A gunman who once served in the US&nbsp;military opened fire on Friday inside a California home for disabled and aging war veterans, where he took three hostages and was holding police at bay as negotiators sought to make contact with him for several hours, authorities said.

No injuries were reported at the sprawling facility in Yountville, a picturesque town located in the heart of Napa Valley&#39;s wine country about 60 miles north of San Francisco. But the building, its staff and approximately 1,000 residents were placed under a security lockdown.

State Senator Bill Dodd, who represents the area, told reporters that the gunman was a member of the Pathway Home, a program for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.

The hostages were believed to be employees at the facility, the largest of its kind in the nation, who worked with the suspect in the Pathway program, he said.

A woman who encountered the gunman when he entered the facility talked to her husband, Larry Kamer, by phone. &quot;She&rsquo;s quite shaken up. She&rsquo;s in a locked down building,&rdquo; Kamer said, adding she was staying calm.

According to his wife&#39;s account, the gunman &quot;walked in with a rifle. She was face to face with him when he walked in,&rdquo; he said.

Hostage negotiators from three different agencies were trying to make contact with the suspect, the California Highway Patrol said.

&quot;Gunfire was exchanged. It&#39;s not known at this time how many rounds were exchanged, but I am happy to report that at this moment there have been no injuries,&quot; CHP spokesman Chris Childs told reporters.

The standoff comes less than a month after a former student with an assault-style rifle killed 17 people at a Florida high school. The massacre touched off a student-led drive for new restrictions on gun ownership to prevent the kind of mass shootings that have become epidemic in the United States.

A Napa County sheriff&#39;s deputy arrived at the scene within four minutes of the first reports of gunfire and exchanged shots with the suspect, Sheriff John Robertson said. Authorities know the gunman&#39;s identity, he said, but were not disclosing his name publicly.

A resident of the home, identified as Rod Allen by the local CBS television affiliate KPIX, said the gunman took the hostages after allowing some people at a party to leave. He fired about 30 shots, the resident said.

The California Department of Veterans Affairs could not be reached immediately for comment but in a Facebook post said it was following reports of gunfire at the home.

No injuries were reported at the sprawling facility in Yountville, a picturesque town located in the heart of Napa Valley, California

A gunman who once served in the US military opened fire on Friday inside a California home for disabled and aging war veterans, where he took three hostages and was holding police at bay as negotiators sought to make contact with him for several hours, authorities said. No injuries were reported at the sprawling facility in Yountville, a picturesque town located in the heart of Napa Valley's wine country about 60 miles north of San Francisco. But the building, its staff and approximately 1,000 residents were placed under a security lockdown. State Senator Bill Dodd, who represents the area, told reporters that the gunman was a member of the Pathway Home, a program for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. The hostages were believed to be employees at the facility, the largest of its kind in the nation, who worked with the suspect in the Pathway program, he said. A woman who encountered the gunman when he entered the facility talked to her husband, Larry Kamer, by phone. "She’s quite shaken up. She’s in a locked down building,” Kamer said, adding she was staying calm. According to his wife's account, the gunman "walked in with a rifle. She was face to face with him when he walked in,” he said. Hostage negotiators from three different agencies were trying to make contact with the suspect, the California Highway Patrol said. "Gunfire was exchanged. It's not known at this time how many rounds were exchanged, but I am happy to report that at this moment there have been no injuries," CHP spokesman Chris Childs told reporters. The standoff comes less than a month after a former student with an assault-style rifle killed 17 people at a Florida high school. The massacre touched off a student-led drive for new restrictions on gun ownership to prevent the kind of mass shootings that have become epidemic in the United States. A Napa County sheriff's deputy arrived at the scene within four minutes of the first reports of gunfire and exchanged shots with the suspect, Sheriff John Robertson said. Authorities know the gunman's identity, he said, but were not disclosing his name publicly. A resident of the home, identified as Rod Allen by the local CBS television affiliate KPIX, said the gunman took the hostages after allowing some people at a party to leave. He fired about 30 shots, the resident said. The California Department of Veterans Affairs could not be reached immediately for comment but in a Facebook post said it was following reports of gunfire at the home.

Gunman holed up at California veterans home with 3 hostages 

American fast-food giant McDonald&#39;s flipped its logo from &#39;M&#39; to &#39;W&#39; in order to honour women across the world on International Women&#39;s day in Lynwood, California.

Media reports quoting McDonald&#39;s global chief diversity officer Wendy Lewis said that for the first time in history they flipped their iconic arches to honour extraordinary accomplishments of women everywhere.

The fast-food chain will change its logo on their social media platform as well.

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The logo on McDonald&#39;s official website has also been flipped to W.

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Initially, the people passing through Lynwood noticed the flipped sign and thought it&#39;s&nbsp;a prank.

The company also announced that 100 McDonald&#39;s restaurant will have special crew shirts and hats with bags.

In media reports, McDonald's global chief diversity officer has said that for the first time in history they flipped their iconic arches to honour extraordinary accomplishments of women everywhere

American fast-food giant McDonald's flipped its logo from 'M' to 'W' in order to honour women across the world on International Women's day in Lynwood, California. Media reports quoting McDonald's global chief diversity officer Wendy Lewis said that for the first time in history they flipped their iconic arches to honour extraordinary accomplishments of women everywhere. The fast-food chain will change its logo on their social media platform as well. Screenshot of McDonald's Twitter page. (Others) × The logo on McDonald's official website has also been flipped to W. Screenshot of McDonald's official website. (Others) × Initially, the people passing through Lynwood noticed the flipped sign and thought it's a prank. The company also announced that 100 McDonald's restaurant will have special crew shirts and hats with bags.

On International Women's Day, McDonald's flips its golden arches

Serena Williams&#39;s husband surprised her when he put up&nbsp;four billboards on a road near Palm Springs, California, declaring the tennis champion to be the greatest mom of all time, or &quot;G.M.O.A.T,&quot; as one of the billboards read, reports said.

The four billboards, which also carry images of her five-month-old daughter Alexis Olympia, were put up by Williams&#39; husband, Alexis Ohanian, the Reddit co-founder, ahead of his wife&#39;s participation in the BNP Paris Open in Indian Wells.

Williams, who has won an Open-era record 23 grand slam singles titles, returned to competition earlier this month when she represented the United States in a Fed Cup doubles match.

The four billboards, which also carry images of her five-month-old daughter Alexis Olympia, were put up by Williams' husband, Alexis Ohanian, the Reddit co-founder

Serena Williams's husband surprised her when he put up four billboards on a road near Palm Springs, California, declaring the tennis champion to be the greatest mom of all time, or "G.M.O.A.T," as one of the billboards read, reports said. The four billboards, which also carry images of her five-month-old daughter Alexis Olympia, were put up by Williams' husband, Alexis Ohanian, the Reddit co-founder, ahead of his wife's participation in the BNP Paris Open in Indian Wells. Williams, who has won an Open-era record 23 grand slam singles titles, returned to competition earlier this month when she represented the United States in a Fed Cup doubles match.

Husband surprises Serena Williams with four billboards

Rescuers picking through the waist-deep mud on Thursday, two days after a massive mudslide killed at least 17 people along Southern California&#39;s coast, said they feared more bodies may be found but still held out hope for &quot;miracle&quot; survivors.

The walls of fast-moving mud and debris that tore through hillside communities before dawn on Tuesday took the lives of three children, at least one married couple and two people in their 80s, officials said in releasing the names of the dead.

Authorities hiked the number of those considered missing to 43 at an afternoon press conference, up from eight earlier in the day, saying that some of those people may be out of town or in a hospital but that others may be deceased.

&quot;Realistically we suspect we are going to have the discovery of more people killed in this incident,&quot; Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown said.

Asked by reporters if the operation had shifted from a rescue to a recovery more than 48 hours after the mud came down, the sheriff said his crews had not given up hope.

&quot;There have been many miraculous stories of people lasting many days (following similar disasters) and certainly we are searching for a miracle right now,&quot; Brown said.

About 700 rescue workers in helicopters and high-wheeled military vehicles, some with search dogs, were deployed in the hunt for the missing in a disaster zone littered with the remnants of hundreds of damaged or destroyed homes.

Among the dead were an elderly woman whose house was washed away by mud, the founder of a Roman Catholic school and a real estate executive, according to friends, family and local news media.

The cause of death for all 17 will be listed as multiple traumatic injuries due to flash flood with mudslides, the Santa Barbara Sheriff&#39;s office said in a statement.

&quot;The Sheriff&#39;s Office wants to express our heartfelt sadness to the family and friends of those who lost their loved ones,&quot; it said.

Two of the victims were killed when their houses were swept away in the mudslides.

Josephine Gower, 69, died when she opened the door to her home, her son, Hayden Gower, told NBC station KSBY. Her daughter-in-law Sarah Gower confirmed Gower&#39;s death in a Facebook post. Her body was found that night, near a highway hit by the slide.

&quot;I told her to stay on the second floor, but she went downstairs and opened the door and just got swept away,&quot; Hayden Gower told KSBY. &quot;I should have just told her to leave. You just don&#39;t even think that this is possible.&quot;

Roy Rohter, 84-year-old founder of the St. Augustine Academy Roman Catholic school in Ventura, died when the slide swept him from his home in Montecito, according to school officials and local news media.

Rebecca Riskin, the 61-year-old founder of a real estate firm, was also killed in Montecito, according to the company and local news media.

&quot;She was in the house and was swept away,&quot; said Renee Grub, a friend of Riskin. &quot;I&#39;m told there was about 5 feet (1.5 m) of mud. She was a dear friend. She&#39;s so little she was only like 100 pounds (45.36 kg).&quot;

Heavy rains on hillsides denuded by last year&#39;s record wildfires triggered the mudslides, which also destroyed about 100 homes and injured at least 28 people, officials said.

The region&#39;s natural beauty and easy access to Los Angeles to the southeast have long attracted the rich and powerful, including television personality Oprah Winfrey, former tennis star Jimmy Connors, talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres and actor Jeff Bridges.

&quot;Our home has been severely damaged, but we are safe, and so thankful for that and for the first responders who are working tirelessly to save people,&quot; Bridges wrote on Twitter. &quot;We are heartbroken over the loss of lives in our community.&quot;

Last month&#39;s spate of wildfires, including the largest in California history, burned away grass and shrubs that held soil in place, and baked a waxy layer into the earth that prevents water from sinking deeply into the ground.

