Acting US homeland security chief Kevin McAleenan has resigned, US President Donald Trump announced late Friday, becoming the latest in a long list of top officials to leave the administration.

"Kevin McAleenan has done an outstanding job as Acting Secretary of Homeland Security. We have worked well together with Border Crossings being way down," Trump said in a tweet.

"Kevin now, after many years in Government, wants to spend more time with his family and go to the private sector. Congratulations Kevin, on a job well done!"

McAleenan served in the role for only six months, replacing Kirstjen Nielsen, who sat at the helm of the powerful agency for 18 months.

During McAleenan's brief tenure, the Trump administration stepped up efforts to discourage an exodus of migrants from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador by asking Mexico to impede their transit and requiring them to apply for asylum in the first country they enter -- meaning either Guatemala or Mexico.

"I want to thank the President for the opportunity to serve alongside the men and women of the Department of Homeland Security," McAleenan said in a tweet.

"With his support, over the last 6 months, we have made tremendous progress mitigating the border security and humanitarian crisis we faced this year, by reducing unlawful crossings, partnering with governments in the region to counter human smugglers and address the causes of migration, and deploy additional border security resources."

Trump said he would announce a new acting homeland security secretary next week, and that there were "many wonderful candidates."

Acting US homeland security chief Kevin McAleenan has resigned, US President Donald Trump announced late Friday, becoming the latest in a long list of top officials to leave the administration.

Acting US homeland security chief Kevin McAleenan has resigned, US President Donald Trump announced late Friday, becoming the latest in a long list of top officials to leave the administration. "Kevin McAleenan has done an outstanding job as Acting Secretary of Homeland Security. We have worked well together with Border Crossings being way down," Trump said in a tweet. "Kevin now, after many years in Government, wants to spend more time with his family and go to the private sector. Congratulations Kevin, on a job well done!" McAleenan served in the role for only six months, replacing Kirstjen Nielsen, who sat at the helm of the powerful agency for 18 months. During McAleenan's brief tenure, the Trump administration stepped up efforts to discourage an exodus of migrants from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador by asking Mexico to impede their transit and requiring them to apply for asylum in the first country they enter -- meaning either Guatemala or Mexico. "I want to thank the President for the opportunity to serve alongside the men and women of the Department of Homeland Security," McAleenan said in a tweet. "With his support, over the last 6 months, we have made tremendous progress mitigating the border security and humanitarian crisis we faced this year, by reducing unlawful crossings, partnering with governments in the region to counter human smugglers and address the causes of migration, and deploy additional border security resources." Trump said he would announce a new acting homeland security secretary next week, and that there were "many wonderful candidates."

Acting US homeland security chief Kevin McAleenan resigns: Trump

<a href="wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-warmer-feelings-in-us-china-trade-talks-255346">US President Donald Trump</a> on Friday announced a partial trade deal with China after talks in Washington with Vice Premier Liu He.

The pact, characterized by US officials as the first phase in negotiations, capped a rollercoaster week for stocks, with the market retreating early in the week on doubts about the talks, but reversing course midweek as the signs from both sides became more conciliatory.

"There was a lot of friction between the United States and China, now it’s a lovefest," Trump said. "It's beyond a trade deal."

Beijing and Washington have been at loggerheads for more than a year, with US President Donald Trump emphasizing trade relations with China as a central tenet of his "America First" agenda.

Gravitas: India-china Ties: Is Trade The Biggest Sticking Point?

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Wall Street stocks finished higher on Friday as US-China trade negotiations yielded a partial deal that included a halt to tariffs scheduled for next week.

US President Donald Trump on Friday announced a partial trade deal with China after talks in Washington with Vice Premier Liu He. The pact, characterized by US officials as the first phase in negotiations, capped a rollercoaster week for stocks, with the market retreating early in the week on doubts about the talks, but reversing course midweek as the signs from both sides became more conciliatory.

US President Donald Trump on Friday announced a partial trade deal with China after talks in Washington with Vice Premier Liu He. The pact, characterized by US officials as the first phase in negotiations, capped a rollercoaster week for stocks, with the market retreating early in the week on doubts about the talks, but reversing course midweek as the signs from both sides became more conciliatory. "There was a lot of friction between the United States and China, now it’s a lovefest," Trump said. "It's beyond a trade deal." Beijing and Washington have been at loggerheads for more than a year, with US President Donald Trump emphasizing trade relations with China as a central tenet of his "America First" agenda. Gravitas: India-china Ties: Is Trade The Biggest Sticking Point? Wall Street stocks finished higher on Friday as US-China trade negotiations yielded a partial deal that included a halt to tariffs scheduled for next week.

US President Donald Trump announces partial trade deal with China

Model Bella Hadid and The Weekend who parted ways two months back were spotted spending time together again. The Grammy winner made an appearance at the supermodel's 23rd birthday party at Le Chalet, L'Avenue at Saks'&nbsp;lower level cocktail lounge. 
 
On Thursday night, Bella celebrated her birthday at the New York City hot-spot with friends and family, including Yolanda Hadid, Gigi Hadid, Anwar Hadid and his girlfriend Dua Lipa. 
 
During the celebrations, she was spotted taking tequila shots with The Weeknd. "Abel met up with Bella last night for her third birthday celebration at L'Avenue," a source confirmed the news to a news agency. 
 
"He was with her the entire night and they left together to go back to the apartment they both shared ". The insider adds, "You could tell that they were definitely in love and they both looked very happy being around each other." 
 
News agency exclusively revealed in August that the on-off couple had called it quits once again, with 'distance'&nbsp;playing a role in the split. 
 
"Bella and Abel have been in touch the last couple of weeks and have been working on their relationship," the source told news agency. 
 
"Initially, Abel reached out to Bella first checking in to say hello, and she agreed to meet up with him". "There was no love lost between the two Abel just had a few things he needed to work on and his focus was elsewhere," the insider continued. 
 
