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The agencies of Momo, of TWICE, and Kim Heechul, of Super Junior, confirm reports that the two are an item.

The K-pop stars have been the subject of dating rumors, though their agencies denied reports that they were dating back in August of 2019.

JYP Entertainment released an official statement on Wednesday (January 1) reading, “Hello, this is JYP Entertainment. We are confirming that Heechul and Momo are in a relationship. They have recently started a relationship that grew from a sunbae-hoobae friendship in the industry. Thank you.”

SJ Label also said, “Hello, this is Label SJ. We have confirmed with Heechul and Momo that they have recently started dating from being a close sunbae and hoobae. Thank you.” (via Allkpop and Soompi)

READ MORE: Super Junior Member Kangin Announces He Is Leaving the Group After 14 Years

Four people who were apparently using fentanyl in a Woodland Hills hotel room Tuesday morning were transported for hospital treatment, with one of them in grave condition, authorities said.

Firefighters and paramedics were sent at 6:47 a.m. to the Extended Stay America hotel at 20205 Ventura Blvd., according to the Los Angeles Fire Department, which reported that the other three patients appeared to be in stable condition.

"It turned out to be a fentanyl overdose case and it's being handled by the fire department," said Los Angeles police Officer Drake Madison.

The fire department sent a hazardous materials team to the location to

examine the room, which was closed off.

By Dwight Brown

NNPA Film Critic

Look back on the most noteworthy films of 2019 and they all display a diverse array of superb talent—in front of and behind the camera.

These movies entertained, educated and often inspired us. They challenged our opinions. They made us contemplate our fate and become more aware of the world around us.

Enjoy.

Best Films

Booksmart(***1/2) – Two coeds (Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever), high-school outcasts, find refuge in their close friendship. Animated performances. Funny and thoughtful dialogue. Astute comic direction by first-time filmmaker and noted actress Olivia Wilde. Who knew nerdy teen angst could be hilarious?

Dolemite Is My Name(****) – King of comedy Eddie Murphy rises like a phoenix in this oh-so-hysterical ode to comedian and pioneering indie filmmaker Rudy Ray Moore. Dream team cast includes: Keegan-Michael Key, Craig Robinson, Tituss Burgess, Wesley Snipes, Mike Epps and scene stealer Da’Vine Joy Randolph.

The Farewell(***1/2) –An Asian family handles the last-chapter of life process with charm to spare. Writer/director Lulu Wang digs into her own experiences in a premise and script filled with colorful kin folk. Star turns by Awkwafina, Shuzhen Zhao and Tzi Ma make the characters lifelike.

Harriet(***) – Depicting the legendary life of the courageous abolitionist Harriet Tubman is a task few are worthy of. DirectorKasi Lemmons (Eve’s Bayou) is the chosen one. Her epic bio tale catalogs the inhumanity and humanity of the 1800s.Cynthia Erivo(Widows) infuses Tubman’s spirit in every frame. Terence Blanchard’s emotionally charged musical score is haunting.

The Irishman(****) — Martin Scorsese, Robert DeNiro, Joe Pesci and Al Pacino team up for an impressive crime/drama/thriller about a man who purportedly murdered Jimmy Hoffa. Brilliant performances. Strong direction, writing and editing. Ingenious use of CGI. The crowning achievement of Scorsese’s career.

The Lighthouse(****) – Two workers (Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe) and a bunch of seagulls are engaged in a melodramatic relationship at a desolate New England lighthouse, circa 1890s. Brutal allegory. Totally engaging. Director/writer Robert Eggers and co-writer Max Eggers make riveting cinema on a black and white canvas (cinematographer Jarin Blaschke).

Little Women(****) — Actress turned director Greta Gerwig gives the classic Louisa May Alcott Civil War novel her own feminist spin with relatable three-dimensional characters. Fiery relationships among sisters, parents and friends. Feels like you’re on a long buggy ride with lots of bumps in the road. Superb performances by Saoirse Ronan, Timothée Chalamet and Laura Dern.

Marriage Story(****) — Writer/director Noah Baumbach captures the angst of thirtysomethings (Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson) going through what should have been a friendly D-I-V-O-R-C-E that turns into a war of threats, betrayals and raw emotions. As primal in ways as Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?Full of life at its worst and people struggling to take their next steps.

Queen & Slim(****) – Easily the most talked about black movie of the year. Director Melina Matsoukas (HBO’sInsecure) and screenwriter Lena Waithe (TV’s Master of None) weave a very modern crime tale and a poignant love story together. Hints of social relevance are threaded in. Lovers on the run are played by Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith. So thoughtful. So cool. So romantic.

Uncut Gems(****) — A gregarious, Jewish NYC jeweler (Adam Sandler) is deep in debt to thugs. His schemes dig him into a deeper hole. Gritty, sewer-level urban drama written and directed by the very talented brothers Benny and Josh Safdie. Sandler deserves an Oscar nom. Kevin Garnett, Idina Menzel, Julia Fox and LaKeith Stanfield round out a powerhouse cast.

Best Directors

Noah Baumbach = Marriage Story

Robert Eggers =The Lighthouse

Greta Gerwig = Little Women

Melina Matsoukas = Queen & Slim

Martin Scorsese = The Irishman

Best First Films

Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre = The Mustang

Mati Diop = Atlantics

Melina Matsoukas = Queen & Slim

Olivia Wilde = Booksmart

Phillip Youmans = Burning Cane

Best Foreign Language Films

Ash Is Purest White

Atlantics

Corpus Christi

Les Misérables

Transit

Best Documentaries

After Parkland

Miles Davis: The Birth of the Cool

David Crosby: Remember My Name

Pavarotti

Tony Morrison: The Pieces I Am

Best Actors

Robert DeNiro =The Irishman

Daniel Kaluuya = Queen & Slim

Eddie Murphy = Dolemite Is My Name

Robert Pattinson = The Lighthouse

Adam Sandler = Uncut Gems

Best Actresses

Awkwafina = The Farewell

Cynthia Erivo = Harriet

Lupita Nyong’o = Us

Alfre Woodard =Clemency

Renee Zellweger = Judy

Best Supporting Actors

Jamie Foxx = Just Mercy

Aldis Hodge = Clemency

Joe Pesci = The Irishman

Brad Pitt = Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Bokeem Woodbine = Queen & Slim

Best Supporting Actresses

Indya Moore = Queen & Slim

Florence Pugh = Little Women

Da’Vine Joy Randolph = Dolemite Is My Name

Jennifer Lopez = Hustlers

Shuzhen Zhao = TheFarewell

Best Screenplays

Ad Astra= James Gray, Ethan Gross

The Farewell= Lulu Wang

The Lighthouse= Max Eggers, Robert Eggers

Little Women= Greta Gerwig

Queen & Slim= Lena Waithe

Best Cinematography

1917= Roger Deakins

Atlantics = Claire Mathon

The Irishman= Rodrigo Prieto

The Lighthouse= Jarin Blaschke

Queen + Slim= Pete Beaudreau

Best Animation/CGI

Frozen II

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

I Lost My Body

Toy Story 4

Other Great Films

1917, Ad Astra, Avengers: Endgame, The Beach Bum, Giant Little Ones, Good Boys, A Hidden Life, Hotel Mumbai, Hustlers, The Mustang, Never Grow Old, Portrait of a Lady on Fire, The Report, Rocketman, Sauvage, Skin, Us, The Two Popes, Woman at War.

Two brothers have been arrested for allegedly killing an 85-year-old woman by setting her house on fire in northeast Delhi’s Bhajanpura area during last month’s riots, police said on Thursday.

The two accused, Arun, 26, and Varun, 22, who lived in the victim’s neighbourhood in Gamri village, were arrested by the Crime Branch of the Delhi police on March 11. They were identified on the basis of video clippings as well as with the help of locals and eyewitnesses, officials said.

The woman, Akbari, was trapped inside her home when a mob set it ablaze on February 25. Her body was retrieved around 10 hours later when the fire brigade managed to bring the blaze under control, police said.

Also read: Delhi violence | Amit Shah lauds police for controlling riots

Akbari died of suffocation. While her family members managed to reach the top floor of the house in time, she was not able to do so, they said.

According to the woman’s son, the complainant, he had gone to get milk from a nearby shop around 11 a.m. on February 25, when he received a call from his son Asif informing him that a huge crowd had assembled near his house.

The complainant ran a garment workshop on the ground and the first floor of the four-storey building, while his family lived on the other floors.

The crowd barged into the house and set it on fire. The complainant’s family members and 10 other employees rushed to the top floor of the house, but his 85-year-old mother, who was on the second floor could not, a senior police official said.