At least 28 people were injured, authorities said, while 30,000 remained subject to mandatory evacuation orders

Rescuers picking through the waist-deep mud on Thursday, two days after a massive mudslide killed at least 17 people along Southern California's coast, said they feared more bodies may be found but still held out hope for "miracle" survivors. The walls of fast-moving mud and debris that tore through hillside communities before dawn on Tuesday took the lives of three children, at least one married couple and two people in their 80s, officials said in releasing the names of the dead. Authorities hiked the number of those considered missing to 43 at an afternoon press conference, up from eight earlier in the day, saying that some of those people may be out of town or in a hospital but that others may be deceased. "Realistically we suspect we are going to have the discovery of more people killed in this incident," Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown said. Asked by reporters if the operation had shifted from a rescue to a recovery more than 48 hours after the mud came down, the sheriff said his crews had not given up hope. "There have been many miraculous stories of people lasting many days (following similar disasters) and certainly we are searching for a miracle right now," Brown said. About 700 rescue workers in helicopters and high-wheeled military vehicles, some with search dogs, were deployed in the hunt for the missing in a disaster zone littered with the remnants of hundreds of damaged or destroyed homes. Among the dead were an elderly woman whose house was washed away by mud, the founder of a Roman Catholic school and a real estate executive, according to friends, family and local news media. The cause of death for all 17 will be listed as multiple traumatic injuries due to flash flood with mudslides, the Santa Barbara Sheriff's office said in a statement. "The Sheriff's Office wants to express our heartfelt sadness to the family and friends of those who lost their loved ones," it said. Two of the victims were killed when their houses were swept away in the mudslides. Josephine Gower, 69, died when she opened the door to her home, her son, Hayden Gower, told NBC station KSBY. Her daughter-in-law Sarah Gower confirmed Gower's death in a Facebook post. Her body was found that night, near a highway hit by the slide. "I told her to stay on the second floor, but she went downstairs and opened the door and just got swept away," Hayden Gower told KSBY. "I should have just told her to leave. You just don't even think that this is possible." Roy Rohter, 84-year-old founder of the St. Augustine Academy Roman Catholic school in Ventura, died when the slide swept him from his home in Montecito, according to school officials and local news media. Rebecca Riskin, the 61-year-old founder of a real estate firm, was also killed in Montecito, according to the company and local news media. "She was in the house and was swept away," said Renee Grub, a friend of Riskin. "I'm told there was about 5 feet (1.5 m) of mud. She was a dear friend. She's so little she was only like 100 pounds (45.36 kg)." Heavy rains on hillsides denuded by last year's record wildfires triggered the mudslides, which also destroyed about 100 homes and injured at least 28 people, officials said. The region's natural beauty and easy access to Los Angeles to the southeast have long attracted the rich and powerful, including television personality Oprah Winfrey, former tennis star Jimmy Connors, talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres and actor Jeff Bridges. "Our home has been severely damaged, but we are safe, and so thankful for that and for the first responders who are working tirelessly to save people," Bridges wrote on Twitter. "We are heartbroken over the loss of lives in our community." Last month's spate of wildfires, including the largest in California history, burned away grass and shrubs that held soil in place, and baked a waxy layer into the earth that prevents water from sinking deeply into the ground.

More mudslide fatalities expected, number of missing rises

Rescuers used dogs and helicopters to search for victims on Wednesday of powerful mudslides which left at least 17 people dead in a southern California community that is also home to major celebrities including Oprah Winfrey.

Heavy rains on Tuesday sent rivers of waist-high mud and debris flowing from the hills into Montecito and other towns in Santa Barbara County northwest of Los Angeles, which are still recovering from last month&#39;s ferocious wildfires.

&quot;We are saddened to report that the death toll has now risen to 17,&quot; Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown told reporters, saying it had been &quot;another extremely challenging day.&quot;

At least 28 people were injured, authorities said, while 30,000 remained subject to mandatory evacuation orders.

The US Coast Guard released footage of a couple, their two young children and two dogs being plucked from their roof and hoisted up to a helicopter in baskets.

Yellow bulldozers were clearing the roads of tons of sticky brown mud in Montecito and other towns as utility workers restored downed power lines.

Talk show host Oprah Winfrey, who has been touted this week as a possible 2020 candidate for the White House, was among those affected by the mudslides.

Winfrey posted a video of herself outside her Montecito mansion wading through near-knee deep mud.

In some neighbourhoods still bearing the scars of the Thomas Fire, houses were completely destroyed while others nearby were untouched.

&quot;Part of the problem with this is the fire created a situation where the dirt was able to wash down,&quot; said Richard Targonia, a resident of nearby Carpinteria.

&quot;Had we still had all the vegetation on the hills it would not have been as much of an issue,&quot; Targonia said.

&quot;I have lived here my whole life,&quot; said Melissa Ausanka- Crues, 29, a nurse. &quot;My family has had a house here for 30 years and never seen something like this.&quot;

Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres was another Montecito resident impacted by the storm.

DeGeneres posted a picture on Twitter of herself standing in mud next to a downed tree near her home.

&quot;This is the street in front of our house,&quot; she said. &quot;I don&#39;t know anything about our house yet. I&#39;m heartbroken for our community of Montecito.

Rescuers used dogs and helicopters to search for victims on Wednesday of powerful mudslides which left at least 17 people dead in a southern California community that is also home to major celebrities including Oprah Winfrey

Rescuers used dogs and helicopters to search for victims on Wednesday of powerful mudslides which left at least 17 people dead in a southern California community that is also home to major celebrities including Oprah Winfrey. Heavy rains on Tuesday sent rivers of waist-high mud and debris flowing from the hills into Montecito and other towns in Santa Barbara County northwest of Los Angeles, which are still recovering from last month's ferocious wildfires. "We are saddened to report that the death toll has now risen to 17," Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown told reporters, saying it had been "another extremely challenging day." At least 28 people were injured, authorities said, while 30,000 remained subject to mandatory evacuation orders. The US Coast Guard released footage of a couple, their two young children and two dogs being plucked from their roof and hoisted up to a helicopter in baskets. Yellow bulldozers were clearing the roads of tons of sticky brown mud in Montecito and other towns as utility workers restored downed power lines. Talk show host Oprah Winfrey, who has been touted this week as a possible 2020 candidate for the White House, was among those affected by the mudslides. Winfrey posted a video of herself outside her Montecito mansion wading through near-knee deep mud. In some neighbourhoods still bearing the scars of the Thomas Fire, houses were completely destroyed while others nearby were untouched. "Part of the problem with this is the fire created a situation where the dirt was able to wash down," said Richard Targonia, a resident of nearby Carpinteria. "Had we still had all the vegetation on the hills it would not have been as much of an issue," Targonia said. "I have lived here my whole life," said Melissa Ausanka- Crues, 29, a nurse. "My family has had a house here for 30 years and never seen something like this." Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres was another Montecito resident impacted by the storm. DeGeneres posted a picture on Twitter of herself standing in mud next to a downed tree near her home. "This is the street in front of our house," she said. "I don't know anything about our house yet. I'm heartbroken for our community of Montecito.

Rescuers search for victims as California mudslide toll hits 17

California rescuers worked through the night plucking stranded Santa Barbara residents from mudslides that have killed at least 15 people and devastated the coastal community after it was drenched by rain, authorities said on Wednesday.

The death toll could go higher still as rescuers continued searching for victims, mostly in the upscale enclave of Montecito - where mudslides slammed into homes, covered highways and swept away vehicles - officials warned.

&quot;We don&#39;t know how many additional people are still trapped,&quot; Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown said on the &quot;CBS This Morning&quot; program. &quot;We know there are some, and we&#39;re still making our way into certain areas of Montecito and the adjacent areas to determine if anyone is still there and still alive.&quot;

The mudslides followed an ordeal of fire and water for the area northwest of Los Angeles. A torrential downpour on Tuesday soaked the area, which was left vulnerable after much of its vegetation burned in the state&#39;s largest wildfire last month.

Forecasters were calling for clear skies on Wednesday.

Emergency workers began their task on Tuesday using search dogs and helicopters to rescue dozens of people stranded in mud-coated rubble in the normally pristine area, sandwiched between the ocean and the sprawling Los Padres National Forest.

A 14-year-old girl was found alive on Tuesday after firefighters using rescue dogs heard cries for help from what was left of her Montecito home, the Los Angeles Times reported.

&quot;I thought I was dead there for a minute,&quot; the teenager Lauren Cantin, covered in mud, told NBC News after workers spent six hours rescuing her.

Rescuers worked through the night, searching for victims amid the dozens of homes that were destroyed, and using helicopters to lift more than 50 stranded residents from the mud.

&quot;We&#39;re finding people continuously,&quot; said Yaneris Muniz, spokeswoman for the Santa Barbara County Joint Information Center. &quot;We had a helicopter and several crews out all night, and now that it&#39;s day, we&#39;ll be able to intensify those searches.&quot;

Officials have ordered residents in a large swath of Montecito to stay in their homes so that rescuers can better go about their work.

About 300 people were stranded in a canyon. Local rescue crews, using borrowed helicopters from the U.S. Coast Guard, worked to airlift them out, officials said.

The county initially ordered 7,000 residents to evacuate and urged another 23,000 to do so voluntarily, but only 10 to 15 percent complied with mandatory orders, said Amber Anderson, a spokeswoman for the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

The county set up an evacuation shelter at Santa Barbara City College, where some people showed up drenched in mud, and also provided a place for people to take their animals.

The number of fatalities surpassed the death toll from a California mudslide on Jan. 10, 2005, when 10 people were killed as a hillside gave way in the town of La Conchita, less than 20 miles south of the latest disaster.

Last month&#39;s wildfires, the largest in California history, left the area vulnerable to mudslides. The fires burned away grass and shrubs that hold the soil in place and also baked a waxy layer into the earth that prevents water from sinking deeply into the ground.

Some local residents had to flee their homes due to the fires last month and again this week because of the rains.