"They are in a better place right now but are trying to keep things on the down-low. They both want to be more private about it this time around."&nbsp;

Model Bella Hadid and The Weekend who parted ways two months back were spotted spending time together again. The Grammy winner made an appearance at the supermodel's 23rd birthday party at Le Chalet, L'Avenue at Saks' lower level cocktail lounge.

Model Bella Hadid and The Weekend who parted ways two months back were spotted spending time together again. The Grammy winner made an appearance at the supermodel's 23rd birthday party at Le Chalet, L'Avenue at Saks' lower level cocktail lounge. On Thursday night, Bella celebrated her birthday at the New York City hot-spot with friends and family, including Yolanda Hadid, Gigi Hadid, Anwar Hadid and his girlfriend Dua Lipa. During the celebrations, she was spotted taking tequila shots with The Weeknd. "Abel met up with Bella last night for her third birthday celebration at L'Avenue," a source confirmed the news to a news agency. "He was with her the entire night and they left together to go back to the apartment they both shared ". The insider adds, "You could tell that they were definitely in love and they both looked very happy being around each other." News agency exclusively revealed in August that the on-off couple had called it quits once again, with 'distance' playing a role in the split. "Bella and Abel have been in touch the last couple of weeks and have been working on their relationship," the source told news agency. "Initially, Abel reached out to Bella first checking in to say hello, and she agreed to meet up with him". "There was no love lost between the two Abel just had a few things he needed to work on and his focus was elsewhere," the insider continued. "They are in a better place right now but are trying to keep things on the down-low. They both want to be more private about it this time around."

Bella Hadid, The Weeknd spotted spending time together after split

Singer Katy Perry along with the collaborators of her 2013 track 'Dark Horse'&nbsp;has filed an appeal seeking a reversal or new trial in their copyright infringement suit. 
 
In almost a week-long trial in July, a California jury found Perry and collaborators guilty of stealing Christian rapper Marcus Gray popularly known as Flame's song 'Joyful Noise', and thus made them liable to pay USD 2.78 million in damages. 
 
According to the appeal filed on Wednesday, as cited by a news agency, they are asking the jury to either overturn or grant a new trial on "the legally unsupportable jury verdicts in this music copyright infringement case that are widely recognised within the music industry and beyond as a grave miscarriage of justice". 
 
"The erroneous verdicts in this case and the precedent established thereby present serious harm to music creators and to the music industry as a whole," the appeal added. 
 
In their appeal, the defendants maintained that nearly all the original plays for 'Joyful Noise'&nbsp;were in religious venues and suggested that the original song may not have sold a single verifiable copy. 
 
"Plaintiffs did not offer proof of one single digital or brick-and-mortar sale of&nbsp; 'Joyful Noise'&nbsp;or (the album) 'Our World Redeemed'&nbsp;and admitted that they have no such evidence," they wrote in the appeal. 
 
Perry added that the plaintiffs presented no evidence of any sales or any 'documentary evidence'&nbsp;of their song. Along with Perry, those liable to pay damages are Capitol Records, Warner Bros. Music Corporation, Kobalt Publishing, and Kasz Money, along with producers and songwriters Dr&nbsp;Luke, Max Martin, Cirkut, Sarah Hudson and Juicy J.&nbsp;

Singer Katy Perry along with the collaborators of her 2013 track 'Dark Horse' has filed an appeal seeking a reversal or new trial in their copyright infringement suit.

Singer Katy Perry along with the collaborators of her 2013 track 'Dark Horse' has filed an appeal seeking a reversal or new trial in their copyright infringement suit. In almost a week-long trial in July, a California jury found Perry and collaborators guilty of stealing Christian rapper Marcus Gray popularly known as Flame's song 'Joyful Noise', and thus made them liable to pay USD 2.78 million in damages. According to the appeal filed on Wednesday, as cited by a news agency, they are asking the jury to either overturn or grant a new trial on "the legally unsupportable jury verdicts in this music copyright infringement case that are widely recognised within the music industry and beyond as a grave miscarriage of justice". "The erroneous verdicts in this case and the precedent established thereby present serious harm to music creators and to the music industry as a whole," the appeal added. In their appeal, the defendants maintained that nearly all the original plays for 'Joyful Noise' were in religious venues and suggested that the original song may not have sold a single verifiable copy. "Plaintiffs did not offer proof of one single digital or brick-and-mortar sale of 'Joyful Noise' or (the album) 'Our World Redeemed' and admitted that they have no such evidence," they wrote in the appeal. Perry added that the plaintiffs presented no evidence of any sales or any 'documentary evidence' of their song. Along with Perry, those liable to pay damages are Capitol Records, Warner Bros. Music Corporation, Kobalt Publishing, and Kasz Money, along with producers and songwriters Dr Luke, Max Martin, Cirkut, Sarah Hudson and Juicy J.

Katy Perry with 'Dark Horse' collaborators files appeal to reverse copyright suit decision

'Wonder Woman'&nbsp;Gal Gadot along with husband Jaron Varsano has launched a production firm Pilot Wave. The actor is also set to star in the firm's first production, 'Irena Sendler'. 
 
The fact-based historical thriller will see Gadot in the titular role which will also be produced by her along with Marc Platt, learned Deadline. 
 
Gadot's upcoming feature dates back to WWII and is set to narrate the story of a woman's defiant stand against Polish Nazi occupation and the incredible network she developed to care for and save 2500 Jewish children from the Warsaw ghetto. 
 
The screenplay of the film will be written by Justine Juel Gillmer. Talking about their production company, Gadot and Varsano in a statement said, "As producers, we want to help bring stories that have inspired us to live. 
 
Pilot Wave will create content that promotes the perspectives and experiences of unique people and produce impactful stories aimed at igniting the imagination.