Also read | Snuffed out by hatred: Here are 21 of the lives lost in the Delhi riots

He said the other family members and workers of the complainant were rescued from the roof following a rescue operation by the police with the help of locals.

Around ₹8 lakh in cash, a box of gold and silver ornaments and other valuable articles were also looted by the mob, the police official said.

During the investigation, two mobile phones, including one of complainant, were seized as technical evidence. The accused were produced before the court, which sent them to police remand for two days, police said. They were being interrogated in order to nab the other accused, they added.

The violence in northeast Delhi last month claimed 53 lives and left over 200 injured.

By the end of 2019, Algeria has ordered from Russia, its main arms supplier, 42 combat aircraft : 14 Sukhoi 57, 14 Sukhoi 34 and 14 Sukhoi 35, Algerian and Russian media reports said.

«An option for two other squadrons of 14 aircraft for each aircraft type has also been signed to compensate for the natural withdrawal of aircraft from the Air Force fleet in the future», added the same source.

The acquisition contract was concluded last summer after the visit of an Algerian air force delegation to Moscow. The arrival of the new aircraft is scheduled for 2025.

This comes only a few months after Morocco announced that it purchased 25 new F-16s for 3.787 billion dollars and ordered the upgrading of 23 F- 16 existing ones for 985.2 million dollars.

In 2019, the kingdom ordered a total of $10.3 billion from the United States, primarily for its air force.

Jake Edwards's AFL career ended with him trying to take his own life. Now he's trying to help others

Posted

When Jake Edwards's name was called out by the Carlton Football Club on AFL draft night in 2005, it appeared to herald a long and successful career in football.

Less than nine years later, he tried to take his life.

"I'm very fortunate to still be here, to be able to spend time with my family again and shake my dad's hand and hug Mum," Edwards said.

The 31-year-old's life collapsed after being delisted by the Blues, as he battled mental health issues and drug and alcohol abuse.

It all stemmed from a diagnosis of depression and anxiety from his footballing days, and a loss of identity as a footballer post-retirement.

"There is a four-year period post my AFL career where I just ran away, I just pushed people away. Friends, family, I stopped going to birthdays, Christmases," Edwards recalled.

"I felt like I let my family down. That identity of football I had lost, and when I took that jumper off I didn't know who I was anymore.

"If I wasn't drinking every weekend, it was every few days, which ultimately led me [to] drug abuse as well.

"I needed to find that feeling again of being valued, and that's what I guess the alcohol and drug abuse fulfilled in my life."

Born into a footballing dynasty

Football had always been a major part of Edwards's life. His great-grandfather, grandfather, father and cousin all played in the VFL or AFL.

His grandfather, Arthur Edwards, played 120 games for Footscray, including in the club's successful 1954 grand final against Melbourne.

"I always say if I was to give blood tomorrow, there would be little footies floating around [in it]," Edwards said.

"It was always something I wanted to do, for as long as I can remember."

But despite glimpses of his talent, life as a professional footballer didn't go according to plan for Edwards.

Towards the end of his second year with Carlton, he started experiencing mental health issues, which he tried to ignore.

"I did what every typical young male does and just closed off," Edwards recalled.

"I didn't want to talk about it, I didn't want people to know about it.

"Symptoms for me were just isolation, crying most mornings, which is frustrating because I was supposed to be fit, healthy."

Edwards hid his struggles from his teammates and Carlton, until one poor VFL game sent him off the rails.

He went back to the family farm, calling the club on the way to tell them he was done with football.

'A simple pill isn't going to be the cure'

Edwards was diagnosed with anxiety and depression and started taking medication, allowing him to return to the club and resume his career.

But he didn't fully grasp what it meant to have a mental illness.

"I was naive and ignorant to the fact it was something that was probably going to be with me for a lifetime, and a simple pill isn't going to be the cure," Edwards said.

The illness reared it head a couple of years later, when Edwards had left Carlton and was training with the Western Bulldogs, hoping to be picked up in the AFL draft.

Despite promises from the club, he was overlooked, ending his career and sending him spiralling — eventually leading to an attempt to take his own life.

"I had a trigger in a relationship which led me down a four-day drug-and-alcohol-fuelled bender, and that led to an attempt on my own life one morning," he said.

Help from Outside the Locker Room

Edwards spent time in a program working with psychiatrists and getting education around mental health, and it was there that he developed the concept of Outside the Locker Room (OTLR).

The not-for-profit foundation aims to help sporting clubs — from grassroots to professional — along with schools and employers to understand and manage the challenges faced by their employees or members.

It has been widely adopted, with the Federal Government providing funding in Western Australia for the program to be rolled out in 100 sporting clubs and 50 schools per year for the next four years.

It also comes at a time when the issue of mental health in the AFL looms larger than ever, with star Collingwood midfielder Dayne Beams stepping away from the game indefinitely last month while describing himself as a "broken man".

Subiaco Football Club is one of the organisations which has adopted the Outside the Locker Room program, having done so after one of its trainers worked on a research project looking at the mental health of injured players.

"Our board looked at those findings in 2017 and thought, 'We need to do something to support our players'," Subiaco chief executive Peter Capes said.

When football is about more than the game

OTLR was introduced at Subiaco to provide support and education for players struggling with mental health and has helped the club through some difficult times.

"We lost a player due to suicide a couple of years ago, and it really impacted our playing group, and Outside the Locker Room were able to quickly come in and provide some counselling and support," Capes said.

The organisation provides services to the club in other ways, providing a phone app which allows players to anonymously log data related to how they are feeling.

It gives Subiaco's coaches valuable information.

"It provides a snapshot of the playing group and the sorts of things we need to pay attention to," Capes said.

"We've gone away from coaches coaching footy. They have to coach the player, look out for them and how they are going, they need to know what's going on in their family and friends.

"It's become a little bit more complicated."

Topics: sport, mental-health, health, australian-football-league, perth-6000, wa, subiaco-6008

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California is poised to lose a congressional seat for the first time in its history as a state, based on U.S. Census Bureau population estimates released Monday that showed the nation’s growth continued to slow in 2019.

Some 27 states and the District of Columbia lost residents through net domestic migration between 2018 and 2019, the new census data show.

About 203,000 people left California in that period, a result of the state’s shifting migration patterns and economic strains that are making it harder to afford living here. New York, Illinois, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Louisiana also saw large losses to other states.

California’s potential loss in reapportionment, which will be determined by next year’s census count, would drop the state’s number of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives from 53 to 52, said William Frey, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution.

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“It’s got a lot to do with dispersion from California to the rest of the west,” Frey said. “Arizona, Texas and Colorado are all big destinations for California migrants, and they all are gaining seats.”

A 2019 relocation study by Texas Realtors found that 63,175 Californians moved to Texas in 2017, while California was the top destination for Texans to move — nearly 41,000 relocated here.

Texas is likely to gain three seats following the 2020 decennial count, according to Frey’s analysis of census data, while states such as Arizona, Colorado and Oregon may gain one seat apiece.

The apportionment population count for each of the 50 states includes the state’s total resident population — citizens and non-citizens — as well as a count of the overseas federal employees and their dependents who have that state listed as their home state in their employers’ administrative records, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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The House of Representatives is limited to 435 members, not under the U.S. Constitution, but because of a 1929 federal law that could be changed if lawmakers and the president agreed to do so.

Exactly where California would lose a seat in the House depends on which communities are larger or smaller compared to census numbers from 2010. The state’s Citizens Redistricting Commission, whose members will be selected in coming months, will hold public hearings in 2021 to determine how to redraw congressional maps.

Paul Mitchell, one of the state’s leading analysts of the redistricting process, said that two places could dominate the discussion: the communities sitting at the intersection of Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties and the suburbs to the east of San Francisco.

But other big changes to the political map-drawing process are also in store — including the 2013 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court to strike part of the federal Voting Rights Act that strongly influenced the current California maps.

“That will allow a massive rewrite of the Central Valley congressional districts, so it might be really hard to see the total impact” of losing a House seat because of population, Mitchell said.

Even so, the most obvious political impact would be to force incumbent House members to either run against each other or leave office. In 2012, Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Northridge) defeated former Rep. Howard Berman in a bitter contest brought on by the new lines drawn in Los Angeles County.

California’s future numerical strength in Congress hinges in part on making sure that members of historically undercounted groups are included in the census count. In California, 72% of the population belongs to one of these groups, according to the Public Policy Institute of California.

State census workers, community organizations and local politicians started outreach efforts as early as April to ensure an accurate tally in next year’s count. In addition to reapportionment, nearly $800 billion in federal tax dollars and political redistricting are at stake.