Emergency workers began their task on Tuesday using search dogs and helicopters to rescue dozens of people stranded in mud-coated rubble

California rescuers worked through the night plucking stranded Santa Barbara residents from mudslides that have killed at least 15 people and devastated the coastal community after it was drenched by rain, authorities said on Wednesday. The death toll could go higher still as rescuers continued searching for victims, mostly in the upscale enclave of Montecito - where mudslides slammed into homes, covered highways and swept away vehicles - officials warned. "We don't know how many additional people are still trapped," Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown said on the "CBS This Morning" program. "We know there are some, and we're still making our way into certain areas of Montecito and the adjacent areas to determine if anyone is still there and still alive." The mudslides followed an ordeal of fire and water for the area northwest of Los Angeles. A torrential downpour on Tuesday soaked the area, which was left vulnerable after much of its vegetation burned in the state's largest wildfire last month. Forecasters were calling for clear skies on Wednesday. Emergency workers began their task on Tuesday using search dogs and helicopters to rescue dozens of people stranded in mud-coated rubble in the normally pristine area, sandwiched between the ocean and the sprawling Los Padres National Forest. A 14-year-old girl was found alive on Tuesday after firefighters using rescue dogs heard cries for help from what was left of her Montecito home, the Los Angeles Times reported. "I thought I was dead there for a minute," the teenager Lauren Cantin, covered in mud, told NBC News after workers spent six hours rescuing her. Rescuers worked through the night, searching for victims amid the dozens of homes that were destroyed, and using helicopters to lift more than 50 stranded residents from the mud. "We're finding people continuously," said Yaneris Muniz, spokeswoman for the Santa Barbara County Joint Information Center. "We had a helicopter and several crews out all night, and now that it's day, we'll be able to intensify those searches." Officials have ordered residents in a large swath of Montecito to stay in their homes so that rescuers can better go about their work. About 300 people were stranded in a canyon. Local rescue crews, using borrowed helicopters from the U.S. Coast Guard, worked to airlift them out, officials said. The county initially ordered 7,000 residents to evacuate and urged another 23,000 to do so voluntarily, but only 10 to 15 percent complied with mandatory orders, said Amber Anderson, a spokeswoman for the Santa Barbara County Fire Department. The county set up an evacuation shelter at Santa Barbara City College, where some people showed up drenched in mud, and also provided a place for people to take their animals. The number of fatalities surpassed the death toll from a California mudslide on Jan. 10, 2005, when 10 people were killed as a hillside gave way in the town of La Conchita, less than 20 miles south of the latest disaster. Last month's wildfires, the largest in California history, left the area vulnerable to mudslides. The fires burned away grass and shrubs that hold the soil in place and also baked a waxy layer into the earth that prevents water from sinking deeply into the ground. Some local residents had to flee their homes due to the fires last month and again this week because of the rains.

California mudslide death toll up to 15 as rescues continue

The chairman of a US Senate committee overseeing business issues asked Apple to answer questions about its disclosure that it slowed older iPhones with flagging batteries, according to a letter seen by Reuters on Wednesday.

The California-based company apologised over the issue on December 28, cut battery replacement costs and said it will change its software to show users whether their phone battery is good.

Senator John Thune, a Republican who chairs the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, said in a January 9 letter to Apple Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook that &quot;the large volume of consumer criticism leveled against the company in light of its admission suggests that there should have been better transparency.&quot;

Apple said it will cut the price of a replacement for an out-of-warranty battery to $29 from $79 for an iPhone 6 or later. The company also will update its iOS operating system so users can see whether the battery is in poor condition and affecting the phone&#39;s performance.

Thune asked if Apple considered making free battery replacements available or if it explored offering rebates for customers who paid full price for replacement batteries.

He also wants to know if Apple notified consumers of the throttling feature in software updates, which slows the phone, and if customers had the option of declining the update. The letter also asked if the similar software was used in earlier iPhone models.

Thune wants Apple&#39;s answers by January 23

An Apple spokesman did not respond to a request for comment early Wednesday.

Apple addressed the concerns about the quality and durability of its products at a time when it is charging $999 for its newest flagship model, the iPhone X.

&quot;We know that some of you feel Apple has let you down,&quot;it said last month. &quot;We apologize.&quot;

Apple acknowledged earlier in December that iPhone software can slow down some phones with battery problems. Apple said the problem was that aging lithium batteries delivered power unevenly, which could cause iPhones to shut down unexpectedly to protect the delicate circuits inside.

That disclosure played on a common belief among consumers that Apple purposely slows down older phones to encourage customers to buy newer iPhone models. While no credible evidence has emerged that Apple engaged in such conduct, the better disclosure struck a nerve on social media and elsewhere.

Lawsuits have been filed in California, New York and Illinois alleging the company defrauded users by slowing down devices without warning.

The company also faces a legal complaint in France, where so-called &quot;planned obsolesce&quot; is against the law.

The California-based company apologised over the issue on December 28, cut battery replacement costs and said it will change its software to show users whether their phone battery is good

The chairman of a US Senate committee overseeing business issues asked Apple to answer questions about its disclosure that it slowed older iPhones with flagging batteries, according to a letter seen by Reuters on Wednesday. The California-based company apologised over the issue on December 28, cut battery replacement costs and said it will change its software to show users whether their phone battery is good. Senator John Thune, a Republican who chairs the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, said in a January 9 letter to Apple Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook that "the large volume of consumer criticism leveled against the company in light of its admission suggests that there should have been better transparency." Apple said it will cut the price of a replacement for an out-of-warranty battery to $29 from $79 for an iPhone 6 or later. The company also will update its iOS operating system so users can see whether the battery is in poor condition and affecting the phone's performance. Thune asked if Apple considered making free battery replacements available or if it explored offering rebates for customers who paid full price for replacement batteries. He also wants to know if Apple notified consumers of the throttling feature in software updates, which slows the phone, and if customers had the option of declining the update. The letter also asked if the similar software was used in earlier iPhone models. Thune wants Apple's answers by January 23 An Apple spokesman did not respond to a request for comment early Wednesday. Apple addressed the concerns about the quality and durability of its products at a time when it is charging $999 for its newest flagship model, the iPhone X. "We know that some of you feel Apple has let you down,"it said last month. "We apologize." Apple acknowledged earlier in December that iPhone software can slow down some phones with battery problems. Apple said the problem was that aging lithium batteries delivered power unevenly, which could cause iPhones to shut down unexpectedly to protect the delicate circuits inside. That disclosure played on a common belief among consumers that Apple purposely slows down older phones to encourage customers to buy newer iPhone models. While no credible evidence has emerged that Apple engaged in such conduct, the better disclosure struck a nerve on social media and elsewhere. Lawsuits have been filed in California, New York and Illinois alleging the company defrauded users by slowing down devices without warning. The company also faces a legal complaint in France, where so-called "planned obsolesce" is against the law.

US senator wants Apple to answer questions on slowing iPhones

An earthquake measuring 4.5 on Richter&nbsp;scale had hit Bay Area in California in the United States.&nbsp;

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An earthquake measuring 4.5 on the Richter scale struck Bay Area in California, US: USGS
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948895010484711424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The earthquake struck at 2:39 am.&nbsp;

It shook San Francisco Bay Area residents out of their slumber.

According to the US Geological Survey, the quake&#39;s epicenter was 2 miles away from Berkeley, California.

There were no reports of any casualty.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

An earthquake measuring 4.5 on Richter scale had hit Bay Area in California in the United States. An earthquake measuring 4.5 on the Richter scale struck Bay Area in California, US: USGS — ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018 × The earthquake struck at 2:39 am. It shook San Francisco Bay Area residents out of their slumber. According to the US Geological Survey, the quake's epicenter was 2 miles away from Berkeley, California. There were no reports of any casualty.

4.5 magnitude earthquake hits California

It&#39;s the first day that marijuana can be bought and sold legally in California, and store owner Nicole Salisbury&#39;s stock of pot edibles is already running low.

The phone has been ringing non-stop for weeks with people from out-of-state expressing an interest in sampling her wares.

&quot;I&#39;m so excited but I&#39;m also a little bit nervous,&quot; says Salisbury, who has been in the marijuana business for a decade and opened Green Pearl Organics as a medical dispensary two years ago.

&quot;For the first time, I feel comfortable telling people that I own a marijuana shop,&quot; added the 35-year-old, who has vibrant blue-green hair.

Eight states as well as the capital Washington have already legalized recreational use of the drug, though it remains outlawed at the federal level.&nbsp;

But California&#39;s sheer size -- its roughly 40 million people make it America&#39;s most populous state -- as well as its booming economy mean it is expected to be the world&#39;s largest market for the green flowering plant.

California became a pioneer when it legalized medicinal use of pot in 1996, and its decision to expand that to recreational use effective Monday will be watched closely around the world by countries hoping to cash in on the so-called &quot;green rush.&quot;

Throughout the Golden State on Monday, marijuana aficionados formed lines outside legal shops, no longer forced to conduct business with illicit dealers on the down low.

At Green Pearl Organics, Salisbury&#39;s team has been working since 8:00 am, helping customers with their various products -- waxes, brownies, different forms of weed to soothe or to induce highs.

After a quiet morning following New Year&#39;s Eve celebrations, the shop starts to overflow by midday.

Some elderly customers -- longtime buyers who have been coming to the store since it opened -- are annoyed that they now have to wait in long lines.

Some complain that only medical use should have remained legal, while others are unhappy at the heavy taxes applied to cannabis, which exceed 20 percent when state, sales and municipal taxes are added.

Buying involves showing a driver&#39;s license or other form of ID as proof you are 21 or above, and customers receive their goods in an opaque white bag.

Californians can get up to 28.5 grams (one ounce) of cannabis without a prescription and grow up to six plants per residence.

The waiting room is filled with men and women of all ages, many regulars who live in this desert region, some two hours east of Los Angeles.

&quot;It&#39;s great to come get marijuana without actually having to see a doctor,&quot; says Andrew Jennings, who is originally from Texas.&nbsp;

&quot;There&#39;s no place in Texas where you can go -- with a doctor&#39;s recommendation or without,&quot; he adds.

&quot;A lot of people think you just sit on your couch and watch TV, but depending on the strength, it can actually increase your focus,&quot; adds the bearded 32-year-old, who was accompanied by his yoga-teacher girlfriend.&nbsp;

&quot;If you&#39;re selling alcohol in this country, you should also sell weed -- it brings taxes, we get great marijuana that&#39;s being tested, so everybody&#39;s winning,&quot; adds Jennings, who is between jobs and says he enjoys cycling in nature when he gets high.

Christina, a 50-year-old behavioral therapist for special needs children, who declined to give her last name, has come to buy marijuana oils hoping they will restore her hormonal balance and calm her anxiety.

&quot;I&#39;m trying to get a natural medicine, (but) I don&#39;t want to be a stoner,&quot; she says, adding that she would rather her 12-year-old son does not know because she doesn&#39;t want to encourage him as she believes marijuana is bad for developing brains.

According to the new law, marijuana cannot be consumed in public places or while driving -- nor can it be used within 1,000 feet (about 300 meters) of a school or other place for children.

Desert Hot Springs is hoping to carve out a niche as a destination for marijuana lovers -- as well as the curious -- from all over the country.