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B3fYcWdhlK3/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Pilot Wave is taking off! I’m so excited this is finally out. @jaronvarsano and I have been working on this for quite some time and I just CAN'T wait to bring to life all the amazing stories we're working on with all of our wonderfully talented partners. ... ... “As producers, we want to help bring stories that have inspired us to life, Pilot Wave will create content that promotes the perspectives and experiences of unique people and produce impactful stories aimed at igniting the imagination.”</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gal_gadot/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Gal Gadot</a> (@gal_gadot) on <time datetime="2019-10-11T19:52:58+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Oct 11, 2019 at 12:52pm PDT</time>
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"Gadot also shared the news on Instagram writing, "Varsano and I have been working on this for quite some time and I just CAN'T wait to bring to life all the amazing stories we're working on with all of our wonderfully talented partners". 
 
On the work front, the 34-year-old already has 'Wonder Woman 1984'&nbsp;in her docket which is set to come next summer. She will also star in Kenneth Branagh's 'Death on the Nile'.

'Wonder Woman' Gal Gadot along with husband Jaron Varsano has launched a production firm Pilot Wave. The actor is also set to star in the firm's first production, 'Irena Sendler'.

'Wonder Woman' Gal Gadot along with husband Jaron Varsano has launched a production firm Pilot Wave. The actor is also set to star in the firm's first production, 'Irena Sendler'. The fact-based historical thriller will see Gadot in the titular role which will also be produced by her along with Marc Platt, learned Deadline. Gadot's upcoming feature dates back to WWII and is set to narrate the story of a woman's defiant stand against Polish Nazi occupation and the incredible network she developed to care for and save 2500 Jewish children from the Warsaw ghetto. The screenplay of the film will be written by Justine Juel Gillmer. Talking about their production company, Gadot and Varsano in a statement said, "As producers, we want to help bring stories that have inspired us to live. Pilot Wave will create content that promotes the perspectives and experiences of unique people and produce impactful stories aimed at igniting the imagination. View this post on Instagram Pilot Wave is taking off! I’m so excited this is finally out. @jaronvarsano and I have been working on this for quite some time and I just CAN'T wait to bring to life all the amazing stories we're working on with all of our wonderfully talented partners. ... ... “As producers, we want to help bring stories that have inspired us to life, Pilot Wave will create content that promotes the perspectives and experiences of unique people and produce impactful stories aimed at igniting the imagination.” A post shared by Gal Gadot (@gal_gadot) on Oct 11, 2019 at 12:52pm PDT × "Gadot also shared the news on Instagram writing, "Varsano and I have been working on this for quite some time and I just CAN'T wait to bring to life all the amazing stories we're working on with all of our wonderfully talented partners". On the work front, the 34-year-old already has 'Wonder Woman 1984' in her docket which is set to come next summer. She will also star in Kenneth Branagh's 'Death on the Nile'.

Gal Gadot launches production firm, to star in its first outing 'Irena Sendler'

Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge on Saturday made history, busting the mythical two-hour barrier for the marathon on a specially prepared course in a huge Vienna park.

With an unofficial time of 1hr 59min 40.2sec, the Olympic champion became the first ever to run a marathon in under two hours in the Prater park with the course readied to make it as even as possible.

The 34-year-old already holds the men's world record for the distance with a time of 2hr 01min 39sec, which he set in the flat Berlin marathon on September 16, 2018.

But accompanied by a posse of 41 pacemakers and a car in front of them setting the pace, Kipchoge bested that mark, making good on a failed attempt two years ago in Monza, Italy.

"I am the first man - I want to inspire many people, that no human is limited," said the history-making Kipchoge.

"We can make this world a beautiful world and a peaceful world. My wife and three children, I am happy for them to come and witness history."

Maintaining a very regular pace at around 2:50 minutes per kilometre, he passed the finish line gesturing and smiling.

He had been 11 seconds in advance at mid-race as fans lining the course, many waving Kenyan flags, loudly cheered him on.

Kipchoge told reporters earlier this week that his attempt in the Austrian capital was about "making history in this world, like the first man to go to the moon".

"I just have to make that click in people's minds that no human is limited," he had said.

Surfaces evened out

Because of the way the run was set up and paced the International Association of Athletics Federations will not validate the time as a world record.

The running surface had been partly retarred and readied with other features such as a banked corner that could save time and avoid injury.&nbsp;

Pacemakers took turns to support him throughout the 42.195-kilometre (26.219-miles) race. They included 1,500-metre Olympic champion Matthew Centrowitz and former world champion Bernard Lagat.

The course included a 4.3 kilometre-long straight alley, which the Kenyan ran up and down several times amid dry but foggy weather.

"The course is extremely good. I'm happy with the course," Kipchoge, whose family has accompanied him to Vienna, said earlier this week.

Chris Froome, leader of Ineos cycling team, also watched Kipchoge's race in Vienna, according to the organisers.

Organisers only allowed their own cameras to film the run itself.&nbsp;

Throngs of fans cheered on Kipchoge whenever he passed by.

"It's history in the making. I'm very proud... It will be a motivation to a lot of young people. People are looking up to him," said Nichasius Koech, 37, a software engineer from Kenya who works in Germany, ahead of the run.

Another fan, Joe Saissi, 25, from London said it was "a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity".

Kipchoge already tried in May 2017 to break the two-hour barrier, running on the Monza National Autodrome racing circuit in Italy, failing narrowly in 2hr 00min 25sec.

But this time he said before the race that he was mentally stronger and more confident.

The course had been prepared so that it should take Kipchoge just about 4.5 seconds more than on a computer-simulated completely flat and straight path, according to analysis by sports experts at Vienna University.

In total, he only had to descend 26 metres in altitude and climb 12 metres, the experts said.

The founder of the main sponsors, Ineos, British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, is taking a personal interest in the challenge and himself competes in Ironman triathlons.