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State government leaders have allocated about $187 million to help verify addresses and expand outreach efforts, according to California’s census office.

Still, there will be major hurdles. Those without reliable internet connections may be missed in a census that will rely heavily on online surveys. Los Angeles County, officials say, will be the nation’s hardest to tally because of its high concentrations of renters and homeless people, as well as immigrant communities that may not participate, either because of language barriers or because they fear being targeted by federal immigration authorities.

“If, as many fear, non-citizen populations and the state’s heavily Latino population either fails to participate or participates without providing full household counts, then California could lose more than one seat,” said Mitchell, whose firm analyzes political data for regional and statewide candidates.

Nationally, natural increase (births minus deaths) has declined steadily over the past decade. The U.S. also registered a decline in its population under the age of 18, Frey, the demographer, said. California led in that category, with a drop of about 400,000 people under the age of 18, followed by Illinois and New York. The South and West saw the biggest gain in children, Frey added, led by Texas.

“This is a symptom of an aging population,” he said, “and in states like California, an out-migration of younger families with children.”

California’s representation stayed the same following the 2010 census count. If the state does lose a seat or two in 2020, Frey said, it’s uncertain whether the decline would carry into the 2030 count.

“In a way, these last few years are a confluence of things that may not continue over time,” he said. “The slowdown in immigration may not continue, millennials may finally start having kids. Domestic out-migration may continue. All those things happened at the same time, so I don’t think they’re going to be quite as dim in the next few years.”

By JOSH FRIEDMAN

Fueled by residents leaving the state, largely due to the high cost of living, California is currently at risk of losing a congressional seat. [LA Times]

On Monday, the U.S. Census Bureau released population estimates. California was one of 27 states that lost residents through net domestic migration. California lost about 203,000 residents.

Next year’s census count will determine congressional reapportionment. If California were to lose a congressional seat, it would mark the first time that occurred in California’s history as a state.

California’s potential loss in reapportionment would decrease the state’s seat total in the House of Representatives from 53 to 52.

William Frey, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, said the potential loss of a congressional seat has a lot to do with California residents moving to Arizona, Texas, Colorado and other western states.

Texas, the state to which an estimated 63,000 Californians moved in 2017, stands to potentially gain three congressional seats. Arizona, Colorado and Oregon may gain one seat each.

California’s Citizens Redistricting Commission will hold public hearings in 2021 to determine how to redraw congressional maps.

Paul Mitchell, a leading analyst of the redistricting process, said two areas that may be at risk of losing a congressional seat are the communities located at the intersection of Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties and the suburbs east of San Francisco.

However, other changes to congressional maps, particularly in the Central Valley, are also expected, so it might be difficult to notice the impact of losing a House seat due to population, Mitchell said.

But, Mitchell also said if California’s Latino and non-citizen populations do not participate in the census as much as state officials would like, California could be at risk of losing more than one seat.

A fun evening with a sophisticated flair will benefit the Augusta Symphony.

“We thought we’d try a different approach,” said Anne Catherine Murray, the symphony’s executive director about the organization’s annual fundraising gala, Augusta Symphony 003, which will be held Jan. 11 at the Miller Theater.

The past two Januaries have featured concerts with Tony Award-winning performer, Sutton Foster. This year’s event will give a nod to the famous fictional spy James Bond.

The symphony will be playing James Bond themes with singers from the Mepro Music Production company in Vienna, Austria. The company has been licensed to create several shows including The Music of Bond. Other shows in its repertoire include the music of John Williams, magical moments with music from Harry Potter movies and another show based on the music of romantic movies.

The music will be familiar to 007 fans. Some of the Bond songs that will be in the concert include the theme from “Diamonds Are Forever,” “Skyfall” and “Goldfinger.” There will also be instrumental selections.

Murray said there will be a few film clips shown during parts of the concert.

Not only will there be the music of Bond, but there will be other Bond touches throughout the night.

The event begins at 6 p.m. with a reception with light hors d’oeuvres and an open bar. Patrons can imbibe Bond’s famous “shaken not stirred” martini, the Vesper. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m.

There are two levels of support. Platinum is $250 per person, and gold is $175 per person. Platinum supporters will receive valet parking and will be guests at an after party in the Knox Music Institute. The after party will feature “indulgent” hors d’oeuvres, full bar and an immersive Bond experience.

“It’s going to be a really great event,” said Murray who added that the committee has a few secrets that members haven’t even shared with her yet.

Murray said the black-tie fundraiser has taken the place of multiple smaller events throughout the year. Attendance has been high for the past couple of years as the community has rallied around the renovated Miller Theater. She hopes for similar attendance this year and said that supporters will be in for a memorable night.

Tickets for the gala are available through the Augusta Symphony’s website, augustasymphony.com, or at the Miller Theater Box Office at (706) 842-4080.

Cape Town police have charged a 38-year-old man following complaints to the police of assault by some of the refugees housed in the Cape Town Methodist Church. Picture: Ayanda Ndamane/African News Agency (ANA)

Durban - Cape Town police have arrested the 38-year-old leader of a group of refugees housed at the city's Central Methodist Church, they said on Wednesday. The Congolese national faces eight charges of assault, of which five are assault with the intention to do grievous bodily harm, the office of the provincial commissioner said. His arrest follows complaints by some of the refugees living in the church, that they have been assaulted.

However, following his arrest, about 50 members of the group of refugees arrived at the Cape Town central police station and demanded his release.

"After being advised to leave, the group duly complied and dispersed. Public Order Police members are keeping an eye on the situation," the commissioner's office said.

It added that the police station was operational and that no further incidents have taken place.

IF YOU know someone deserving of recognition, don’t wait any longer.

Nominations for Mackay Regional Council’s Australia Day Awards close soon.

A Mackay Regional Council spokesman said the awards were a perfect way to acknowledge the efforts of local heroes who went above and beyond to help their communities.

Nominating someone can be done online. Or download a hard copy version of the form and return it to one of council’s client service centres.

Award Categories include:

Can I resign my job here in Kuwait after I finish 1 year of service?

Name withheld

Answer: Yes you can, if you were hired locally and you don’t possess a university degree. If you however, possess a degree you can put in your resignation at any point of time. On the other hand, if you were brought to Kuwait from your home country by your current sponsor, then that law mandates you to work three years for him/her before you can resign or ask for a release.

A woman who was found shot in a north Minneapolis alley Tuesday night died at North Memorial Hospital, police said.

The woman, who has not been identified but is believed to be in her 20s, was found shot in an alley behind a home in the 1300 block of Russell Av. N.

She was transported to North Memorial Health Hospital in Robbinsdale where she later died.

At 6:38 p.m., police responded to a ShotSpotter activation to three shots fired in the area and found the woman "gravely injured" from what appeared to be gunshot wounds, said John Elder, a spokesman for the Minneapolis police.

Elder did not say how many times the victim was shot.

Police said it was the city's 48th homicide in 2019.

James Walsh

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Large crowds gathered in European capitals for spectacular fireworks displays that lit up the skies over landmarks like Big Ben in London, the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the Parthenon in Athens and the Kremlin in Moscow.

In Australia, a million revellers thronged Sydney harbour and nearby districts to watch more than 100,000 fireworks explode above the city, even as thousands of people along the country’s eastern seaboard sought refuge from the bushfires on beaches.

Thousands in Hong Kong welcomed 2020 on neon-lit promenades in the picturesque Victoria Harbour, breaking into pro-democracy chants shortly after the countdown to midnight.

Hong Kong authorities cancelled the main midnight fireworks display for the first time in a decade, citing security concerns. A “Symphony of Lights” took place instead, involving projections on the city’s tallest skyscrapers, while smaller-scale pyrotechnics were launched from waterfront rooftops.

In Japan, people took turns striking Buddhist temple bells, in accordance with tradition.

Sydney decided to press ahead with its fireworks despite calls by some members of the public for the display to be cancelled in solidarity with fire-hit areas in New South Wales, of which the city is the capital.

Sydney Mayor Clover Moore said planning had begun 15 months ago and that the event also gave a boost to the economy.

Some towns in eastern Australia cancelled their New Year’s celebrations as naval vessels and military helicopters helped firefighters rescue people fleeing the fires, which have turned swathes of New South Wales into a raging furnace.

The fires have killed at least 11 people since October, two of them overnight into Tuesday, destroyed more than 4 million hectares (10 million acres) and left many towns and rural areas without electricity or mobile coverage.

Elsewhere, revellers from Auckland, New Zealand, to Pyongyang, the capital of isolated North Korea, welcomed the new year with fireworks displays.