Many business owners are also investing in farms -- Salisbury is planting her seedlings in a plot at the back of the store while also working with a network of growers.

Both the mayor and the police have backed the industry, which is projected to be worth $5.8 billion in California by 2021, according to consultancy firm ArcView.

For Salisbury, it&#39;s also a matter of personal dignity.

&quot;I felt social shame -- I felt as though I were a prostitute or a stripper even though I always obeyed the law and paid my taxes,&quot; she says.

&quot;Now I can tell my truth, say this is what I do.&quot;

California became a pioneer when it legalized medicinal use of pot in 1996, and its decision to expand that to recreational use effective Monday will be watched closely around the world by countries hoping to cash in on the so-called 'green rush'

It's the first day that marijuana can be bought and sold legally in California, and store owner Nicole Salisbury's stock of pot edibles is already running low. The phone has been ringing non-stop for weeks with people from out-of-state expressing an interest in sampling her wares. "I'm so excited but I'm also a little bit nervous," says Salisbury, who has been in the marijuana business for a decade and opened Green Pearl Organics as a medical dispensary two years ago. "For the first time, I feel comfortable telling people that I own a marijuana shop," added the 35-year-old, who has vibrant blue-green hair. Eight states as well as the capital Washington have already legalized recreational use of the drug, though it remains outlawed at the federal level. But California's sheer size -- its roughly 40 million people make it America's most populous state -- as well as its booming economy mean it is expected to be the world's largest market for the green flowering plant. California became a pioneer when it legalized medicinal use of pot in 1996, and its decision to expand that to recreational use effective Monday will be watched closely around the world by countries hoping to cash in on the so-called "green rush." Throughout the Golden State on Monday, marijuana aficionados formed lines outside legal shops, no longer forced to conduct business with illicit dealers on the down low. At Green Pearl Organics, Salisbury's team has been working since 8:00 am, helping customers with their various products -- waxes, brownies, different forms of weed to soothe or to induce highs. After a quiet morning following New Year's Eve celebrations, the shop starts to overflow by midday. Some elderly customers -- longtime buyers who have been coming to the store since it opened -- are annoyed that they now have to wait in long lines. Some complain that only medical use should have remained legal, while others are unhappy at the heavy taxes applied to cannabis, which exceed 20 percent when state, sales and municipal taxes are added. Buying involves showing a driver's license or other form of ID as proof you are 21 or above, and customers receive their goods in an opaque white bag. Californians can get up to 28.5 grams (one ounce) of cannabis without a prescription and grow up to six plants per residence. The waiting room is filled with men and women of all ages, many regulars who live in this desert region, some two hours east of Los Angeles. "It's great to come get marijuana without actually having to see a doctor," says Andrew Jennings, who is originally from Texas. "There's no place in Texas where you can go -- with a doctor's recommendation or without," he adds. "A lot of people think you just sit on your couch and watch TV, but depending on the strength, it can actually increase your focus," adds the bearded 32-year-old, who was accompanied by his yoga-teacher girlfriend. "If you're selling alcohol in this country, you should also sell weed -- it brings taxes, we get great marijuana that's being tested, so everybody's winning," adds Jennings, who is between jobs and says he enjoys cycling in nature when he gets high. Christina, a 50-year-old behavioral therapist for special needs children, who declined to give her last name, has come to buy marijuana oils hoping they will restore her hormonal balance and calm her anxiety. "I'm trying to get a natural medicine, (but) I don't want to be a stoner," she says, adding that she would rather her 12-year-old son does not know because she doesn't want to encourage him as she believes marijuana is bad for developing brains. According to the new law, marijuana cannot be consumed in public places or while driving -- nor can it be used within 1,000 feet (about 300 meters) of a school or other place for children. Desert Hot Springs is hoping to carve out a niche as a destination for marijuana lovers -- as well as the curious -- from all over the country. Many business owners are also investing in farms -- Salisbury is planting her seedlings in a plot at the back of the store while also working with a network of growers. Both the mayor and the police have backed the industry, which is projected to be worth $5.8 billion in California by 2021, according to consultancy firm ArcView. For Salisbury, it's also a matter of personal dignity. "I felt social shame -- I felt as though I were a prostitute or a stripper even though I always obeyed the law and paid my taxes," she says. "Now I can tell my truth, say this is what I do."

Legal marijuana off to blazing start in California

Unites State&#39;s California has joined growing list of states legalising Marijuana.&nbsp;The drug got legalised for recreational use as it has been legal for medical purposes for a long time.

According to reports about 90 businesses have received the state license to sell Marijuana from New Year&#39;s day.

Minimum age of Marijuana consumption has been set at 21.

However, individuals can&nbsp;grow up to six plants at their home and posses only an ounce of the drug.

Weed is banned in California since 1913 and pot advocacy group known as National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws has been working since then to make it legal for recreational purposes.

The voters of California voted&nbsp;in favour of its legalization in November.

People on Twitter expressed their joy as they couldn&#39;t have&nbsp;asked for a better on New year day.&nbsp;

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Welcome to legal weed, California. You will, no doubt, make us all raise our game. Congratulations to the original American hippies.
&mdash; Karri (@CannabisKarri) <a href="https://twitter.com/CannabisKarri/status/947744835997335552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Weed is legal in like 11 hours California. Just saying... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cannabis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cannabis</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/weed?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#weed</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/california?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#california</a>
&mdash; Jacquelyn Warner (@94960Art) <a href="https://twitter.com/94960Art/status/947574983898759168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2017</a></blockquote>
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if you light your joint tonight at 11:59:59, youll be smoking weed into its own legalization in california as a recreational drug. start off the new year right
&mdash; estelle ?? (@est_heII) <a href="https://twitter.com/est_heII/status/947599952233971712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The authorities legalised the drug for recreational use as it has been legal for medical purposes for a long time.

Unites State's California has joined growing list of states legalising Marijuana. The drug got legalised for recreational use as it has been legal for medical purposes for a long time. According to reports about 90 businesses have received the state license to sell Marijuana from New Year's day. Minimum age of Marijuana consumption has been set at 21. However, individuals can grow up to six plants at their home and posses only an ounce of the drug. Weed is banned in California since 1913 and pot advocacy group known as National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws has been working since then to make it legal for recreational purposes. The voters of California voted in favour of its legalization in November. People on Twitter expressed their joy as they couldn't have asked for a better on New year day. Welcome to legal weed, California. You will, no doubt, make us all raise our game. Congratulations to the original American hippies. — Karri (@CannabisKarri) January 1, 2018 × Weed is legal in like 11 hours California. Just saying... #cannabis #weed #california — Jacquelyn Warner (@94960Art) December 31, 2017 × if you light your joint tonight at 11:59:59, youll be smoking weed into its own legalization in california as a recreational drug. start off the new year right — estelle ?? (@est_heII) December 31, 2017 ×

California legalises marijuana from January 1

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/sooner-palestinians-come-to-grips-with-reality-we-can-move-towards-peace-israeli-pm-netanyahu-26405" target="_blank">Sooner Palestinians come to grips with reality, we can move towards peace: Israeli PM Netanyahu</a>

Israeli&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pope-renews-call-for-wisdom-and-prudence-over-jerusalem-26389">PM Benjamin Netanyahu during his visit&nbsp;</a>to France said that &#39;&#39;Jerusalem is the capital of Israel&#39;&#39; and it has been the &quot;capital for 3,000 years&quot;.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-1-terrorist-killed-in-encounter-with-security-forces-search-operations-underway-in-baramulla-26406" target="_blank">J&amp;K: 1 terrorist killed in encounter with security forces, search operations underway in Baramulla</a>

One terrorist was gunned down and another captured after an encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in J&amp;K&#39;s Baramulla district. The encounter took place in Baramulla&#39;s&nbsp;Bomai area. Reports said firing had stopped and search operation was underway.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/earthquake-of-45-magnitude-hits-jammu-and-kashmir-26402" target="_blank">4.5-magnitude earthquake hits J&amp;K, no casualties</a>

A medium intensity earthquake measuring 4.5 on the Richter scale hit Jammu and Kashmir early today, the IMD said. According to the National Seismology Centre of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the earthquake occurred at 4:28 am(local time) at a depth of 33 km.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/actress-molestation-case-man-detained-by-police-in-mumbai-26393" target="_blank">Actress molestation case: Suspect arrested by Mumbai Police</a>

The man accused of molesting an actress on a Delhi-Mumbai flight has been arrested by police in Mumbai. The actress had on Sunday alleged that she had been molested by a middle-aged man sitting behind her on the flight.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/california-wildfire-rages-toward-scenic-coastal-communities-26401" target="_blank">California wildfire rages toward scenic coastal communities</a>

A raging wildfire pushed toward a string of California coastal cities on Sunday, December 10, prompting new evacuations as crews fought to save homes in the face of gusty winds that have fueled blazes across the state for nearly a week.

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Sooner Palestinians come to grips with reality, we can move towards peace: Israeli PM Netanyahu Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu during his visit to France said that ''Jerusalem is the capital of Israel'' and it has been the "capital for 3,000 years". J&K: 1 terrorist killed in encounter with security forces, search operations underway in Baramulla One terrorist was gunned down and another captured after an encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in J&K's Baramulla district. The encounter took place in Baramulla's Bomai area. Reports said firing had stopped and search operation was underway. 4.5-magnitude earthquake hits J&K, no casualties A medium intensity earthquake measuring 4.5 on the Richter scale hit Jammu and Kashmir early today, the IMD said. According to the National Seismology Centre of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the earthquake occurred at 4:28 am(local time) at a depth of 33 km. Actress molestation case: Suspect arrested by Mumbai Police The man accused of molesting an actress on a Delhi-Mumbai flight has been arrested by police in Mumbai. The actress had on Sunday alleged that she had been molested by a middle-aged man sitting behind her on the flight. California wildfire rages toward scenic coastal communities A raging wildfire pushed toward a string of California coastal cities on Sunday, December 10, prompting new evacuations as crews fought to save homes in the face of gusty winds that have fueled blazes across the state for nearly a week.

WION Morning News Brief, 11 December 2017

A raging wildfire pushed toward a string of California coastal cities on Sunday, December 10, prompting new evacuations as crews fought to save homes in the face of gusty winds that have fueled blazes across the state for nearly a week.

Authorities ordered residents in parts of Carpinteria and Montecito to leave early on Sunday as the Thomas Fire edged closer to Santa Barbara, about 100 miles (160 km) northwest of Los Angeles on the scenic central California coast.

The blaze, the worst of six major fires in Southern California in the last week and already the 10th largest on record in the state since 1932, has blackened 173,000 acres (62,726 hectares), destroyed hundreds of structures and left nearly 90,000 homes and businesses without power.

