it 1,000 times to get it right."

Outfielder Tommy Pham has issues with his contact lenses. He carries a woman's compact in the back of his uniform pants and, during games, uses it to check his contacts.

Korean first baseman Ji-Man Choi is "the funniest man in the world," said teammate Kevin Kiermaier. "He speaks three languages. I mostly speak Spanish with him. He hit a walk-off homer this year [in September], and when he rounded third, it looked like he was kicking a field goal."

Duffy said, "It looked more like he was bunting in a kickball game. There is no telling what Ji-Man might do. But whatever he does, it's going to make us laugh."

'Only in Boch's helmet can you put a six-pack of beer with ice'

Jeff Chiu/Getty Images

Bruce Bochy: Best manager of the decade

The best manager of the decade was Bruce Bochy, who won three World Series in a five-year span. No one ran a bullpen better than he did. And no one was better at self-deprecation, especially about his head size, which is 8¼, easily the biggest head in the game.

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In the winter of 2011, Bochy tried skiing for the first time. "I thought I could do it; I'm still somewhat athletic," he said. "As it turns out, I'm not. I got off the ski lift, then I kind of slipped off, and the lift hit me in the back of the head. My gloves and hat went flying. It looked like a yard sale. I didn't even try after that. I just went to the lodge and had a beer."

As a player, Bochy changed teams twice. "I'd bring my helmet with me. My new team had to spray-paint it with their colors because they didn't have a helmet that would fit me," he said.

With the Padres, Bochy once hit a walk-off homer off Nolan Ryan, the first walk-off homer he ever hit and the only one Ryan ever allowed. "We ran a red carpet from the clubhouse door all the way to Boch's locker," said then-teammate Terry Kennedy. "In his locker, we put a six-pack of beer, with ice, in Boch's helmet. You can get a six-pack of beer in a lot of guys' helmet, but only in Boch's helmet can you put a six-pack of beer with ice."

'Rudy with talent'

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

Craig Counsell: Best, um, mower of the decade?

Mark Grace once described his scrawny teammate with the ridiculous looking swing as "Rudy with talent." Craig Counsell did indeed go to Notre Dame, but his talent wasn't special; he had an 0-for-45 stretch in his career, and an 0-for-20 in the 2001 World Series. But he played 16 years in the big leagues, scored the winning run for the Marlins in Game 7 of the 1997 World Series and was on base when the winning run was scored in Game 7 for the Diamondbacks in 2001.

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"When I first came up [in 1995], I wasn't allowed in the clubhouse because the security guard thought I was the bat boy," Counsell said. "In my final year as a player [2011], I got asked for my credentials at the security gate. I came to the park with [baseball writer] Tom Haudricourt, and the security guy thought I was a member of the media. I came in as a bat boy. I left as a writer."

But now Counsell is one of the best managers in the game with the Brewers. He is the only manager I've ever seen who, during batting practice and during drills, carries a fielder's glove with him. I've seen managers carry around a catcher's mitt or a fungo bat but never a fielder's glove.

"It's how I stay in the big leagues," he said. "I like having it on my hand."

Counsell is so good as a manager, and so outperformed his talent as a player, because he doesn't take himself too seriously. And he doesn't sell himself very well because it's not about him. He still won't show me the picture of him riding a lawnmower in full Brewers uniform, with a helmet/beer dispenser on his head, a picture he sent to former teammate Trevor Hoffman after Hoffman gifted Counsell a riding mower he bought at a charity auction.

Counsell, a major league manager, still mows his lawn today.

"I like to mow the lawn," he said. "It's relaxing."

You can’t touch this:

Pope Francis says sorry

for slapping devotee 43 replies Posted by GO3 — Post Reply VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis apologized Wednesday for his widely-viewed slap of a woman who had grabbed his hand as he greeted Catholic faithful on New Year’s Eve. The image of Francis slapping his way free from the clutches of the admirer was an instant hit on social media. A personal apology followed. “We lose patience many times,” Francis confessed. “It happens to me too. I apologize for the bad example given yesterday,” the head of the Catholic church said before celebrating Mass at the Vatican.

NSC chief slashing Obama's

'bloated' staff to create efficient,

tight-lipped White House operation 23 replies Posted by MissMolly — Post Reply The White House National Security Council staff is being downsized sharply in a bid to improve efficiency within the policy coordinating body by consolidating positions and cutting staff. A second, unspoken thrust of the overhaul is a hoped-for end to what many critics see as a string of politically damaging, unauthorized disclosures of sensitive information. Leaks of President Trump’s conversations with foreign leaders and other damaging disclosures likely originated with anti-Trump officials in the White House who stayed over from the Obama administration, according to several current and former White House officials. White House National Security Adviser Robert C. O’Brien is leading the NSC reform effort.