But amid the celebrations of a new year and decade, old tensions threatened to flare up. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said on Wednesday his country would keep developing nuclear programmes and introduce a “new strategic weapon” in the near future, after the United States missed a year-end deadline to restart denuclearisation talks.

Protests, Brexit

In Hong Kong, rocked by months of sometimes violent pro-democracy demonstrations, protesters were urged to wear masks at a New Year rally called “Don’t forget 2019 - Persist in 2020,” according to social media posts.

Some 6,000 police were deployed and Hong Kong’s chief executive, Carrie Lam, appealed for calm and reconciliation in her New Year’s Eve video message.

The protests began in June in response to a now-withdrawn bill that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, where courts are controlled by the Communist Party, and have evolved into a broader pro-democracy movement.

Thousands of Indians ushered in the year by demonstrating against a citizenship law they say will discriminate against Muslims and chip away at India’s secular Constitution.

The demonstrations came despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attempts to dampen protests that have run for nearly three weeks.

Irshad Alam, a 25-year-old resident of the Shaheen Bagh area of New Delhi, stood with his 1-year-old child in his arms and his wife by his side. He said he had been participating in the protest every day.

“It’s freezing here,” he said. “But we are still here because we care about this movement.”

More than three years after the UK voted to leave the European Union, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, fresh from winning a parliamentary majority in last month’s election, promised in his New Year’s message to “get Brexit done before the end of this month.”

“As we say goodbye to 2019, we can also turn the page on the division, rancour and uncertainty which has dominated public life and held us back for far too long,” Johnson added.

In New York, large crowds were gathering ahead of the annual New Year’s Eve ball drop over Times Square.

Find latest and upcoming tech gadgets online on Tech2 Gadgets. Get technology news, gadgets reviews & ratings. Popular gadgets including laptop, tablet and mobile specifications, features, prices, comparison.

Fireworks, smoke and tear gas start new decade

A woman celebrates as she watches the traditional New Year's fireworks at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil with an estimated three million revellers.

NEW YORK: New York dropped its traditional crystal-encrusted ball to ring in 2020 in a packed Times Square, after crisis-marred celebrations in other countries ended a year of worldwide upheaval that saw strike-hit Paris welcome the new decade with fireworks, and London's Big Ben ring out after a long restoration.

Billions around the world cheered in 2020 after a tumultuous year dominated by demonstrations calling for political revolt and action on climate change.

"I'm not particularly optimistic about the future," 29-year-old Natalie Reinhart told AFP ahead of New York's midnight celebration.

"I don't think anybody thinks the world is in a good place, and I think that's one of the defining things of the decade," the New Yorker said.

"There's a sort of overt pessimism. Even our pop songs are sad."

Performers in Times Square pulled through nonetheless, as artists including feminist rocker Alanis Morissette took the stage ahead of a highly anticipated performance by K-pop sensation BTS.

New Yorker Gabriel Rodriguez, 53, voiced gloom over society's future but told AFP his way of coping: "I live day by day."

-'New Year with Dignity'-

Chile saw thousands of demonstrators gather at Santiago's Plaza Italia -- the epicentre of protests against President Sebastian Pinera's right-wing government since October -- to celebrate a "New Year with Dignity."

One of the world's biggest New Year festivals took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with an estimated three million revellers.

Most of them wore white as they listened to concerts and watched a traditional fireworks show at Copacabana Beach.

In the French capital, tens of thousands gathered on the Champs-Elysees, despite a gruelling transport strike that has spelled weeks of misery for commuters.

They came on foot, by bike, taxi -- and a few by Metro -- to ring in the new decade as a dazzling light show lit up the Arc de Triomphe.

In the British capital, thousands of revellers lined the Thames to watch fireworks fired from the London Eye for the last new year before Brexit.

Big Ben rang out 12 times after the bell had fallen mostly silent in 2019 because of renovation work.

It followed a year of political wrangling that led to the resignation of Prime Minister Theresa May and culminated in Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson's pledging to leave the European Union on January 31.

As US-Iran tensions rose again in the Middle East, fireworks exploded in Dubai around the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building.

In Abidjan, Ivory Coast, pyrotechnics reflected off the waters of the Ebrie lagoon.

Smoke-choked Sydney ushered in the New Year with an enormous fireworks display, despite a petition to cancel it that received more than 280,000 signatures as devastating bushfires raged across the country.

But the show did go on: more than 100,000 fireworks lit up the skyline for the hundreds of thousands of spectators thronging the city centre.

- Celebrations amid upheaval -

After more than six months of near-daily demonstrations, Hong Kong ushered in 2020 with tear gas and water cannon. Pro-democracy protesters took their movement into the new year with midnight countdown rallies and a massive march planned for Wednesday.

Before midnight, thousands of protesters gathered across the financial hub, including along the waterfront of Victoria Harbour and at nightlife hotspot Lan Kwai Fong.

Demonstrators at the harborfront counted down chanting "Ten! Nine! Liberate Hong Kong, revolution now!" in a sea of light from their mobile phones.

Smaller crowds of protesters in the Mong Kok district set fire to barricades and riot police unleashed their first volleys of tear gas for 2020 in response.

Earlier in the evening, thousands of people linked arms in human chains that stretched for miles along busy shopping streets and through local neighbourhoods.

In impoverished North Korea, a large crowd that gathered for a concert in the centre of Pyongyang cheered as the clock struck midnight. Fireworks burst in the sky above a neon-lit stage hosting a tightly choreographed dance performance.

Across the border, South Koreans flocked to bell-ringing ceremonies -- a traditional ritual marking the start of the new year -- with thousands watching in central Seoul alongside performances by Korean pop stars.

In Moscow, President Vladimir Putin delivered his annual New Year address, 20 years after he was elevated to the presidency by Boris Yeltsin's shock resignation in his 1999 end-of-year speech.

Russia celebrated the new decade over several time zones, with Muscovites flocking to the centre of the capital for fireworks over the Kremlin.

By YOURI KEMP

Tribune Business Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

Major supermarket and fast-food restaurant chains yesterday pledged they are “100 percent ready” for single-use plastics ban that takes effect tomorrow despite the extra costs they will incur.

Mario Cash, general manager of Restaurants Bahamas, operator of the Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) and Burger King franchises, told Tribune Business: “We are 100 percent prepared. The impact for us was on the Styrofoam.

“We use the breakfast Styrofoam clamshell for the pancakes platter, and we had to switch to a platter that is now biodegradable that can handle the pancakes and the sauce etc... The actual cost increase on that platter alone was 68 cents to go to a biodegradable one.”

He added: “If you think about any vendors that are using the regular Styrofoam lunch clamshell, they went to the paper thing and it doesn’t quite work for putting scrambled eggs and pancakes on one platter.

“So what we had to do is go to a high-grade biodegradable plastic thing that gives us a better-looking image. We didn’t even have that option of going paper. Then we had the straws and coffee cups with the lids. We don’t have any bags that were plastic; we already used paper.”

Mr Cash said the increased costs involved in complying with the ban had created some challenges, explaining: “I’m absorbing that cost, which is insane. How do I pass this on? How do I pass this on to the consumer?

“All of this cost increase is surrounding breakfast heavily because you have the breakfast platter now, the coffee cup and also the coffee stirrer. So it’s a lot of cost for breakfast items we had to absorb.

“The actual cost per month on this packaging is $1,000 per store, so I am looking at a $6,000 increase per month for this. So it is heavy. Let’s not forget we have the knife, fork and spoon that are also going, along with this same breakfast platter, which is now biodegradable also. But we have already started to transition,” he continued.

“All of our inventory is in, and we have started to phase out, for example, a couple of sizes of the coffee cups and we have already moved to new ones. We have already transitioned to the breakfast platters, so as the old inventory phases out we already have the new inventory already sitting there waiting to transition over to.

“I don’t know how the other folks are absorbing these costs. Did the Government really think this through?,” Mr Cash asked. “I mean this is truly a real cost for this breakfast platter; this is the coffee cup, the platter, the knife and the fork. That is real cost.

“For any vendor on the side of the road or anywhere, that new paper clamshell they are using, that is a new cost on a biodegradable knife and fork in the morning. So for them that is at least a 25 cent cost increase. I don’t know what that clamshell is going to cost, but that knife and fork is going to get up there.”

However, Rupert Roberts, Super Value’s principal, told Tribune Business: “We are ready and prepared, and we think it’s going to go well.”

Responding to concerns that the switch from single-use plastic bags to more environmentally-friendly ones will drive up grocery costs, Mr Roberts said: “I don’t know. If a customer spends $200 and it gets in one bag, it will be 25 cents, and if it gets in two bags it will be 50 cents.

“So I don’t think it’s going to be a biggie. I really think in six months, when the plastics are out of the way, we’ll be using compostable and we should go back to free bags, unless government wants to do something on that.