The combination of Santa Ana winds and rugged terrain in the mountains that run through Santa Barbara and Ventura counties have hampered firefighting efforts, and officials said the Thomas Fire was only 15 per cent contained on Sunday.

The National Weather Service said winds of up to 55 miles (88 km) per hour were expected on Sunday evening, up from gusts of 40 miles per hour on Saturday.

The fires burning across Southern California have forced the evacuation of some 200,000 people and destroyed nearly 800 structures.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A raging wildfire pushed toward a string of California coastal cities on Sunday, December 10, prompting new evacuations as crews fought to save homes in the face of gusty winds that have fueled blazes across the state for nearly a week

A raging wildfire pushed toward a string of California coastal cities on Sunday, December 10, prompting new evacuations as crews fought to save homes in the face of gusty winds that have fueled blazes across the state for nearly a week. Authorities ordered residents in parts of Carpinteria and Montecito to leave early on Sunday as the Thomas Fire edged closer to Santa Barbara, about 100 miles (160 km) northwest of Los Angeles on the scenic central California coast. The blaze, the worst of six major fires in Southern California in the last week and already the 10th largest on record in the state since 1932, has blackened 173,000 acres (62,726 hectares), destroyed hundreds of structures and left nearly 90,000 homes and businesses without power. The combination of Santa Ana winds and rugged terrain in the mountains that run through Santa Barbara and Ventura counties have hampered firefighting efforts, and officials said the Thomas Fire was only 15 per cent contained on Sunday. The National Weather Service said winds of up to 55 miles (88 km) per hour were expected on Sunday evening, up from gusts of 40 miles per hour on Saturday. The fires burning across Southern California have forced the evacuation of some 200,000 people and destroyed nearly 800 structures.

California wildfire rages toward scenic coastal communities

More than a thousand firefighters were struggling to contain a wind-whipped brush fire in southern California on Tuesday that has left at least one person dead, sent thousands fleeing, and was choking the area with thick black smoke.

The Ventura County Fire Department said more than 27,000 people had been told to evacuate as the fast-moving fire in the coastal county north of Los Angeles grew to 45,000 acres (18,200 hectares). More than 150 homes and businesses had already been destroyed.

California Governor Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency over the area, announcing: &quot;This fire is very dangerous and spreading rapidly.

&quot;It`s critical residents stay ready and evacuate immediately if told to do so.&quot;

The northern part of Los Angeles county was engulfed in thick smoke, leaving the air almost unbreathable as ash fell on the streets. Mayor Eric Garcetti warned residents to remain vigilant for fresh outbreaks.

&quot;This is an extreme weather event and these winds can spread embers far and/or kick small new fires up quickly. We expect five days of this,&quot; he tweeted.

A Red Cross evacuation center which had hosted 600 people Monday night was expecting that number to rise to around a thousand by Tuesday, spokesman Fred Mariscal said.

Lexus Deloni, a 20-year-old caregiver who had brought her two young girls, aged one and two, said she had only 45 minutes to evacuate after returning home from a 12-hour shift in the city of Ojai, an hour-and-a-half drive from LA.

&quot;I`m making sure they are eating, drinking, having fun, playing with them,&quot; she said, as a man dressed as Santa Claus arrived, much to the delight of the youngsters.Prospects for containment depended on improving weather conditions.

&quot;Really, Mother Nature is going to decide when we have the ability to put it out,&quot; Ventura County Fire Chief Mark Lorenzen told a news conference.

Strong seasonal gusts known as the Santa Ana winds had registered speeds of up to 55 miles per hour (80 kilometers per hour), the National Weather Service said, predicting they could hit upwards of 80 miles per hour.&nbsp;

&quot;The fire is pushing quickly towards the city of Ventura,&quot; Lorenzen said, and has reached the eastern city limits. The oceanside city has a population of around 100,000.

The fire chief said one death had been reported. &quot;As the individual was evacuating from the fire, the car overturned,&quot; he said.

Authorities said more than 1,000 firefighters were currently fighting the &quot;Thomas Fire&quot; -- a blaze captured in apocalyptic images with flames sometimes taking on the appearance of a volcanic eruption. 
&quot;Fixed wing aircraft and helicopters are expected to attack the fire at daybreak,&quot; the Ventura County website said.

Two other large blazes broke out Tuesday -- the Creek Fire, which has so far swallowed 11,000 acres (around 4,500 hectares) and the more contained Rye fire, spread over 1,000 acres.The NWS put a &quot;red flag&quot; warning into effect for much of Los Angeles and Ventura counties through Thursday, saying the coming days would likely see &quot;the strongest and longest duration Santa Ana wind event we have seen so far this season.&quot;

Lorenzen said the fire was consuming dry brush.

&quot;It`s heavy brush, brush that hasn`t burned in 15 to 20 years,&quot; he said.

&quot;And it`s been a five, six-year drought so the fuel is just tinder dry and just as ripe as can be for fire spread.&quot;

Roads in the northern part of Los Angeles meanwhile were packed with traffic as firetrucks raced towards the flames, while several sections of highways were closed.

Widespread power outages had hit a quarter of a million people as well as forcing the closure of 20 schools.&nbsp;

The Getty Center, one of Los Angeles` most prestigious museums, said it would remain closed until Wednesday to protect its collection from smoke damage. 
The inferno began Monday night near Highway 150 before spreading to the city of Santa Paula.

Captain Scott Quirate, a local fire chief, told local TV stations that he had to call his daughter at dawn to tell her that her apartment had gone up in flames.

Authorities warned of widespread smoke and limited visibility, urging residents in impacted areas to run their air conditioners and keep outside windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering. 
This has been California`s deadliest year ever for wildfires. More than 40 people died in the state`s wine-producing country in fires in October.

More than a thousand firefighters are struggling to contain a wind-whipped brush fire in southern California

More than a thousand firefighters were struggling to contain a wind-whipped brush fire in southern California on Tuesday that has left at least one person dead, sent thousands fleeing, and was choking the area with thick black smoke. The Ventura County Fire Department said more than 27,000 people had been told to evacuate as the fast-moving fire in the coastal county north of Los Angeles grew to 45,000 acres (18,200 hectares). More than 150 homes and businesses had already been destroyed. California Governor Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency over the area, announcing: "This fire is very dangerous and spreading rapidly. "It`s critical residents stay ready and evacuate immediately if told to do so." The northern part of Los Angeles county was engulfed in thick smoke, leaving the air almost unbreathable as ash fell on the streets. Mayor Eric Garcetti warned residents to remain vigilant for fresh outbreaks. "This is an extreme weather event and these winds can spread embers far and/or kick small new fires up quickly. We expect five days of this," he tweeted. A Red Cross evacuation center which had hosted 600 people Monday night was expecting that number to rise to around a thousand by Tuesday, spokesman Fred Mariscal said. Lexus Deloni, a 20-year-old caregiver who had brought her two young girls, aged one and two, said she had only 45 minutes to evacuate after returning home from a 12-hour shift in the city of Ojai, an hour-and-a-half drive from LA. "I`m making sure they are eating, drinking, having fun, playing with them," she said, as a man dressed as Santa Claus arrived, much to the delight of the youngsters.Prospects for containment depended on improving weather conditions. "Really, Mother Nature is going to decide when we have the ability to put it out," Ventura County Fire Chief Mark Lorenzen told a news conference. Strong seasonal gusts known as the Santa Ana winds had registered speeds of up to 55 miles per hour (80 kilometers per hour), the National Weather Service said, predicting they could hit upwards of 80 miles per hour. "The fire is pushing quickly towards the city of Ventura," Lorenzen said, and has reached the eastern city limits. The oceanside city has a population of around 100,000. The fire chief said one death had been reported. "As the individual was evacuating from the fire, the car overturned," he said. Authorities said more than 1,000 firefighters were currently fighting the "Thomas Fire" -- a blaze captured in apocalyptic images with flames sometimes taking on the appearance of a volcanic eruption. "Fixed wing aircraft and helicopters are expected to attack the fire at daybreak," the Ventura County website said. Two other large blazes broke out Tuesday -- the Creek Fire, which has so far swallowed 11,000 acres (around 4,500 hectares) and the more contained Rye fire, spread over 1,000 acres.The NWS put a "red flag" warning into effect for much of Los Angeles and Ventura counties through Thursday, saying the coming days would likely see "the strongest and longest duration Santa Ana wind event we have seen so far this season." Lorenzen said the fire was consuming dry brush. "It`s heavy brush, brush that hasn`t burned in 15 to 20 years," he said. "And it`s been a five, six-year drought so the fuel is just tinder dry and just as ripe as can be for fire spread." Roads in the northern part of Los Angeles meanwhile were packed with traffic as firetrucks raced towards the flames, while several sections of highways were closed. Widespread power outages had hit a quarter of a million people as well as forcing the closure of 20 schools. The Getty Center, one of Los Angeles` most prestigious museums, said it would remain closed until Wednesday to protect its collection from smoke damage. The inferno began Monday night near Highway 150 before spreading to the city of Santa Paula. Captain Scott Quirate, a local fire chief, told local TV stations that he had to call his daughter at dawn to tell her that her apartment had gone up in flames. Authorities warned of widespread smoke and limited visibility, urging residents in impacted areas to run their air conditioners and keep outside windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering. This has been California`s deadliest year ever for wildfires. More than 40 people died in the state`s wine-producing country in fires in October.

California hit again by devastating wildfire

&nbsp;A federal court judge in California on Monday blocked an executive order from President Donald Trump to deny some federal grants to so-called sanctuary cities, undermining the administration&#39;s crackdown on illegal immigration.

The judge, who blocked the order provisionally in April, issued a permanent injunction in the suit brought by the city and county of San Francisco and Santa Clara County, which said the order was unconstitutional.

&quot;The Counties have demonstrated that the Executive Order has caused and will cause them constitutional injuries by violating the separation of powers doctrine and depriving them of their Tenth and Fifth Amendment rights,&quot; U.S. District Judge William Orrick for the Northern District of California wrote in his order.

Trump issued the order in January, shortly after he was inaugurated, slashing funding to jurisdictions that refuse to comply with a statute that requires local governments to share information with U.S. immigration authorities.

As part of that policy, the Justice Department has sought to punish cities and other local jurisdictions that have joined a growing &quot;sanctuary&quot; movement aimed at shielding illegal immigrants from stepped-up deportation efforts.