The world marathon record has, for the past 16 years, been contested uniquely between athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia. The two nations are also fierce rivals for distance medals on the track.

Kipchoge's record was almost beaten last month in the Berlin marathon by Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele, who ran 2:01.41, just two seconds short of the official world mark.

Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge on Saturday made history, busting the mythical two-hour barrier for the marathon on a specially prepared course in a huge Vienna park. With an unofficial time of 1hr 59min 40.

Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge on Saturday made history, busting the mythical two-hour barrier for the marathon on a specially prepared course in a huge Vienna park. With an unofficial time of 1hr 59min 40.2sec, the Olympic champion became the first ever to run a marathon in under two hours in the Prater park with the course readied to make it as even as possible. The 34-year-old already holds the men's world record for the distance with a time of 2hr 01min 39sec, which he set in the flat Berlin marathon on September 16, 2018. But accompanied by a posse of 41 pacemakers and a car in front of them setting the pace, Kipchoge bested that mark, making good on a failed attempt two years ago in Monza, Italy. "I am the first man - I want to inspire many people, that no human is limited," said the history-making Kipchoge. "We can make this world a beautiful world and a peaceful world. My wife and three children, I am happy for them to come and witness history." Maintaining a very regular pace at around 2:50 minutes per kilometre, he passed the finish line gesturing and smiling. He had been 11 seconds in advance at mid-race as fans lining the course, many waving Kenyan flags, loudly cheered him on. Kipchoge told reporters earlier this week that his attempt in the Austrian capital was about "making history in this world, like the first man to go to the moon". "I just have to make that click in people's minds that no human is limited," he had said. Surfaces evened out Because of the way the run was set up and paced the International Association of Athletics Federations will not validate the time as a world record. The running surface had been partly retarred and readied with other features such as a banked corner that could save time and avoid injury. Pacemakers took turns to support him throughout the 42.195-kilometre (26.219-miles) race. They included 1,500-metre Olympic champion Matthew Centrowitz and former world champion Bernard Lagat. The course included a 4.3 kilometre-long straight alley, which the Kenyan ran up and down several times amid dry but foggy weather. "The course is extremely good. I'm happy with the course," Kipchoge, whose family has accompanied him to Vienna, said earlier this week. Chris Froome, leader of Ineos cycling team, also watched Kipchoge's race in Vienna, according to the organisers. Organisers only allowed their own cameras to film the run itself. Throngs of fans cheered on Kipchoge whenever he passed by. "It's history in the making. I'm very proud... It will be a motivation to a lot of young people. People are looking up to him," said Nichasius Koech, 37, a software engineer from Kenya who works in Germany, ahead of the run. Another fan, Joe Saissi, 25, from London said it was "a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity". Kipchoge already tried in May 2017 to break the two-hour barrier, running on the Monza National Autodrome racing circuit in Italy, failing narrowly in 2hr 00min 25sec. But this time he said before the race that he was mentally stronger and more confident. The course had been prepared so that it should take Kipchoge just about 4.5 seconds more than on a computer-simulated completely flat and straight path, according to analysis by sports experts at Vienna University. In total, he only had to descend 26 metres in altitude and climb 12 metres, the experts said. The founder of the main sponsors, Ineos, British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, is taking a personal interest in the challenge and himself competes in Ironman triathlons. The world marathon record has, for the past 16 years, been contested uniquely between athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia. The two nations are also fierce rivals for distance medals on the track. Kipchoge's record was almost beaten last month in the Berlin marathon by Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele, who ran 2:01.41, just two seconds short of the official world mark.

Kenya's Kipchoge becomes first ever to run marathon in under two hours

Betty Johnson, who has worked on General Motors assembly lines in Michigan and Tennessee for more than 34 years, said she knew a strike by the United Auto Workers would mean personal sacrifice.

Nearly 50,000 GM hourly employees have been striking since September 16 in a walkout that has halted production at 31 factories and<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gm-temporarily-lays-off-6000-workers-in-mexico-due-to-strike-253197"> led to thousands of layoffs</a> at auto supply companies.

"It's not easy," Johnson said. "I've got $45 left from my $250 in strike pay. I'm getting ready to hit up my 401K (retirement account) and borrow from myself," she said as she picketed outside GM's Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant.

GM employees who are boycotting receive only $250 a week, a minuscule fraction of their normal salaries.

Johnson has already contacted the United Way, the local community organization that helps families in distress, for assistance in stretching out her utility bills and mortgage payments. &nbsp;

The union has urged members to contact a community information and referral services hotline and passed out cards with the corresponding phone number, Johnson said.

Credit unions supported by organized labour have also stepped forward to help some of the strikers.

"I don't see how you can feed five children on $250 a week," said Johnson, noting that many of her coworkers face even greater hardships, especially temporary employees.

The UAW says the typical GM worker at the top of the pay scale makes an average of $65,000 per year and employees with less than eight years seniority make even less.

Meanwhile, the seven per cent of GM workers classified as temporary employees make&nbsp;$16.50 per hour or about $33,000 per year.

Community support&nbsp;

Louis Rocha, president of UAW Local 5960 in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan, who works at an assembly plant where GM builds electric vehicles, said community support has been helpful.

Local 5960 runs a striking kitchen that prepares food around the clock and gives away free meals thanks to donations from local businesses, churches, community groups and ordinary people.

Pizza has been delivered free of charge to the hall every day since the strike began on September 16, he added.

Rocha even recounted the story of a local veterinarian who offered to do surgery on a family's cat for free so that they didn't have to euthanize it.

Gerald Lang, Local 5960 vice president, said he doesn't believe GM ever anticipated the broad community support the UAW has gotten during the walkout.

"There are a lot of workers pinched by corporations. Everyone who packs a lunch box sees it and knows it. They're expected to do more with less," said Lang.

Workers have been learning to economize on food, transportation and entertainment.

David Michael, a member of Local 5960, said he dropped cable television and switched to processed food.