Here are the 5 biggest Republican

mistakes of the decade 22 replies Posted by tisHimself — Post Reply For Republicans, the 2010s end with the party seemingly in a better situation than it was when the decade started. The GOP has control of the White House and the Senate. Ten years ago, the Democrats held the White House and both houses of Congress. But that scorecard doesn't tell the whole story. Thanks to five major blunders over the last decade, the Republican Party is actually weaker than it was on Jan.1, 2010. To understand why, you have to document each key mistake in order:

Report: Iran-Backed Militiamen Retreat

from U.S. Embassy in Baghdad 21 replies Posted by Imright — Post Reply Iran-backed militiamen behind an attack on the U.S. embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, have begun retreating from the area on Wednesday following a threat from President Donald Trump to hold Tehran accountable for the siege. “Supporters of the Kataib Hezbollah militia who had spent the night camped outside the embassy began dismantling their tents and leaving the area, saying they had won a victory and would now seek the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq through the nation’s parliament,” the Washington Post reports. The development comes after Department of Defense Secretary Mark Esper announced

Nasty Nancy, Shifty Schiff, and Schumer

subvert the Constitution to damage Trump 21 replies Posted by ladydawgfan — Post Reply Nancy Pelosi, AKA Nasty Nancy, allowed Adam Schiff, AKA Shifty Schiff, to run the impeachment "inquiry" through Shifty's Intelligence Committee, where Shifty had total control. He set the rules to allow only the witnesses he wanted. He lied in his opening statement to commence the inquiry by making up President Trump's phone conversation with Ukraine's President Zelensky. The resulting vote to impeach was a foregone conclusion regardless of the evidence, or lack thereof. Pelosi has not sent Shifty's articles of impeachment to the Senate for a trial because she said she wants to first see the Senate trial procedures.

Media Continues With Awful Hot Takes

About the 'Terrifying' Armed Churchgoers

in Texas Shooting 20 replies Posted by Hazymac — Post Reply Ever since it was discovered that several armed churchgoers drew their weapons to stop a gunman at a church in Texas last week, the anti-gun mainstream media types have been trying to tell the public that armed, law-abiding citizens are a bad thing. The New Year's Day installment of media malpractice hyperbole arrives courtesy of the nauseatingly leftist USA Today: "@USATODAY Opinion: Jack Wilson is exactly the type of person you want around with a gun because he's a firearms instructor. But we know nothing about the at least six other parishioners who also appeared to draw their handguns. And that's terrifying."

As more women run for office,

child care remains a hurdle 20 replies Posted by voxpopuli — Post Reply When Kimberly Dudik ran for her fourth term in the Montana House, state officials told her she could not use campaign money to pay for child care for her four young children. She is now running for attorney general and is trying to visit a big chunk of the sprawling state, spending hours on the road. That means she needs even more help picking up her kids at school and day care when she's away and her husband has a late night at the office. (snip) Only six states have laws specifically allowing campaign money to be used for child care.

Two tribes aren’t recognized federally. Yet

members won $500 million in minority contracts 16 replies Posted by MissMolly — Post Reply Companies set up by members of a self-described and state-recognized Creek Indian tribe in Alabama have received more than $240 million in federal minority-business contracts, despite a determination by the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs that there is no credible evidence the group has Native American ancestry, a Los Angeles Times investigation has found. Federal contracts worth an additional $273 million have gone to two companies run by a member of a different Native American group in Alabama with no federal recognition as a tribe.

How this anti-Semitism came

to be: The virulent hatred

snowballed over the years 15 replies Posted by MissMolly — Post Reply Orthodox Jews around the country — and specifically in the tri-state area — were still reeling from the shooting at a kosher deli earlier this month when we gathered with our families to celebrate the holiday of Chanukah. But that air of tranquility was shattered by a string of nearly a dozen anti-Semitic attacks over the holiday, the most severe of which was a mass stabbing at a rabbi’s home upstate as he lit his menorah. The stabbing attack succeeded in bringing to the fore what we visibly Orthodox Jews have known for quite some time: There’s a growing epidemic of anti-Semitism in this country, specifically targeting Orthodox Jews,

Trump cuts loose with

unpredictable characters

at Mar-a-Lago 14 replies Posted by 4Justice — Post Reply PALM BEACH, Fla. — At the White House, people who want to meet with Donald Trump have to deal with schedulers, scores of aides hovering around the president and a strict security protocol. At Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s luxury South Florida resort where he typically spends Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the president is just another guy in the buffet line.

Bitter Clingers in Texas Shoot Back 14 replies Posted by tisHimself — Post Reply The reason the Founders put the Second Amendment in the Constitution, the document Democrats and liberals selectively embrace or read things into when convenient, was seen last Sunday at the West Freeway Church of Christ in White Settlement, Texas, near Forth Worth where, dare we say it again, good guys with guns stopped a bad guy with a gun. Note the plural is used here, for video footage shows at least seven guns were drawn with seconds of the killer opening fire on the parishioners inside, killing two. But only two, as a wider massacre was stopped by those who don’t believe in gun-free zones.

Article content

ST. CATHARINES, Ont. — Ontario’s police watchdog is investigating after officers allegedly shot and wounded a man in St. Catharines.

The Special Investigations Unit says the incident happened on the afternoon of New Year’s Eve, when Niagara regional police officers arrived at a home where a man reportedly had a knife.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Watchdog to investigate after police allegedly shoot, injure man in St. Catharines Back to video

The agency says the officers found the man, and there was some sort of interaction between them.

It says the officers then shot at him, and he was hit several times.

The SIU says the man was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

The arm’s-length agency is automatically called in to investigate reports involving police where there has been death, serious injury or allegations of sexual assault.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 1, 2020.

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