&quot;The district court exceeded its authority today when it barred the president from instructing his cabinet members to enforce existing law,&quot; Department of Justice spokesman Devin O&rsquo;Malley said in a statement. &quot;The Justice Department will vindicate the president&rsquo;s lawful authority to direct the executive branch.&quot;

The department has already appealed the judge&#39;s prior ruling from April.

The Trump administration contends local authorities endanger public safety when they decline to hand over for deportation illegal immigrants arrested for crimes.

Dozens of local governments and cities, including New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, have joined the growing &quot;sanctuary&quot; movement.

Supporters of the sanctuary policy argue enlisting police cooperation in rounding up immigrants for removal undermines communities&#39; trust in local police, particularly among Latinos.

The Justice Department is concerned about localities&#39; compliance with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement requests to detain people up to 48 hours beyond their scheduled release time so that immigration officials can pick them up.

Some cities say they will only honor such requests when accompanied by criminal warrants, and that compliance is voluntary and not required under the statute.

Chicago also sued the federal government in August over the threats of funding cuts by the Justice Department. A federal judge sided with the city in September and issued a preliminary injunction barring the U.S. government from denying the public-safety grants.

The judge issued a permanent injunction in the suit brought by the city and county of San Francisco and Santa Clara County

A federal court judge in California on Monday blocked an executive order from President Donald Trump to deny some federal grants to so-called sanctuary cities, undermining the administration's crackdown on illegal immigration. The judge, who blocked the order provisionally in April, issued a permanent injunction in the suit brought by the city and county of San Francisco and Santa Clara County, which said the order was unconstitutional. "The Counties have demonstrated that the Executive Order has caused and will cause them constitutional injuries by violating the separation of powers doctrine and depriving them of their Tenth and Fifth Amendment rights," U.S. District Judge William Orrick for the Northern District of California wrote in his order. Trump issued the order in January, shortly after he was inaugurated, slashing funding to jurisdictions that refuse to comply with a statute that requires local governments to share information with U.S. immigration authorities. As part of that policy, the Justice Department has sought to punish cities and other local jurisdictions that have joined a growing "sanctuary" movement aimed at shielding illegal immigrants from stepped-up deportation efforts. "The district court exceeded its authority today when it barred the president from instructing his cabinet members to enforce existing law," Department of Justice spokesman Devin O’Malley said in a statement. "The Justice Department will vindicate the president’s lawful authority to direct the executive branch." The department has already appealed the judge's prior ruling from April. The Trump administration contends local authorities endanger public safety when they decline to hand over for deportation illegal immigrants arrested for crimes. Dozens of local governments and cities, including New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, have joined the growing "sanctuary" movement. Supporters of the sanctuary policy argue enlisting police cooperation in rounding up immigrants for removal undermines communities' trust in local police, particularly among Latinos. The Justice Department is concerned about localities' compliance with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement requests to detain people up to 48 hours beyond their scheduled release time so that immigration officials can pick them up. Some cities say they will only honor such requests when accompanied by criminal warrants, and that compliance is voluntary and not required under the statute. Chicago also sued the federal government in August over the threats of funding cuts by the Justice Department. A federal judge sided with the city in September and issued a preliminary injunction barring the U.S. government from denying the public-safety grants.

US judge in California blocks Trump's order on sanctuary cities

Charles Manson, the wild-eyed cult leader who orchestrated a string of gruesome killings in Southern California by his &quot;family&quot; of young followers, shattering the peace-and-love ethos of the late 1960s, died on Sunday, prison officials said. He was 83.

Manson died of natural causes Sunday evening at a Kern County hospital, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said in a statement. It gave no further details of the circumstances surrounding his death.

He had been serving a life sentence at the nearby Corcoran State Prison for ordering the murders of nine people, including actress Sharon Tate.

Long after Manson had largely faded from headlines, he loomed large as a symbol of the terror he unleashed in the summer of 1969.

&quot;The very name Manson has become a metaphor for evil,&quot; the late Vincent Bugliosi, who prosecuted Manson, told the Los Angeles Times in 1994.

A recent photograph showed the gray-bearded killer&#39;s face still bearing the scar of a swastika he carved into his forehead decades earlier.

Manson became one of the 20th century&#39;s most notorious criminals when he directed his mostly young, female followers to murder seven people in what prosecutors said was part of a plan to incite a race war.

GRAFFITI WITH VICTIMS&#39; BLOOD

Tate, aged 26 and eight months pregnant, was stabbed 16 times in the early morning hours of Aug. 9, 1969, by members of Manson&#39;s cult at the rented hillside house she shared with her husband, filmmaker Roman Polanski, in the Benedict Canyon area of Los Angeles.

Four friends of the celebrity couple, including coffee heiress Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, were also stabbed or shot to death that night by Manson followers, who scrawled the word &quot;Pig&quot; in blood on the home&#39;s front door before leaving. Polanski was away in Europe at the time.

The following night, members of Manson&#39;s group stabbed grocery owner Leno LaBianca and his wife Rosemary to death, using their blood to write, &quot;Death to Pigs&quot; and &quot;Healter Skelter&quot; - a misspelled reference to the Beatles song &quot;Helter Skelter&quot; - on the walls and refrigerator door.

Although Manson did not personally kill any of the seven victims, he was found guilty of ordering their murders.

He was later convicted of ordering the murders of music teacher Gary Hinman, stabbed to death in July 1969, and stuntman Donald &quot;Shorty&quot; Shea, stabbed and bludgeoned that August.

Manson was sentenced to death for the Tate-LaBianca murders, but his sentence was commuted to life in prison after the California Supreme Court abolished capital punishment in the state in 1972.

Born Charles Milles Maddox on Nov. 12, 1934, in Cincinnati to a 16-year-old girl, Manson spent much of his youth shuttled between relatives and juvenile detention halls. By age 13, he had been convicted of armed robbery.

Newly paroled from prison in 1967, he began attracting members of his &quot;family&quot; in San Francisco&#39;s Haight-Ashbury district, which had become a haven for the hippie youth culture.

The group moved with his followers to the Los Angeles area, eventually settling at Spahn Ranch, site of an outdoor movie location used for Western films and TV shows. Communal sex and drug use were a way of life as Manson became a messiah to the runaways, outcasts and criminals drawn by his charisma, intimidation and twisted spiritualism.

One follower told authorities she had seen Manson bring a bird back to life by breathing on it. Another said he could see and hear everything she did and said.

Manson aspired to be a rock star, and through one of his followers befriended Dennis Wilson, drummer of the Beach Boys, who would go on base their 1969 song &quot;Never Learn Not to Love&quot; on a Manson composition.

Wilson introduced Manson to music producer Terry Melcher, who later snubbed him. Melcher, along with his then-girlfriend, actress Candice Bergen, had previously rented the Benedict Canyon house.

The brutality of the killings stunned the nation.

&quot;There was a lot of fear,&quot; Bugliosi, author of the chilling book about the murders, &quot;Helter Skelter,&quot; told the Times in 1994. &quot;The words printed in blood made it especially frightening for the Hollywood crowd.&quot;

SENSATIONAL TRIAL

Denied his request to represent himself during his 9-1/2 month trial, Manson showed up in court with an &quot;X&quot; carved into his forehead, and would later alter it into a swastika.

Co-defendants Susan Atkins, Leslie Van Houten and Patricia Krenwinkel cut &quot;X&quot;s in their foreheads, shaved their scalps, sang Manson-written songs and giggled through chilling testimony.

At one point, Manson tried to leap over the defense table at the judge, snarling: &quot;In the name of Christian justice, someone should cut your head off.&quot; The judge began carrying a gun afterward.

Manson ultimately was brought down by his followers. Atkins told two inmates about the Tate-LaBianca murders while she was jailed in an unrelated killing, then testified to a grand jury before recanting. Prosecutors then persuaded another follower, Linda Kasabian, to testify against the rest of the group in exchange for immunity.

Convicted along with Manson, his three co-defendants, Atkins, Van Houten and Krenwinkel, also had their death sentences reduced to life terms.

Manson long maintained his innocence, telling Rolling Stone magazine that follower Charles &quot;Tex&quot; Watson was responsible for the Tate-LaBianca killings. Watson was tried separately and is serving a life term for his role in those killings.

Still, Manson seemed resigned to a life of incarceration, ceasing to even attend his parole review hearings after 1997.

&quot;What would I want out for?&quot; he said in a telephone interview with the Los Angeles Times. &quot;This beats an old folks home.&quot;

In April 2012, Manson was quoted by parole officials as having told a prison psychologist the previous fall: &quot;I have put five people in the grave. I&#39;ve been in prison most of my life. I&#39;m a very dangerous man.&quot;

Manson died of natural causes Sunday evening at a Kern County hospital, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said in a statement