"I buy gas by the gallon rather than filling it up," said Michael, who has dipped into savings to cover his bills.

Diana Reed, who has worked for GM for 20 years and is also a member of Local 5960, said she's begun combing her house for belongings to sell on an online marketplace.

A single mother with five sons, Reed said her three oldest have jobs and are helping with household bills while her youngest two, both at university, took the semester off to save money since she pays their tuition.

"Do I feel bad? Yes. But it's a concession we had to make," Reed said.

"It's hard for people to save for something like this," said Reed, who notes that most workers with children live paycheck to paycheck.

Reed, who has previously made donations to food pantries, now finds the tables turned, accepting donated food.

"I had to put down my pride and that was hard. The big thing that made me put that down was thinking about my boys," she said.

Betty Johnson, who has worked on General Motors assembly lines in Michigan and Tennessee for more than 34 years, said she knew a strike by the United Auto Workers would mean personal sacrifice.

Betty Johnson, who has worked on General Motors assembly lines in Michigan and Tennessee for more than 34 years, said she knew a strike by the United Auto Workers would mean personal sacrifice. Nearly 50,000 GM hourly employees have been striking since September 16 in a walkout that has halted production at 31 factories and led to thousands of layoffs at auto supply companies. "It's not easy," Johnson said. "I've got $45 left from my $250 in strike pay. I'm getting ready to hit up my 401K (retirement account) and borrow from myself," she said as she picketed outside GM's Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant. GM employees who are boycotting receive only $250 a week, a minuscule fraction of their normal salaries. Johnson has already contacted the United Way, the local community organization that helps families in distress, for assistance in stretching out her utility bills and mortgage payments. The union has urged members to contact a community information and referral services hotline and passed out cards with the corresponding phone number, Johnson said. Credit unions supported by organized labour have also stepped forward to help some of the strikers. "I don't see how you can feed five children on $250 a week," said Johnson, noting that many of her coworkers face even greater hardships, especially temporary employees. The UAW says the typical GM worker at the top of the pay scale makes an average of $65,000 per year and employees with less than eight years seniority make even less. Meanwhile, the seven per cent of GM workers classified as temporary employees make $16.50 per hour or about $33,000 per year. Community support Louis Rocha, president of UAW Local 5960 in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan, who works at an assembly plant where GM builds electric vehicles, said community support has been helpful. Local 5960 runs a striking kitchen that prepares food around the clock and gives away free meals thanks to donations from local businesses, churches, community groups and ordinary people. Pizza has been delivered free of charge to the hall every day since the strike began on September 16, he added. Rocha even recounted the story of a local veterinarian who offered to do surgery on a family's cat for free so that they didn't have to euthanize it. Gerald Lang, Local 5960 vice president, said he doesn't believe GM ever anticipated the broad community support the UAW has gotten during the walkout. "There are a lot of workers pinched by corporations. Everyone who packs a lunch box sees it and knows it. They're expected to do more with less," said Lang. Workers have been learning to economize on food, transportation and entertainment. David Michael, a member of Local 5960, said he dropped cable television and switched to processed food. "I buy gas by the gallon rather than filling it up," said Michael, who has dipped into savings to cover his bills. Diana Reed, who has worked for GM for 20 years and is also a member of Local 5960, said she's begun combing her house for belongings to sell on an online marketplace. A single mother with five sons, Reed said her three oldest have jobs and are helping with household bills while her youngest two, both at university, took the semester off to save money since she pays their tuition. "Do I feel bad? Yes. But it's a concession we had to make," Reed said. "It's hard for people to save for something like this," said Reed, who notes that most workers with children live paycheck to paycheck. Reed, who has previously made donations to food pantries, now finds the tables turned, accepting donated food. "I had to put down my pride and that was hard. The big thing that made me put that down was thinking about my boys," she said.

General Motors workers struggle with daily expenses as long strike continues

Pakistan has offered rare backing to Turkey in its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-vows-to-keep-up-syria-assault-as-us-says-troops-came-under-fire-255364">offensive against Kurdish forces in Syria</a>, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expected to visit Islamabad later this month.

Turkey on Wednesday launched an offensive in northern Syria targeting the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, a key US ally in the five-year battle to crush the Islamic State group. The SDF lost 11,000 fighters in the US-led campaign.

It is Turkey's third such operation since the start of the war in Syria and has been met with international condemnation.

Prime Minister Imran Khan, however, called Erdogan on Friday to "convey Pakistan's support and solidarity," his office said.

"The prime minister told him that Pakistan fully understands Turkey's concerns relating to terrorism," it said, adding "Pakistan is fully cognizant of the threats and challenges being faced by Turkey having lost 40,000 of its people to terrorism".

Khan told Erdogan that "Pakistan stands in full support and solidarity with Turkey," it said.

"We pray that Turkey's efforts for enhanced security, regional stability and peaceful resolution of the Syrian situation are fully successful," Khan was quoted as saying.

Khan's office said Erdogan would visit Pakistan later this month.

President Donald Trump has faced a firestorm of criticism for appearing to greenlight Turkey's offensive into northeastern Syria, which began after Trump ordered US troops to pull back from the border.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Friday Trump had authorised -- but not yet activated -- "very significant new sanctions" to dissuade Turkey from further offensive military action.

Pakistan has offered rare backing to Turkey in its offensive against Kurdish forces in Syria, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expected to visit Islamabad later this month.