“We do have compostable bags coming in in May; that’s the earliest we can get them, but we do have six months to get rid of plastics and we should be able to go back to free. But it’s hardly a percentage on the grocery shopping. We won’t be able to get compostable bags until May or June, so our customers will be spending 25 cents per bag up until May or June. When we were aware of what we had to do we ordered, and that’s when we expect them to come in,” added Mr Roberts.

“We are very late and should have acted earlier, and then checking yesterday, only 89 states in the US are banning so far. I checked with Canada yesterday, and they are charging for a plastic bag but they say that for five years people have been bringing down tote-bags to pack groceries.”

Mr Roberts said the cost of switching from plastic bags to environmentally-friendly options was about “a third or 50 percent more. I believe in my mind it’s about from $50 to $70 per 2,000.”

He added: “I thought five years ago that scientists said they would accept biodegradable. I thought five years ago biodegradable would be accepted and we switched to biodegradable and, of course, you take them in your workshop or you put something in them and you hang them up, and in six months they are in half-inch pieces. But now the compostables would disintegrate into powder.

“One of the things that our generation has been used to, and fortunately the youth are being taught, and I think they think a lot different from us; they would never discard a plastic bag or throw a piece of plastic into the ocean. I think the crowd coming up behind us, if we don’t save the world they will, and that is very encouraging.

“They are more thoughtful than us and are going to do better than us. That helps the situation. It just seems that everybody is on board, and you hear a lot of fun and jokes and a lot of negativity, but the people with the fun and jokes and negativity, they are on board and they know we have to go in this direction/”

Acer for Education renews the Innovative School Program for 2020, to support schools in their path towards digital transformation. The goal of the program is to support schools who commit to using technology to transform teaching and learning.

Technology is an enabler. It allows to break down barriers as it helps teachers to develop new, immersive and inclusive learning experiences. As a result, more and more schools that have integrated technology in their approach to teaching and learning are finding how it helps students to boost their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, learn anytime, anywhere and improve academic results.

Acer for Education Innovative School Program is a tribute to those schools that have embraced technology as a means to give students new personalized and engaging ways to learn the abilities they will need to succeed in school and life. The program is targeted to all EMEA schools that are taking the path of digital transformation. The following schools are a part of the program; Al Sahwa School in Oman, New English School and The English Academy in Kuwait and lastly Abu Dhabi Grammar School, British School in Khubairat in the UAE.

Whether they are just starting or are pioneers, these schools are committed to helping each student to reach their potential and follow their dreams through innovation and technology.

Schools enrolled in Acer Innovative School program can enjoy several benefits:

Teachers from Acer Innovative Schools are invited to attend the EMEA Teachers Advisory Council, where they can meet with peers, listen to education experts and participate in training sessions

Schools can participate in webinars covering a range of topics to keep up-to-date with the latest trends and tools. Topics include mini-training on Windows and Chrome platforms and their apps.

Acer Innovative Schools can share their stories, achievements or experiences on Acer for Education’s blog and become a source of inspiration for other schools. What’s more, schools receive a monthly newsletter where they can find updates on technological contents, alliance partner news, demo program and other initiatives.

Each Acer Innovative Schools receives two demo devices per year, so teachers and students are kept abreast of the latest technological innovations and can find out how they can help them achieve more.

Acer Project Humanity

Acer Innovative Schools are also encouraged to join the Acer Project Humanity, a new global initiative by Acer to bring humanity at the centre of our activities and give back to communities and the environment.

For this reason, early in October Acer for Education launched a contest among Acer Innovative Schools across Europe, Middle East and Africa to encourage students to submit projects evaluated based on number of green actions and originality among other criteria. What’s more, winning schools were able to give a helping hand by supporting the learning path of a Charity Education Organization of their choice, giving them their prize of 10 Acer devices each.

One such school that took this to the next level was the New English School in Kuwait who have a long-standing commitment to raising awareness of environmental concerns. Keeping the grounds litter-free, reducing usage of materials that just end up in a landfill, reusing materials where possible and recycling what can be economically processed are some of the activities students were involved with. The New English School partnered with the charity organization Direct Aid and will donate their prizes to underprivileged students in Africa.

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A businessman whose sexual assault conviction was overturned last week is out of prison as he waits to hear whether prosecutors will try him a third time.

Tony Cercy, 57, was freed from a Newcastle prison camp Tuesday after paying the $100,000 bail requested by prosecutors and set by a judge, the Casper Star-Tribune reported. Cercy's lawyers had filed a motion asking for his immediate release on Monday, claiming it would be “virtually impossible” for him to be tried again.

Cercy was accused of sexually assaulting a 20-year-old woman who passed out on a sofa at his Alcova lake house in June 2017.

The Wyoming Supreme Court overturned his third-degree sexual assault conviction after finding that that jurors weren't properly instructed on state law regarding the crime at his second trial in November 2018.

While prosecutors presented evidence of oral sexual assault, the court found that kind of assault does not meet the state law's standard to show third-degree sexual assault. It found that it is applicable to the first- and second-degree crimes Cercy was acquitted of during his first trial.

District Attorney Dan Itzen plans to meet with the alleged victim and her family before deciding whether to charge Cercy, who was sentenced to six to eight years in prison, again.

Taylor Edwards is in her second season as a volunteer coach for Nebraska. Edwards works with the Husker catchers, in addition to assisting the coaches with opponent scouting.

Edwards was a four-year starting catcher for Nebraska from 2011 to 2014. The only All-America catcher in program history and a three-time all-conference performer, Edwards was also selected as the 2014 Division I Catcher of the Year. She earned third-team All-America accolades as a freshman in 2011, when she was one of 25 finalists for the USA Softball Player-of-the-Year Award. Edwards earned All-America recognition again as a senior in 2014, when she was named a first-team All-American, the sixth Husker to be a first-team selection.

Edwards ended her career with 17 school records and a pair of NCAA records. The national records she held included most grand slams in a game (2 in 2013) and most consecutive games with a home run (6 in 2011). Edwards set Nebraska career records with 54 home runs, four grand slams, 150 walks and 39 hit-by-pitches. She also owned Husker season records for walks (41 in 2013), hit-by-pitches (16 in 2013) and grand slams, in addition to game records with four runs scored, eight RBIs, four walks and three hit-by-pitches.

In addition to her three Husker career records, Edwards ended her career ranked second in school history in RBIs (202), third in runs (177) and total bases (423), fourth in slugging percentage (.629), fifth in doubles (41), sixth in hits (220), eighth in at bats (673) and games played (233) and 14th in batting average (.327). In her career, Edwards started 231 games and had 150 walks. She also posted a .471 on-base percentage and a .629 slugging percentage.

Following her Husker career, Edwards was the No. 8 overall pick in the 2014 National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) Draft. She played in the NPF for four seasons, and played her fifth professional season with an independent team in 2018. Edwards won three straight NPF championships in 2015, 2016 and 2017 and was a two-time All-NPF selection. She also played professionally in Japan for two years (2016-17). Additionally, Edwards helped the USA Women's National Team win the Gold Medal at the 2018 World Championship and earn a spot in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Zimbabwe police have banned all illegal mining activities and said anyone wishing to go into mining should obtain a relevant licence or permit.

The ban follows the killing of Constable Wonder Hokoyo by machete gangs in Kadoma on 28 December.

Police Chief Godwin Matanga said police will not tolerate acts of violence by artisanal miners and anyone who decides or attempts to disarm a police officer on duty risks being shot.

“All potential miners who are engaged in illegal mining activities should stop doing so and ensure that before they mine, they obtain the relevant licence or permit to do so in terms of the laws of the country,” he said.

“Any deviation from this will result in such miners being arrested. No one should interfere with or attack police officers who are maintaining law and order at mining sites. Anyone who decides or attempts to disarm police officers on duty risks being shot.”

Matanga said police were working with other stakeholders to ensure that incidences of gold rush in several parts of the country are swiftly dealt with.

“Let us all promote law and order and engage in lawful and regularized mining activities. Regulating authorities will be issuing out prohibition orders barring he carrying of machetes and other weapons such as knives, catapults, iron bars and knobkerries…”

The police chief said he will ensure that police deployments in mining areas are influenced by the need to protect and preserve life and property.

“My office will therefore not stand by and allow unruly elements to attack police officers. We have also engaged the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to ensure that all mining disputes, disused and decommissioned mines are monitored and measures put in place to curtail illegal mining activities,” he said.