Charles Manson, the wild-eyed cult leader who orchestrated a string of gruesome killings in Southern California by his "family" of young followers, shattering the peace-and-love ethos of the late 1960s, died on Sunday, prison officials said. He was 83. Manson died of natural causes Sunday evening at a Kern County hospital, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said in a statement. It gave no further details of the circumstances surrounding his death. He had been serving a life sentence at the nearby Corcoran State Prison for ordering the murders of nine people, including actress Sharon Tate. Long after Manson had largely faded from headlines, he loomed large as a symbol of the terror he unleashed in the summer of 1969. "The very name Manson has become a metaphor for evil," the late Vincent Bugliosi, who prosecuted Manson, told the Los Angeles Times in 1994. A recent photograph showed the gray-bearded killer's face still bearing the scar of a swastika he carved into his forehead decades earlier. Manson became one of the 20th century's most notorious criminals when he directed his mostly young, female followers to murder seven people in what prosecutors said was part of a plan to incite a race war. GRAFFITI WITH VICTIMS' BLOOD Tate, aged 26 and eight months pregnant, was stabbed 16 times in the early morning hours of Aug. 9, 1969, by members of Manson's cult at the rented hillside house she shared with her husband, filmmaker Roman Polanski, in the Benedict Canyon area of Los Angeles. Four friends of the celebrity couple, including coffee heiress Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, were also stabbed or shot to death that night by Manson followers, who scrawled the word "Pig" in blood on the home's front door before leaving. Polanski was away in Europe at the time. The following night, members of Manson's group stabbed grocery owner Leno LaBianca and his wife Rosemary to death, using their blood to write, "Death to Pigs" and "Healter Skelter" - a misspelled reference to the Beatles song "Helter Skelter" - on the walls and refrigerator door. Although Manson did not personally kill any of the seven victims, he was found guilty of ordering their murders. He was later convicted of ordering the murders of music teacher Gary Hinman, stabbed to death in July 1969, and stuntman Donald "Shorty" Shea, stabbed and bludgeoned that August. Manson was sentenced to death for the Tate-LaBianca murders, but his sentence was commuted to life in prison after the California Supreme Court abolished capital punishment in the state in 1972. Born Charles Milles Maddox on Nov. 12, 1934, in Cincinnati to a 16-year-old girl, Manson spent much of his youth shuttled between relatives and juvenile detention halls. By age 13, he had been convicted of armed robbery. Newly paroled from prison in 1967, he began attracting members of his "family" in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district, which had become a haven for the hippie youth culture. The group moved with his followers to the Los Angeles area, eventually settling at Spahn Ranch, site of an outdoor movie location used for Western films and TV shows. Communal sex and drug use were a way of life as Manson became a messiah to the runaways, outcasts and criminals drawn by his charisma, intimidation and twisted spiritualism. One follower told authorities she had seen Manson bring a bird back to life by breathing on it. Another said he could see and hear everything she did and said. Manson aspired to be a rock star, and through one of his followers befriended Dennis Wilson, drummer of the Beach Boys, who would go on base their 1969 song "Never Learn Not to Love" on a Manson composition. Wilson introduced Manson to music producer Terry Melcher, who later snubbed him. Melcher, along with his then-girlfriend, actress Candice Bergen, had previously rented the Benedict Canyon house. The brutality of the killings stunned the nation. "There was a lot of fear," Bugliosi, author of the chilling book about the murders, "Helter Skelter," told the Times in 1994. "The words printed in blood made it especially frightening for the Hollywood crowd." SENSATIONAL TRIAL Denied his request to represent himself during his 9-1/2 month trial, Manson showed up in court with an "X" carved into his forehead, and would later alter it into a swastika. Co-defendants Susan Atkins, Leslie Van Houten and Patricia Krenwinkel cut "X"s in their foreheads, shaved their scalps, sang Manson-written songs and giggled through chilling testimony. At one point, Manson tried to leap over the defense table at the judge, snarling: "In the name of Christian justice, someone should cut your head off." The judge began carrying a gun afterward. Manson ultimately was brought down by his followers. Atkins told two inmates about the Tate-LaBianca murders while she was jailed in an unrelated killing, then testified to a grand jury before recanting. Prosecutors then persuaded another follower, Linda Kasabian, to testify against the rest of the group in exchange for immunity. Convicted along with Manson, his three co-defendants, Atkins, Van Houten and Krenwinkel, also had their death sentences reduced to life terms. Manson long maintained his innocence, telling Rolling Stone magazine that follower Charles "Tex" Watson was responsible for the Tate-LaBianca killings. Watson was tried separately and is serving a life term for his role in those killings. Still, Manson seemed resigned to a life of incarceration, ceasing to even attend his parole review hearings after 1997. "What would I want out for?" he said in a telephone interview with the Los Angeles Times. "This beats an old folks home." In April 2012, Manson was quoted by parole officials as having told a prison psychologist the previous fall: "I have put five people in the grave. I've been in prison most of my life. I'm a very dangerous man."

Charles Manson, US mass killer and cult leader, dies at 83

A 21-year-old&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-sikh-youth-shot-dead-in-us-6751">Indian student has been shot dead</a> allegedly by four armed robbers, including an Indian-origin man, at a grocery store in the US state of California, according to a media report.

Dharampreet Singh Jasser was on duty at a grocery store next to a gas station in Fresno city in California on Tuesday night when four armed robbers, including an Indian-origin man, barged in to loot the store, local daily Fresnobee reported.

Jasser reportedly hid behind the cash counter but was shot by one of the four robbers while they were leaving the service station after looting cash and goods, the report said.

The incident was reported to the police yesterday when a customer who had stopped by to buy some goods, discovered Jasser&#39;s body on the floor.

Originally from Punjab, Jasser was a student of accounting and had gone to the US around three years ago on a student visa.

Police has arrested 22-year-old Athwal, an Indian-origin man, who is believed to be one of the four suspects who looted the gas station and fired multiple shots one of which hit Jasser.

Police said a Fresno County Sheriff&#39;s deputy saw media coverage of the incident on Tuesday and recognized some similarities between the suspects from the incident and Athwal, the Madera County Sheriff&#39;s Office said.

Madera Sheriff&#39;s detectives were contacted and determined Athwal is the likely suspect in the shooting.

A warrant has been obtained for the suspect and he will be transferred to the Madera Department of Corrections, the report said.

Athwal has been charged with murder and robbery.

&quot;Dharampreet was a completely innocent victim, just doing his job, when he was senselessly killed during this robbery,&quot; Madera Sheriff Jay Varney said&nbsp;

Detectives continue to search for other suspects and any further information related to this case, the Sheriff&#39;s Office said.

Dharampreet Singh Jasser was shot dead allegedly by four armed robbers while he was on duty at a grocery store next to a gas station in Fresno city in California on Tuesday night

A 21-year-old Indian student has been shot dead allegedly by four armed robbers, including an Indian-origin man, at a grocery store in the US state of California, according to a media report. Dharampreet Singh Jasser was on duty at a grocery store next to a gas station in Fresno city in California on Tuesday night when four armed robbers, including an Indian-origin man, barged in to loot the store, local daily Fresnobee reported. Jasser reportedly hid behind the cash counter but was shot by one of the four robbers while they were leaving the service station after looting cash and goods, the report said. The incident was reported to the police yesterday when a customer who had stopped by to buy some goods, discovered Jasser's body on the floor. Originally from Punjab, Jasser was a student of accounting and had gone to the US around three years ago on a student visa. Police has arrested 22-year-old Athwal, an Indian-origin man, who is believed to be one of the four suspects who looted the gas station and fired multiple shots one of which hit Jasser. Police said a Fresno County Sheriff's deputy saw media coverage of the incident on Tuesday and recognized some similarities between the suspects from the incident and Athwal, the Madera County Sheriff's Office said. Madera Sheriff's detectives were contacted and determined Athwal is the likely suspect in the shooting. A warrant has been obtained for the suspect and he will be transferred to the Madera Department of Corrections, the report said. Athwal has been charged with murder and robbery. "Dharampreet was a completely innocent victim, just doing his job, when he was senselessly killed during this robbery," Madera Sheriff Jay Varney said Detectives continue to search for other suspects and any further information related to this case, the Sheriff's Office said.

Indian student shot dead in California

It seems like United States President, Donald Trump has mixed his updates on California and Texas mass shootings and tweeted about the wrong incident.&nbsp;

A gunman opened fire on a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gunman-opens-fire-in-california-school-4-killed-24235">local elementary school</a> in rural Rancho Tehama near Sacramento in California killing at least four people, on Wednesday.

But, Trump wrote about the Texas shooting where an armed man opened fire inside a church, killing around 25 people and wounding about 20 in the deadliest shooting in history for Texas which happened on November 5.&nbsp;

Trump has offered condolences to the wrong shooting on Wednesday&nbsp;in a Tweet which read &ldquo;May God be with the people of Sutherland Springs, Texas. The FBI and Law Enforcement has arrived&quot;&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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May God be with the people of Sutherland Springs, Texas. The FBI and Law Enforcement has arrived.
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/930655291569524736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Naturally, people on Twitter soon picked up the mistake and trolled the situation.&nbsp;

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Trump just tweeted about the wrong mass shooting... <a href="https://t.co/tfgXp1TTMh">pic.twitter.com/tfgXp1TTMh</a>
&mdash; Rantt News (@RanttNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/RanttNews/status/930656835606073344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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Did u just copy &amp; paste this &amp; forget to change the city?
&mdash; Name cannot be blank (@cadillaccannon) <a href="https://twitter.com/cadillaccannon/status/930660154768535556?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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Just now? They&#39;re nine days late.
&mdash; Jason (@OMJason) <a href="https://twitter.com/OMJason/status/930655635779309568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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sigh...don&#39;t you get tired of being this dumb? Like I&#39;m exhausted for you.
&mdash; Youse A BIGLY Bum (@kelleent) <a href="https://twitter.com/kelleent/status/930667520285081600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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... a little late? <a href="https://t.co/3Am5gqHH3u">https://t.co/3Am5gqHH3u</a>
&mdash; Bryson (@Bryson_M) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bryson_M/status/930655535782694912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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getting your shootings mixed up, very presidential
&mdash; Bryson (@Bryson_M) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bryson_M/status/930657948228993025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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Um. That was last week&#39;s tragedy. We had a new one today in Northern Califorina. 
You might want to ask your physician what &quot;sundowning&quot; means. Seriously.
&mdash; Peter Delacroix (@DocPeteyJ) <a href="https://twitter.com/DocPeteyJ/status/930662416404439041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Nobody is better at uniting the nation during a time of crisis than President Trump!
&mdash; Jacob Wohl (@JacobAWohl) <a href="https://twitter.com/JacobAWohl/status/930655580439511040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Trump offered condolences to the wrong shooting on Wednesday.

It seems like United States President, Donald Trump has mixed his updates on California and Texas mass shootings and tweeted about the wrong incident. A gunman opened fire on a local elementary school in rural Rancho Tehama near Sacramento in California killing at least four people, on Wednesday. But, Trump wrote about the Texas shooting where an armed man opened fire inside a church, killing around 25 people and wounding about 20 in the deadliest shooting in history for Texas which happened on November 5. Trump has offered condolences to the wrong shooting on Wednesday in a Tweet which read “May God be with the people of Sutherland Springs, Texas. The FBI and Law Enforcement has arrived" May God be with the people of Sutherland Springs, Texas. The FBI and Law Enforcement has arrived. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 15, 2017 × Naturally, people on Twitter soon picked up the mistake and trolled the situation. Trump just tweeted about the wrong mass shooting... pic.twitter.com/tfgXp1TTMh — Rantt News (@RanttNews) November 15, 2017 × Did u just copy & paste this & forget to change the city? — Name cannot be blank (@cadillaccannon) November 15, 2017 × Just now? They're nine days late. — Jason (@OMJason) November 15, 2017 × sigh...don't you get tired of being this dumb? Like I'm exhausted for you. — Youse A BIGLY Bum (@kelleent) November 15, 2017 × ... a little late? https://t.co/3Am5gqHH3u — Bryson (@Bryson_M) November 15, 2017 × getting your shootings mixed up, very presidential — Bryson (@Bryson_M) November 15, 2017 × Um. That was last week's tragedy. We had a new one today in Northern Califorina. You might want to ask your physician what "sundowning" means. Seriously. — Peter Delacroix (@DocPeteyJ) November 15, 2017 × Nobody is better at uniting the nation during a time of crisis than President Trump! — Jacob Wohl (@JacobAWohl) November 15, 2017 ×

Trump tweets about the wrong mass shooting, gets trolled

A sharp increase in forest fires stoked record losses in global forest cover equivalent to the area of New Zealand in 2016, a Global Forest Watch report has said.