Pakistan has offered rare backing to Turkey in its offensive against Kurdish forces in Syria, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expected to visit Islamabad later this month. Turkey on Wednesday launched an offensive in northern Syria targeting the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, a key US ally in the five-year battle to crush the Islamic State group. The SDF lost 11,000 fighters in the US-led campaign. It is Turkey's third such operation since the start of the war in Syria and has been met with international condemnation. Prime Minister Imran Khan, however, called Erdogan on Friday to "convey Pakistan's support and solidarity," his office said. "The prime minister told him that Pakistan fully understands Turkey's concerns relating to terrorism," it said, adding "Pakistan is fully cognizant of the threats and challenges being faced by Turkey having lost 40,000 of its people to terrorism". Khan told Erdogan that "Pakistan stands in full support and solidarity with Turkey," it said. "We pray that Turkey's efforts for enhanced security, regional stability and peaceful resolution of the Syrian situation are fully successful," Khan was quoted as saying. Khan's office said Erdogan would visit Pakistan later this month. President Donald Trump has faced a firestorm of criticism for appearing to greenlight Turkey's offensive into northeastern Syria, which began after Trump ordered US troops to pull back from the border. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Friday Trump had authorised -- but not yet activated -- "very significant new sanctions" to dissuade Turkey from further offensive military action.

Pakistan supports Turkey's Syria offensive

Bill McDermott, the American chief executive of massive German business software maker SAP, will quit after a decade in charge, the company said Friday.

McDermott "has decided not to renew his contract and is stepping down from his position," SAP said in a statement, adding that he will be replaced by board members Jennifer Morgan and Christian Klein as co-chief executives.

The company did not give a reason for the longtime chief's sudden departure.

He joined the software maker in 2002, climbing to the executive board in 2008 and serving as CEO since 2010.

"Every CEO dreams of handing an exceptionally strong company to its next-generation... now we start the next chapter," McDermott tweeted.

SAP said the veteran executive "will remain in an advisory capacity until the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition".

His contract had originally been slated to run until 2021.

"SAP would not be what it is today without Bill McDermott," supervisory board chairman Hasso Plattner said.

He singled out for praise SAP's transition from selling traditional software licenses to subscriptions to cloud computing services, "which will fuel our growth for many years to come".

A member of the DAX blue-chip index on the Frankfurt stock market, SAP boasts a market capitalisation of almost $143 billion.

In third-quarter results released ahead of schedule Friday, the group reported 13 per cent year-on-year growth in revenue, to 6.8 billion euros.

Net profit grew 30 percent compared with July-September 2018, to 1.3 billion euros.

Bill McDermott, the American chief executive of massive German business software maker SAP, will quit after a decade in charge, the company said Friday. McDermott "has decided not to renew his contract and is stepping down from his position," SAP said in a statement, adding that he will be replaced by board members Jennifer Morgan and Christian Klein as co-chief executives.

Bill McDermott, the American chief executive of massive German business software maker SAP, will quit after a decade in charge, the company said Friday. McDermott "has decided not to renew his contract and is stepping down from his position," SAP said in a statement, adding that he will be replaced by board members Jennifer Morgan and Christian Klein as co-chief executives. The company did not give a reason for the longtime chief's sudden departure. He joined the software maker in 2002, climbing to the executive board in 2008 and serving as CEO since 2010. "Every CEO dreams of handing an exceptionally strong company to its next-generation... now we start the next chapter," McDermott tweeted. SAP said the veteran executive "will remain in an advisory capacity until the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition". His contract had originally been slated to run until 2021. "SAP would not be what it is today without Bill McDermott," supervisory board chairman Hasso Plattner said. He singled out for praise SAP's transition from selling traditional software licenses to subscriptions to cloud computing services, "which will fuel our growth for many years to come". A member of the DAX blue-chip index on the Frankfurt stock market, SAP boasts a market capitalisation of almost $143 billion. In third-quarter results released ahead of schedule Friday, the group reported 13 per cent year-on-year growth in revenue, to 6.8 billion euros. Net profit grew 30 percent compared with July-September 2018, to 1.3 billion euros.

Chief executive of German business software group SAP steps down

An explosion set ablaze an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-blacklists-iranian-oil-tanker-adrian-darya-sanctions-captain-246781">Iranian oil tanker</a> off the Saudi port city of Jeddah, Iranian state media reported on Friday, adding that experts suspected it was a "terrorist attack".

The tanker, owned by National Iranian Oil Company, had suffered heavy damage and was leaking oil into the Red Sea some 60 miles from Jeddah, unnamed sources told Iran's Students News Agency ISNA.

All crew members&nbsp;are safe and the situation of the tanker is stable, Iran's Nour news agency reported.

"None of the crew members were injured at the explosion... the situation is under control," the news agency, close to Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards Corps, reported.

"Experts believe it was a terrorist attack," a source told ISNA.

The Nour news agency, which is close to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, said the crew was safe and gave the name of the stricken vessel as "Sanitized".

Tensions have been high between regional foes Iran and Saudi Arabia since an attack on the Kingdom's two oil facilities on September&nbsp;14 that caused fires and damage and shutting down 5.7 million barrels per day (bpd) of production - more than 5% of global oil supply.

Yemen’s Houthi group claimed responsibility for the attacks, but a US&nbsp;official said they originated from southwestern Iran. Riyadh blamed Tehran. Iran, which supports the Houthis in Yemen’s war, has denied any involvement.

An explosion set ablaze an Iranian oil tanker off the Saudi port city of Jeddah, Iranian state media reported on Friday, adding that experts suspected it was a "terrorist attack".

An explosion set ablaze an Iranian oil tanker off the Saudi port city of Jeddah, Iranian state media reported on Friday, adding that experts suspected it was a "terrorist attack". The tanker, owned by National Iranian Oil Company, had suffered heavy damage and was leaking oil into the Red Sea some 60 miles from Jeddah, unnamed sources told Iran's Students News Agency ISNA. All crew members are safe and the situation of the tanker is stable, Iran's Nour news agency reported. "None of the crew members were injured at the explosion... the situation is under control," the news agency, close to Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards Corps, reported. "Experts believe it was a terrorist attack," a source told ISNA. The Nour news agency, which is close to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, said the crew was safe and gave the name of the stricken vessel as "Sanitized". Tensions have been high between regional foes Iran and Saudi Arabia since an attack on the Kingdom's two oil facilities on September 14 that caused fires and damage and shutting down 5.7 million barrels per day (bpd) of production - more than 5% of global oil supply. Yemen’s Houthi group claimed responsibility for the attacks, but a US official said they originated from southwestern Iran. Riyadh blamed Tehran. Iran, which supports the Houthis in Yemen’s war, has denied any involvement.