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Paramount Pictures has revealed the first full-length trailer for A Quiet Place 2. The studio had previously revealed a brief teaser that offered a tiny glimpse of what's to come in the sequel to 2018's inventive horror hit. This, however, offers a much more thorough look at what the studio has cooked up, with most of the core cast returning to once again face down the horrors of this post-apocalyptic, silent wasteland. But the horrors aren't limited to deadly, sound-seeking monsters this time around.

The initial A Quite Place 2 teaser trailer picked up following the events of the first movie. John Krasinski's character gave his life to protect his children, ultimately making it so they could survive with their mother. The family managed to figure out a way to kill the beasts that have invaded Earth, which gave them a leg-up in the survival game. However, as we can see, they are having to step off the sandy path that had kept them safe for so long and will be forced to head into uncharted territory. Emily Blunt is back as the head of the Abbott family, with Millicent Simmonds and Noah Jupe also returning as her children.

John Krasinksi, who directed and co-wrote the original, returns to the director's chair this time around. Krasinski also wrote the screenplay. Original writers Scott Beck and Bryan Woods stepped back to focus on original endeavors but remain involved in a more limited capacity. New cast members include Cillian Murphy (Batman Begins) and Djimon Hounsou (Captain Marvel). Details regarding any characters were being kept under tight lock and key during production.

A Quiet Place 2 picks up following the deadly events of the first movie. The Abbott family is forced to face the terrors of the outside world as they continue their fight for survival in silence. As they hesitantly journey into the unknown, they quickly realize that the creatures that hunt by sound are not the only threats that lurk beyond the sand path. Allyson Seeger, Joann Perritano and Aaron Janus, Michael Bay, Andrew Form and Brad Fuller serve as producers.

Released in 2018, A Quiet Place went on to become one of the most unexpected hits of the year. The movie was embraced widely by critics, currently boasting a 95 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences agreed and moviegoers turned up in droves to see it. The movie, working from a relatively modest budget of just $17 million, went on to gross $340 million at the global box office. With that, a sequel became a top priority for the studio. The question is, was this a lightning in a bottle situation? Or can they manage to strike gold twice? A Quiet Place 2 is set to hit theaters on March 20, 2020, from Paramount Pictures. Be sure to check out the new trailer for yourself.

Paramount Pictures has now released the official trailer from John Krasinski’s “A Quiet Place Part II”.

Following the deadly events at home, the Abbott family (Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe) must now face the terrors of the outside world as they continue their fight for survival in silence.

Forced to venture into the unknown, they quickly realize that the creatures that hunt by sound are not the only threats that lurk beyond the sand path.

Emily Blunt is returning for A Quiet Place 2 alongside cast members Noah Jupe (Suburbicon, Wonder) and Millicent Simmonds (Wonderstruck), with John Krasinski set to write, and direct again. Cillian Murphy and Djimon Hounsou will also star in the sequel.

A Quiet Place was from a spec script by Bryan Woods & Scott Beck which was rewritten by Krasinski. It opened in theaters in April of 2018 and grossed over $334 million worldwide on a $17 million dollar budget.

A Quiet Place: Part II is produced by Krasinski and Michael Bay (Transformers) along with Bay’s Platinum Dunes partners Andrew Form and Brad Fuller (Ouija, The Purge, Texas Chainsaw Massacre). The sequel is executive produced by Allyson Seeger, Joann Perritano, Aaron Janus.

The sequel is slated to hit the theaters on March 20.

Maria Lopez spotted him at a bachata class. He checked off all her boxes. Superb dancer. Smart — he had an engineering degree. Tall, dark and handsome.

After a month of dating, he revealed he was in the country illegally. She too lacked legal status, though she had the relative protection of being in the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

Wordlessly, they pumped the brakes on their relationship.

Being without legal status under the umbrella of DACA has always been a risky proposition. Deportation always lurked in the background.

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But now that the program is under threat from an unfriendly White House — and currently at the mercy of a conservative-leaning U.S. Supreme Court — life for its beneficiaries has become cloudier.

In May, Lopez, a 25-year-old San Jose resident, launched an Instagram account called YTienePapeles? (AndDoesHeHavePapers?)

The page is her attempt “to heal through humor,” she said. Sometimes she’ll create memes about crushing on people without legal status. One post pictured a crying toddler next to text that read: “When you find out your crush no tiene papeles.” Other times she’ll post syrupy sayings: “Unlike DACA, my love for you is permanent.”

The memes are relatable, Lopez said. “If you are undocumented and in the dating scene, you will definitely encounter this.”

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Relationships can provide a sense of security and comfort, but the uncertainty of DACA’s future can leave so-called Dreamers feeling just a bit more unsettled about the pursuit of them, said Harvard sociologist Roberto Gonzales.

“In our research, we’ve seen DACA beneficiaries victimized by partners who use their fragile status and their families’ status against them,” Gonzales said.

“Lives in Limbo: Undocumented and Coming of Age in America,” Gonzales’ book based on a 12-year project following 150 young people around the L.A. area, found that immigrants often felt their legal status could drive wedges into relationships.

Lopez, for example, had begun dating one young man in 2011 — a year before she joined the DACA program. He was the son of immigrants, Lopez said, who had legalized their status in the U.S.

After six years, around the time that President Trump announced his intention to wind down DACA, their relationship soured. Lopez said she did not expect to get married right away, but wanted to know if it was in the couple’s future. When she pressed her boyfriend, Lopez said, he asked: “Is citizenship the reason you want to be with me?”

And that was that.

Said Andrea Simon-Martinez, a 26-year-old DACA recipient who lives in New York: “Telling someone you’re undocumented, it’s like peeling off a Band-Aid, you want to do it sooner rather than later.”

Simon-Martinez was born in Mexico and was 6 years old when she overstayed her tourist visa. She said dating and looking for a serious partner takes a toll. In February 2018, she wrote a post about the anxiety of dating while “DACA-mented.”

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“I never know when to bring it up in conversations, and then it makes me feel like I’m leading them on,” she wrote. “It makes me feel like I’m being deceitful and keeping a big part of me hidden away.”

Juan Pacheco Marcial, a 23-year-old DACA recipient who attends Cal State Monterey Bay, said his legal status keeps him from dating seriously. He makes sure not to get too attached because of a feeling in his gut that, one day, he will be deported. And he won’t date another DACA recipient or person without legal status.

“When I date someone, I don’t see a future with them because I don’t even see a future for myself,” he said. “Of ... having a happy ending here in the United States.”

Marcial said he does not want children because of the cloud over his presence in the country. He said it’s the reason he broke up with a girlfriend who was a citizen.

“I feel that I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I were to have a child and I were, for some reason, to get kicked out of this country and not be able to come back,” he said.

Jose Guevara-Johnson, left, and his husband, Stephen Guevara-Johnson, have breakfast at Antigua Bread in Los Angeles. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

“We’ve been through a really hard thing that most couples have not gone through at our age and made it out successfully,” Stephen Guevara-Johnson said. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

A year ago, Jose Guevara, 25, and Stephen Johnson, 29, got married.

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Guevara is a DACA recipient who was brought to the U.S. from El Salvador at age 10. Johnson was born and raised in a conservative Baptist family in North Carolina.

They met online two years ago. Guevara said he was upfront from the start — laying out his “baggage.”

“I have cancer and I’m a DACA recipient,” he revealed.

Johnson, whose work involves community organizing, said it didn’t bother him. After a couple of months of dating, Guevara was hospitalized and underwent treatment for leukemia — which he’s battled off and on since he was 15.

The possible end of DACA worried the couple. Guevara feared returning to El Salvador, partly because homophobia is prevalent there. But he felt he was becoming a burden to Johnson, who wanted to marry.

“It’s a lot of labor to love someone who is a DACA recipient,” Guevara said. “We are at the will of the government.”

But Johnson was determined.

“We’ve been through a really hard thing that most couples have not gone through at our age and made it out successfully,” Johnson said. “If we can make it through that, we can make it through anything.”

They are now legally the Guevara-Johnsons.

In San Francisco, Tony K. Choi said he would like to be able to love and date on his own terms.

A DACA recipient who is a creative writer for Democratic presidential candidate Tom Steyer, Choi said his legal status is always part of the life calculations he makes.

“Marriage and immigration status are intrinsically linked to my romantic life,” the 31-year-old said.

Choi, who came to the U.S. from South Korea on a tourist visa at age 9, realizes marriage to a U.S. citizen is probably his best option for staying in the country, but he’s “incredibly millennial” and not looking to wed anytime soon.

Still, he said, he avoids dating DACA recipients or men who are in the country illegally. He had a crush on a man without legal status, but he willed himself to make a cold calculation.

“What is there to gain from this relationship?” Choi said.

Some DACA recipients said they’ve received marriage proposals from close friends who want to help. Others feel pressure from parents, other family members or older immigrants who repeatedly tell them to fall in love and marry someone who has legal status.

Lopez still remembers how, when she was 6, her grandmother sat her down and told her: “You have to marry someone with papers.”

“At 6, you don’t even know what that means,” Lopez said.

A few weeks ago, she posted a meme on Instagram with a picture of a distraught and teary-eyed SpongeBob SquarePants surrounded with bursting red hearts. The text read: “When you gotta end [it] with your favorite undocu-novio.”

To kick off 2020, Disney has given a preview of what to expect from its Disney+ streaming service this year. Most notably, a newly released teaser revealed that Marvel's WandaVision series has been pushed forward from 2021 to 2020. While no exact release date has been given, Disney previously indicated the show would premiere spring 2021.

WandaVision stars Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany, who both reprise their Marvel Cinematic Universe roles as Wanda Maximoff (Scarlet Witch) and Vision respectively. Teyonah Parris, Kat Dennings, Randall Park, and Kathryn Hahn round out the supporting cast. The limited series will run for six hour-long episodes and will take place after Avengers: Endgame, which saw Scarlet Witch brought back from Thanos' snap in Infinity War.

The teaser additionally shows 1950s-inspired key art of Vision and Wanda together.

Is this not what 2020 vision means? From #ToyStory 4 and Aladdin to #LizzieMcGuire and WandaVision, here’s a look into our future at the blockbusters and Originals coming to #DisneyPlus this year. pic.twitter.com/QHGMHat89n — Disney+ (@disneyplus) January 1, 2020

The Disney+ Twitter account made sure to reiterate the news.

Among the other upcoming titles expected to hit Disney's streaming service in 2020 are The Lion King, Toy Story 4, Aladdin, and Marvel's The Falcon and the Winter Soldier series. 2021, meanwhile, will bring Loki, Hawkeye, and What If...?.

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Emergency crews in Saint John, N.B. responded to a call Wednesday morning after a pickup truck left the road and crashed into a home.

Police said it happened on Bayside Drive just east of Expansion Avenue a little before 9 a.m.

READ MORE: Woman, 7-year-old girl’s death in Rothesay deemed suspicious: police

Police have not commented on whether or not charges will be laid.

1:16 Driver who hit home causing gas explosion under impaired driving investigation: London police Driver who hit home causing gas explosion under impaired driving investigation: London police

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Instead of throwing down the gauntlet, Post Malone put it on his face.

The singer/rapper has debuted a new face tattoo to add to his collection.

The medieval gauntlet is featured prominently in photo posted Tuesday on tattoo artist Kyle Hediger’s Instagram account.

“Last tattoo of 2019,” the caption reads. “Gauntlet on the baby boy @postmalone love u. 2020 is going to be next level. Love you all.”

Malone also shared a photo in which a portion of the new tat can be seen.

The musical artist has more than 50 tattoos, including several on his face.

“Anything to piss my mom off,” Malone said of his body art in a 2018 interview.

“It’s not right,” Malone quipped. “I got a face for radio anyways, so why not?”

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Question:
As Northern Ireland greets 2020, just a year shy of the centenary of the foundation of the state, there will be many who hope DUP leader Arlene Foster means to deliver on her new year message of making the province a place at peace with itself and which the majority of people, unionist and nationalist, can feel comfortable in

Editor's Viewpoint: Time Northern Ireland parties step up and bring back power sharing BelfastTelegraph.co.uk As Northern Ireland greets 2020, just a year shy of the centenary of the foundation of the state, there will be many who hope DUP leader Arlene Foster means to deliver on her new year message of making the province a place at peace with itself and which the majority of people, unionist and nationalist, can feel comfortable in. https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/editors-viewpoint/editors-viewpoint-time-northern-ireland-parties-step-up-and-bring-back-power-sharing-38825563.html https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/incoming/0ed4b/38825614.ece/AUTOCROP/h342/Stormont%20facade%202.jpg

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As Northern Ireland greets 2020, just a year shy of the centenary of the foundation of the state, there will be many who hope DUP leader Arlene Foster means to deliver on her new year message of making the province a place at peace with itself and which the majority of people, unionist and nationalist, can feel comfortable in.

That is the greatest guarantee Northern Ireland's future within the Union is secure. Unionists, who have never learned from what they term as past betrayals by the Westminster government, is feeling nervous. They recognise that demographics are against them and the toxic atmosphere generated by Brexit in particular has created an increased groundswell to test opinion on Irish unity.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald wants a border poll but there is widespread agreement that it would be a divisive move at a time when Northern Ireland's more pressing day-to-day problems need sorting out.

Whatever one says, the ideological divide is always there between the two big parties.

But as they and the other local politicians return to talks tomorrow they know that public opinion demands they find a compromise and return to work at Stormont.

The problems that should unite them far outweigh the demands that divide them.

While Mrs Foster is correct to point out that civic and business life has soldiered on heroically during the three years that politicians have abdicated their responsibilities, it cannot be denied that the underlying problems in public services are at crisis point.

Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney DUP leader Arlene Foster

Simon Coveney urges 'new beginning' as Stormont talks set to resume BelfastTelegraph.co.uk Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney has called for a "new beginning" as talks to restore power-sharing resume tomorrow at Stormont. https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/simon-coveney-urges-new-beginning-as-stormont-talks-set-to-resume-38827500.html https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/b1f78/38827498.ece/AUTOCROP/h342/2020-01-02_new_56004090_I1.JPG

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Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney has called for a "new beginning" as talks to restore power-sharing resume tomorrow at Stormont.

DUP leader Arlene Foster said her party aimed to secure a "fair and balanced" deal.

The parties have just 11 days to reach a compromise. Secretary of State Julian Smith has warned that he will call a fresh Assembly election if an agreement hasn't been brokered by then.

Mr Smith will hold bilateral meetings with the parties before a round-table discussion at Stormont House.

Mr Coveney yesterday urged Northern Ireland politicians to show leadership and generosity in the negotiations.

He said the new year offered a chance for a fresh beginning and he urged all sides not to disappoint the public again. The dialogue had been paused for the Christmas holidays.

The Tanaiste held pre-talks with Mr Smith yesterday.

(MENAFN- America News Hour) Market Study Report Provides A Detailed Overview Of Fencing Market With Respect To The Pivotal Drivers Influencing The Revenue Graph Of This Business Sphere. The Current Trends Of Fencing Market In Conjunction With The Geographical Landscape, Demand Spectrum, Remuneration Scale, And Growth Graph Of This Vertical Have Also Been Included In This Report.

According to a new research the Fencing market is anticipated to reach over USD 40,730 million by 2026.

Request a sample of this premium report titled at: https://www.marketstudyreport.com/request-a-sample/1695016?utm_source=marketwatch.com & utm_medium=ADS

In 2017, the metal fencing segment dominated the global market, in terms of revenue. North America is expected to be the leading contributor to the global market revenue during the forecast period.

Improvement in lifestyle due to rise in income level, especially in the developing countries of Asia-Pacific fuels the demand for Fencings market. Enhancement of public infrastructure such as parks, museums, and other structures by governments, along with growth in the global construction industry would support the market growth in the coming years.

A significant increase in disposable income, and construction and renovation of residential buildings drive the growth of this market. Other driving factors include growth in global construction industry, enhanced safety concerns, and development of public infrastructure. The increasing investments by governments for enhancing public infrastructure such as parks, public places, and government premises further supports market growth. Increasing demand in developing nations is expected provide numerous growth opportunities to the market players during the forecast period.

The different materials used for fencing include wood, metal, concrete, plastic, and others. In 2017, the metal fencing segment accounted for the highest market share. The increasing demand for metal fencing in public places, government organizations, and commercial buildings for enhanced safety and security purposes drives the growth of this segment.

North America generated the highest revenue in the market in 2017, and is expected to lead the global market throughout the forecast period. The growing construction sector and high disposable income drives the market growth. The increasing trend of design and aesthetics supports the market growth in the region. Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period owing to increasing disposable incomes in developing countries of this region, and increase in construction of commercial buildings in this region.

The well-known companies profiled in the report include Allied Tube & Conduit, Jerith Manufacturing Company Inc., Poly Vinyl Creations Inc., Associated Materials LLC, CertainTeed Corporation, Fogarty PVC Fencing, Veka AG, Planet Polynet, Hoover Fence, and Ameristar Fence Products Incorporated among others. These companies launch new products and collaborate with other market leaders to innovate and launch new products to meet the increasing needs and requirements of consumers.