Explosion sets ablaze Iranian oil tanker near Saudi port, all crew members safe

Oil&nbsp;prices climbed early on Friday, building on gains in the previous session after producer club&nbsp;OPEC&nbsp;hinted at making&nbsp;deeper&nbsp;cuts&nbsp;in supply while optimism was revived over&nbsp;talks&nbsp;between the United States and&nbsp;China&nbsp;to end their&nbsp;trade&nbsp;war.

International benchmark Brent crude futures were at $59.26 a barrel by 0251 GMT, up 16 cents, or 0.3 per cent, from their previous settlement. Brent settled up 1.3 per cent&nbsp;at $59.10 a barrel on Thursday.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude&nbsp;futures rose 16 cents, also up 0.3 per cent, from their last close to $53.71 per barrel. In the previous session, WTI settled 1.8 per cent&nbsp;higher at $53.55 a barrel.

On Thursday Mohammad Barkindo, Secretary-General of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), said all options were on the table, including a&nbsp;deeper&nbsp;supply cut to balance&nbsp;oil&nbsp;markets. A decision would be taken at a December meeting between the&nbsp;OPEC&nbsp;and its partners, he said.

OPEC&nbsp;lowered its 2019 global&nbsp;oil&nbsp;demand growth forecast to 0.98 million barrels per day (bpd), while leaving its 2020 demand growth estimate unchanged at 1.08 million bpd, according to&nbsp;OPEC's monthly report.

Beyond&nbsp;OPEC,&nbsp;trade&nbsp;talks&nbsp;between the United States and&nbsp;China&nbsp;also remained on the market's radar as the world's top two economies seek to resolve a more-than-a-year-long&nbsp;trade&nbsp;row that has slowed global economic growth and curbed fuel consumption.

"Oil&nbsp;bought into the upbeat tone from the bilateral&nbsp;talks&nbsp;as well, for better or for worse, and was also boosted by fighting talk on prices by the&nbsp;OPEC&nbsp;secretary-general," said Jeffrey Halley, a senior market analyst at OANDA in Singapore.

Top&nbsp;US&nbsp;and Chinese negotiators wrapped up the first of two days of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-trade-talks-to-resume-thursday-white-house-254346">scheduled&nbsp;trade&nbsp;talks&nbsp;on Thursday,</a> with business groups&nbsp;expressing optimism that the two sides might be able to ease tensions and delay a&nbsp;US&nbsp;tariff hike set for next week.

"The United States is the largest global consumer of&nbsp;oil&nbsp;while&nbsp;China, the biggest driver of year-on-year&nbsp;oil&nbsp;demand growth," said Stephen Innes, Asia Pacific market strategist at AxiTrader.

"The most significant sentiment driver hinges on the outcome of the&nbsp;trade&nbsp;talks&nbsp;which, if (they) end on a positive note, could go along way to begin to repair the economic damage done ... these economic powerhouses would need more&nbsp;oil," said Innes.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump is set to meet Chinese Vice Premier Liu He at 1845 GMT on Friday, the White House said.

Oil prices climbed early on Friday, building on gains in the previous session after producer club OPEC hinted at making deeper cuts in supply while optimism was revived over talks between the United States and China to end their trade war.

Oil prices climbed early on Friday, building on gains in the previous session after producer club OPEC hinted at making deeper cuts in supply while optimism was revived over talks between the United States and China to end their trade war. International benchmark Brent crude futures were at $59.26 a barrel by 0251 GMT, up 16 cents, or 0.3 per cent, from their previous settlement. Brent settled up 1.3 per cent at $59.10 a barrel on Thursday. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose 16 cents, also up 0.3 per cent, from their last close to $53.71 per barrel. In the previous session, WTI settled 1.8 per cent higher at $53.55 a barrel. On Thursday Mohammad Barkindo, Secretary-General of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), said all options were on the table, including a deeper supply cut to balance oil markets. A decision would be taken at a December meeting between the OPEC and its partners, he said. OPEC lowered its 2019 global oil demand growth forecast to 0.98 million barrels per day (bpd), while leaving its 2020 demand growth estimate unchanged at 1.08 million bpd, according to OPEC's monthly report. Beyond OPEC, trade talks between the United States and China also remained on the market's radar as the world's top two economies seek to resolve a more-than-a-year-long trade row that has slowed global economic growth and curbed fuel consumption. "Oil bought into the upbeat tone from the bilateral talks as well, for better or for worse, and was also boosted by fighting talk on prices by the OPEC secretary-general," said Jeffrey Halley, a senior market analyst at OANDA in Singapore. Top US and Chinese negotiators wrapped up the first of two days of scheduled trade talks on Thursday, with business groups expressing optimism that the two sides might be able to ease tensions and delay a US tariff hike set for next week. "The United States is the largest global consumer of oil while China, the biggest driver of year-on-year oil demand growth," said Stephen Innes, Asia Pacific market strategist at AxiTrader. "The most significant sentiment driver hinges on the outcome of the trade talks which, if (they) end on a positive note, could go along way to begin to repair the economic damage done ... these economic powerhouses would need more oil," said Innes. US President Donald Trump is set to meet Chinese Vice Premier Liu He at 1845 GMT on Friday, the White House said.