Request a discount on standard prices of this premium report titled at: https://www.marketstudyreport.com/check-for-discount/1695016?utm_source=marketwatch.com & utm_medium=ADS

Table of Contents:

1. Overview and Scope

1.1. Research goal & scope

1.2. Research assumptions

1.3. Research Methodology

1.3.1. Primary data sources

1.3.2. Secondary data sources

1.4. Key take-away

1.5. Stakeholders

2. Executive Summary

2.1. Market Definition

2.2. Market Segmentation

3. Fencing Market Insights

3.1. Fencing ? Industry snapshot

3.2. Fencing - Ecosystem analysis

3.3. Fencing Market Dynamics

3.3.1. Fencing ? Market Forces

3.3.1.1. Fencing Market Driver Analysis

4. Fencing Market Size and Forecast, 2017-2026 by Material

4.1. Key Findings

4.2. Wood

4.3. Metal

4.4. Concrete

4.5. Plastic

4.6. Others

5. Fencing Market Size and Forecast, 2017-2026 by Application

5.1. Key Findings

5.2. Boundary Fencing

5.3. Privacy Fencing

5.4. Temporary Fencing

5.5. Others

6. Fencing Market Size and Forecast, 2017-2026 by End-User

6.1. Key Findings

6.2. Residential

6.3. Agriculture

6.4. Government

6.5. Defense

6.6. Transportation

6.7. Energy and Power

6.8. Others

7. Fencing Market Size and Forecast, 2017-2026 by Region

7.1. Key Findings

7.2. North America

7.2.1. U.S.

7.2.2. Canada

7.2.3. Mexico

7.3. Europe

7.3.1. Germany

7.3.2. UK

7.3.3. France

7.3.4. Italy

7.3.5. Rest of Europe

7.4. Asia-Pacific

7.4.1. China

7.4.2. India

7.4.3. Japan

7.4.4. Rest of Asia-Pacific

7.5. Latin America

7.5.1. Brazil

7.6. Middle East & Africa

Questions? Get them answered via https://www.marketstudyreport.com/enquiry-before-buying/1695016?utm_source=marketwatch.com & utm_medium=ADS before taking a buying decision on this premium report titled Fencing Market [By Material (Wood, Metal, Concrete, Plastic, Others); By Application (Boundary Fencing, Privacy Fencing, Temporary Fencing, Others); By End-User (Residential, Agriculture, Government, Defense, Transportation, Energy and Power, Others); By Region]: Market Size & Forecast, 2017 – 2026

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The Kerala Real Estate Regulatory Authority (K-RERA) will help build trust in the real estate sector and infuse it with transparency and efficiency, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Wednesday.

The activities of a few individuals have served to malign this important sector to the extent that it has been equated to a ‘mafia,’ the Chief Minister said, formally inaugurating K-RERA at a function here.

With its emphasis on protecting the interests of consumers (buyers, allottees), K-RERA focusses on the prevention of malpractices in the real estate sector, he said.

Duping of buyers

Instances of buyers being duped by a section in the real estate sector had prompted the Parliament to pass the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act in 2016 making it mandatory for all States to form RERAs. K-RERA is designed to prevent such malpractices in Kerala.

Realtors who function in a lawful manner will not find themselves inconvenienced by RERA, Mr. Vijayan said.

The real estate sector is integral to the development of land. Negative financial trends in real estate affects the economic sector as a whole.

If policies are favourable, the sector can grow. So it is important to have policies and approaches that do not weaken it.

While the sector has witnessed spectacular growth in the past few decades, the absence of an effective regulatory mechanism was the main reason for the problems associated with real estate sector.

“This is not a sector which should be equated to a ‘mafia’,” the Chief Minister said.

From Oct. 2019

Technically, K-RERA came into being in October last year with P.H. Kurian as chairman and Preetha P. Menon as member. The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, makes it compulsory for builders to register projects with the State-level RERA.

Real estate agents also need to get themselves with the authority. RERA registration is applicable to projects where the land to be developed is 500 square metres or more and the number of apartments is eight or more inclusive of all phases.

An adjudicating officer who will handle compensation claims and an appellate tribunal for handling appeals on K-RERA decisions will be appointed soon, the Chief Minister said. He issued the registration certificates to builders and real estate agents who registered with RERA. The Chief Minister also released the emblem of K-RERA on the occasion. Minister for Local Self Government A. C. Moideen presided. Additional Chief Secretary T.K. Jose, K-RERA chairman P. H. Kurian and member Preetha P. Menon spoke.

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A family say their "world has been turned upside down" after the dad was photographed wearing blackface during a stay at a five-star hotel in Wales.

Sian Bannister posted the picture on Facebook . It showed herself posing alongside partner David-Jon Norman wearing brown face paint, fake dreadlocks, and a knitted Rastafarian hat. Also featured in the snap were the couple's two young mixed race children.

Taken at a recent visit to Newport's Celtic Manor Resort , the photo was captioned: "Annual family photo!"

However the image was re-posted by Bristol rapper Ace Brown who accused the couple of being "offensive and disrespectful".

"In this picture your partner is taking the p***, if not direct to the boys, but to their father's heritage," he said. His words having since been commented on and shared more than 21,000 times.

(Image: Facebook)

But 30-year-old Sian, also from Bristol, hit back after receiving a torrent of abuse as a result, with some even labelling the couple's actions as "child abuse".

She wrote: "Because of one man choosing to share my post rather than message me directly our world has been turned upside down.

"Ace could have messaged me highlighting the offence my post could cause and I would have apologised to all and removed it.

"I've had hundreds of threats, people ringing my local pub, racist abuse like you wouldn't believe."

She also suggested that the musician had jumped on the incident as an opportunity to plug a new song of his called Mixed Heritage, adding that it was one of her sons who'd asked her partner to paint his face in the first place.

"Is (my son) racist?" she asked. "(It was) complete innocence, a family laugh!

"Sorry, but I (stupidly) put that photo up not considering for one minute the way it could be portrayed by a wider audience.

"As two white parents with two mixed race boys we have been subject to comments in the past (from black and white people) when I've referred to us as a family – this was a middle finger to them.

"(It was) meant for MY friends eyes only – not the whole world and was in NO WAY intentionally making a mockery of my children's heritage and was not meant to symbolise black face as it stands in history."

Global stocks have surged in their best year for a decade after being given new life by interest rate cuts and signs that turmoil over Brexit is coming to an end.

More than $10 trillion (£7.6 trillion) was added to the value of shares around the world as central banks slashed rates and restarted money-printing schemes to battle an economic slowdown.

The MSCI World Index of global stocks has gained 25pc this year, bouncing back from its worst performance in a decade in 2018. This year was the best annual performance for stocks since 2009 and one of the strongest in decades.

In Britain, the FTSE 100 is up nearly 14pc and the mid-cap FTSE 250 has risen 26pc into new record territory, boosted by...

Kevin didn’t specify which character it would be (Picture: Marvel Comics)

Marvel boss Kevin Feige confirmed that the Marvel Cinematic Universe is getting their first transgender character.

After pleas for Marvel to include more LGBTQ+ characters in their franchise, Kevin appears to have delivered in The Eternals.

When asked at the New York Film Academy whether there were any plans to introduce more diverse characters, specifically transgender characters, the 46-year-old producer said: ‘Yes, absolutely yes.

‘Very soon, in a movie, we’re shooting right now, yes.’

Kevin never specified which movie the character will appear in, but The Eternals is currently the only project in the middle of filming.

The Eternals stars Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, and Salma Hayek.

According to Kevin, The Eternals will also be getting a gay character, who is ‘married, he’s got a family, and that is just part of who he is.’

Kevin revealed The Eternals also has a gay character (Picture: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)

On 7 December, a few lucky fans were treated to a first look at The Eternals, giving a glimpse at Angelina and Salma’s characters.

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Kevin hosted a panel at Comic-con in Sao Paolo where he unveiled a fresh look at Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow after the official trailer dropped last week.

But it was The Eternals preview which had everyone talking as it’s been kept tightly under wraps since news of the movie broke earlier this year.

And while the first look footage still isn’t available for the wider public, a group of lucky Comic-Con attendees were able to watch a short clip.

According to Deadline, the video showed a blonde Angelina ‘kicking some major a*s’ during a huge fight scene and, frankly, we wouldn’t expect anything less.

The rest of the heroes are then shown in different parts of the world before the footage closes with Salma’s character Ajak stating: ‘This world has changed us. We must protect it.’

Got a showbiz story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page - we'd love to hear from you.

MORE: Who is in the cast of Marvel’s The Eternals with Angelina Jolie and when is the release date?

MORE: Marvel’s The Eternals’ Richard Madden and Angelina Jolie evacuated after unexploded bomb found on set

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