Oil rises on hopes for deeper OPEC output cuts, US-China trade talks

Asian markets rallied Friday on signs of progress in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-trade-talks-to-resume-thursday-white-house-254346">China-US trade talks</a>, with Donald Trump saying they were "going very well", while the pound held gains after the leaders of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irish-pm-says-very-difficult-to-secure-brexit-deal-by-next-week-254692">Britain and Ireland</a> indicated a potential breakthrough in Brexit talks.

After a nervous week on trading floors, negotiators from the world's top two economies kicked off long-awaited negotiations on resolving their long-running tariffs row on a positive footing, easing worries that they might be cut short.

Without elaborating, Trump told reporters: "I will say I think it's going really well. We had a very, very good negotiation with China."

Adding to the positive vibes was news that Trump would meet China's top trade envoy Liu He at the White House.

The developments allowed dealers to breathe a sigh of relief as tensions between the two sides appeared to be growing after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-expands-blacklist-to-include-chinas-top-ai-startups-ahead-of-trade-talks-254672">US put new restrictions on Chinese firms </a>over human rights abuses and reports Beijing had narrowed the issues it was willing to discuss.

"The fog of trade war is beginning to lift, giving way to an air of trade optimism sweeping through global capital markets," said Stephen Innes, Asia-Pacific market strategist at AxiTrader.

"Investors are starting to believe there is light at the end of the... tunnel as hope springs eternal."

Hong Kong led gains across Asia, jumping more than one per cent, Tokyo heading into the break one per cent higher and Shanghai adding 0.1 per cent.

Talks are expected to resume on Friday, with hopes they can at least lead to a delay in tariffs due next week being imposed on China.

"The prospect of US-China trade truce that results in the suspension of further planned tariffs increases is rightly welcome news," Rodrigo Catril at National Australia Bank said.

"But as it is often the case, the devil will be in the detail," he warned, adding that if the optimism is to last "a meaningful de-escalation in tensions is required".

And Thanos Vamvakidis, at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, told Bloomberg TV "we are not out of the woods yet".

Markets are also getting some support from rare signs of progress in the Brexit saga after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Irish counterpart Leo Varadkar said they could see a route towards striking a possible divorce deal.

After hours of talks regarding the vexed question of Northern Ireland, the two issued a joint statement that said: "Both continue to believe a deal is in everybody's interest. They agreed that they could see a pathway to a possible deal."

While Varadkar said there were still hurdles to overcome, the news did provide some much-needed hope in the crisis after German Chancellor Angela Merkel was reported to have said Brexit talks were "close to breaking down".

The pound surged two per cent against the dollar on Thursday and also rallied on the euro, and in early Asian trade managed to hold its ground.

"The positive vibe has raised some hope for a chance of a Brexit deal ahead of the EU summit at the end of next week," NAB's Catril added.

Hopes for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-fall-as-hopes-for-us-china-trade-progress-wilt-254886">China-US talks helped oil prices higher,</a> with traders also cheered by OPEC Secretary-General Mohammad Barkindo saying the grouping of the world's giant producers would do what it could to avert another slump.

Both main contracts rose Friday, having put on more than one per cent the day before.

Asian markets rallied Friday on signs of progress in the China-US trade talks, with Donald Trump saying they were "going very well", while the pound held gains after the leaders of Britain and Ireland indicated a potential breakthrough in Brexit talks.

Asian markets rallied Friday on signs of progress in the China-US trade talks, with Donald Trump saying they were "going very well", while the pound held gains after the leaders of Britain and Ireland indicated a potential breakthrough in Brexit talks. After a nervous week on trading floors, negotiators from the world's top two economies kicked off long-awaited negotiations on resolving their long-running tariffs row on a positive footing, easing worries that they might be cut short. Without elaborating, Trump told reporters: "I will say I think it's going really well. We had a very, very good negotiation with China." Adding to the positive vibes was news that Trump would meet China's top trade envoy Liu He at the White House. The developments allowed dealers to breathe a sigh of relief as tensions between the two sides appeared to be growing after the US put new restrictions on Chinese firms over human rights abuses and reports Beijing had narrowed the issues it was willing to discuss. "The fog of trade war is beginning to lift, giving way to an air of trade optimism sweeping through global capital markets," said Stephen Innes, Asia-Pacific market strategist at AxiTrader. "Investors are starting to believe there is light at the end of the... tunnel as hope springs eternal." Hong Kong led gains across Asia, jumping more than one per cent, Tokyo heading into the break one per cent higher and Shanghai adding 0.1 per cent. Talks are expected to resume on Friday, with hopes they can at least lead to a delay in tariffs due next week being imposed on China. "The prospect of US-China trade truce that results in the suspension of further planned tariffs increases is rightly welcome news," Rodrigo Catril at National Australia Bank said. "But as it is often the case, the devil will be in the detail," he warned, adding that if the optimism is to last "a meaningful de-escalation in tensions is required". And Thanos Vamvakidis, at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, told Bloomberg TV "we are not out of the woods yet". Markets are also getting some support from rare signs of progress in the Brexit saga after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Irish counterpart Leo Varadkar said they could see a route towards striking a possible divorce deal. After hours of talks regarding the vexed question of Northern Ireland, the two issued a joint statement that said: "Both continue to believe a deal is in everybody's interest. They agreed that they could see a pathway to a possible deal." While Varadkar said there were still hurdles to overcome, the news did provide some much-needed hope in the crisis after German Chancellor Angela Merkel was reported to have said Brexit talks were "close to breaking down". The pound surged two per cent against the dollar on Thursday and also rallied on the euro, and in early Asian trade managed to hold its ground. "The positive vibe has raised some hope for a chance of a Brexit deal ahead of the EU summit at the end of next week," NAB's Catril added. Hopes for the China-US talks helped oil prices higher, with traders also cheered by OPEC Secretary-General Mohammad Barkindo saying the grouping of the world's giant producers would do what it could to avert another slump. Both main contracts rose Friday, having put on more than one per cent the day before.

Asian markets rally as Trump says trade talks 'going very well'

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Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.