The alarming pace of destruction of 51% higher than the prior year with a loss of 73.4 million acres (29.7 million hectares), according to data from the University of Maryland&nbsp;was partially due to climate change that has increased the risks and intensity of wildfires by triggering temperature rise and drought in some places, the monitor said yesterday.

The 2015-2016 weather phenomenon El Nino, one of the strongest on record, also played a role, having created particularly dry conditions in the tropics. Many of those tropical areas are not naturally prone to catching fire&nbsp;but vulnerability increased due to poor management and was exacerbated by El Nino.

Deadly blazes in Brazil and Indonesia were among those contributing to the loss. This year, deadly blazes have again devastated regions of Portugal as well as California.

Brazil&#39;s Amazon region lost 9.1 million acres of tree cover more than three times that of 2015. And Portugal saw some 4% of its forests go up in smoke in 2016, the highest proportion of any other country.

Nearly half of all forests burned in the European Union in 2016 were in Portugal, where fire-prone eucalyptus and pine plantations along with poor soil encouraged the deadly flames.

The country is set to break the record for destroyed forests in 2017, with recent disasters killing dozens of people.

Early 2016 saw one of the largest fires ever recorded in Central Africa, destroying 37,000 acres of forest in the Republic of Congo.

Last year&#39;s Fort McMurray fire in Canada ravaged more than 1.5 million acres, causing $8.8 billion in damage.

Deforestation resulting from agriculture, logging and mining also contributed to the losses.

The report urged improving fire and forest management, including early warning systems, fire bans during dry seasons and more augmented investment in forest protection and restoration.

A sharp increase in forest fires stoked record losses in global forest cover equivalent to the area of New Zealand in 2016

A sharp increase in forest fires stoked record losses in global forest cover equivalent to the area of New Zealand in 2016, a Global Forest Watch report has said. The alarming pace of destruction of 51% higher than the prior year with a loss of 73.4 million acres (29.7 million hectares), according to data from the University of Maryland was partially due to climate change that has increased the risks and intensity of wildfires by triggering temperature rise and drought in some places, the monitor said yesterday. The 2015-2016 weather phenomenon El Nino, one of the strongest on record, also played a role, having created particularly dry conditions in the tropics. Many of those tropical areas are not naturally prone to catching fire but vulnerability increased due to poor management and was exacerbated by El Nino. Deadly blazes in Brazil and Indonesia were among those contributing to the loss. This year, deadly blazes have again devastated regions of Portugal as well as California. Brazil's Amazon region lost 9.1 million acres of tree cover more than three times that of 2015. And Portugal saw some 4% of its forests go up in smoke in 2016, the highest proportion of any other country. Nearly half of all forests burned in the European Union in 2016 were in Portugal, where fire-prone eucalyptus and pine plantations along with poor soil encouraged the deadly flames. The country is set to break the record for destroyed forests in 2017, with recent disasters killing dozens of people. Early 2016 saw one of the largest fires ever recorded in Central Africa, destroying 37,000 acres of forest in the Republic of Congo. Last year's Fort McMurray fire in Canada ravaged more than 1.5 million acres, causing $8.8 billion in damage. Deforestation resulting from agriculture, logging and mining also contributed to the losses. The report urged improving fire and forest management, including early warning systems, fire bans during dry seasons and more augmented investment in forest protection and restoration.

Forest fires contributed to record global tree cover loss: Report

A wildfire near Anaheim, California burned more than 700 acres and was spreading rapidly on Monday (September 25). Nearly 300 homes in the nearby city of&nbsp;Corona&nbsp;were evacuated, as 200 firefighters worked to contain the blaze.

Smoke from the fire, which was burning alongside California&#39;s 91 freeway, could be seen for miles.

Several lanes on the road were initially closed backing up traffic for miles.

Smoke from the fire, which was burning alongside California's 91 freeway, could be seen for miles.

A wildfire near Anaheim, California burned more than 700 acres and was spreading rapidly on Monday (September 25). Nearly 300 homes in the nearby city of Corona were evacuated, as 200 firefighters worked to contain the blaze. Smoke from the fire, which was burning alongside California's 91 freeway, could be seen for miles. Several lanes on the road were initially closed backing up traffic for miles.

California wildfire forces evacuations

The progressive university town of&nbsp;Berkeley, California, on Sunday, saw the coming together of several thousand protesters for a &quot;Rally Against Hate&quot;. It took place in response to planned right-wing rallies over the weekend that were canceled over concerns of potential violence.&nbsp;

The peaceful gathering became violent after&nbsp;protesters from across the political left wing-right wing divide got into a brief tussle as the police deployed in the area tried to keep them apart.&nbsp;

According to local news sources, at least 10 people were arrested for&nbsp;violating rules against covering the face or carrying banned items. Those arrested had their faces hidden behind black bandanas and hoodies. There were in total, about 100 anarchists and antifa--&nbsp;&ldquo;anti-fascist&rdquo;. They converged with the peaceful protesters on Sunday afternoon in Berkeley&rsquo;s Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park.&nbsp;

Soon after the violence began, a&nbsp;pepper-spray wielding Trump supporter was smacked to the ground with homemade shields.

He was caught on record saying:&nbsp;&quot;Anti free speech as an ideology is a virus that grows. If we don&#39;t stand against the attack on free speech in Berkeley, then it won&#39;t be long before it&#39;s in my neighborhood and I have to be worried about my political beliefs. And by the way, I don&#39;t support Nazis but if someone wants to have a Nazi flag and we&#39;re going to say it&#39;s OK to instigate violence against them, the person (who) instigates violence against that person&#39;s speech is not different from the Klansman who hates a black person just for being black. Hate speech is free speech.&quot;

(WION)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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The peaceful gathering became violent after?protesters from across the political left wing-right wing divide got into a brief tussle

The progressive university town of Berkeley, California, on Sunday, saw the coming together of several thousand protesters for a "Rally Against Hate". It took place in response to planned right-wing rallies over the weekend that were canceled over concerns of potential violence. The peaceful gathering became violent after protesters from across the political left wing-right wing divide got into a brief tussle as the police deployed in the area tried to keep them apart. According to local news sources, at least 10 people were arrested for violating rules against covering the face or carrying banned items. Those arrested had their faces hidden behind black bandanas and hoodies. There were in total, about 100 anarchists and antifa-- “anti-fascist”. They converged with the peaceful protesters on Sunday afternoon in Berkeley’s Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park. Soon after the violence began, a pepper-spray wielding Trump supporter was smacked to the ground with homemade shields. He was caught on record saying: "Anti free speech as an ideology is a virus that grows. If we don't stand against the attack on free speech in Berkeley, then it won't be long before it's in my neighborhood and I have to be worried about my political beliefs. And by the way, I don't support Nazis but if someone wants to have a Nazi flag and we're going to say it's OK to instigate violence against them, the person (who) instigates violence against that person's speech is not different from the Klansman who hates a black person just for being black. Hate speech is free speech." (WION)

Pro-Trump supporters engage with anti-fascists at 'Rally Against Hate' protests in Berkeley

Martha the Neapolitan Mastiff, a sluggish 125 pound (57 kg) dog won first place among the 14 contestants who had participated in the World&#39;s Ugliest Dog Competition, organised in Petaluma, California.

The 3-year-old dog walked onstage lazily and snored loudly when she was supposed to be showing off at the Sonoma-Marin Fair.

Impressing the judges with what appeared to be her &quot;300 pounds&quot; of droopy skin on her long bones, she won the crown along with a trophy, a trip to New York and $1500 (USD).&nbsp;

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Martha shakes water off her head after winning this year&#39;s World&#39;s Ugliest Dog Competition (AFP)
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Martha used to be among the thousands of neglected large breed dogs, whose owner was trying to sell her on Craigslist (an American version of Olx)&nbsp;when her current handler Shirley Zindler took her in. Zindler is the founder of the animal fostering group, &#39;Dogwood Animal Rescue Project&#39;, the New York Times reported.

&quot;She knocks over every water bucket no matter how securely attached to the fence,&quot; said owner Shirley Dawn Zindler of her homely hound. &quot;She bosses the other dogs around and makes sure all guests are suitably slimed on arrival.&quot;

Martha will now live with Ms&nbsp;Burkard, who reached out to Dogwood via Facebook, reported the New York Times.&nbsp;

The competition was stiff: Moe, a lackadaisical, scraggly-haired mutt whose tongue generally hangs out the side of his mouth nabbed second place.

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Miriam Tcheng holds her Brussel Griffon Pug &#39;Moe&#39; during The World&#39;s Ugliest Dog Competition (AFP)
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Precious, a rat-like, wide-eyed Chihuahua claimed the spirit award.

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Precious the Chihuahua faces off with Martha the Neapolitan Mastiff during The World&#39;s Ugliest Dog Competition (AFP)
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The small coastal city of Petaluma has been hosting an annual ugly dog contest for more than 50 years, organisers said.&nbsp;

This year&#39;s event included a red carpet walk and a &quot;fashion faux paw show&quot; -- complete with ugly sweaters -- allowing the less aesthetically pleasing canines of the world the chance to strut their stuff.

&quot;We celebrate the spirit and imperfections that make these dogs lovable,&quot; said event marketing director Karen Spencer.

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A Chinese Crested dog named Chase walks on stage during The World&#39;s Ugliest Dog Competition (AFP)
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Josie, a Chinese Crested, waits to compete in the World&#39;s Ugliest Dog Competition (AFP)
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The World's Ugliest Dog Competition is organised annually in Petaluma, California for the past 50 years

Martha the Neapolitan Mastiff, a sluggish 125 pound (57 kg) dog won first place among the 14 contestants who had participated in the World's Ugliest Dog Competition, organised in Petaluma, California. The 3-year-old dog walked onstage lazily and snored loudly when she was supposed to be showing off at the Sonoma-Marin Fair. Impressing the judges with what appeared to be her "300 pounds" of droopy skin on her long bones, she won the crown along with a trophy, a trip to New York and $1500 (USD). Martha shakes water off her head after winning this year's World's Ugliest Dog Competition (AFP) × Martha used to be among the thousands of neglected large breed dogs, whose owner was trying to sell her on Craigslist (an American version of Olx) when her current handler Shirley Zindler took her in. Zindler is the founder of the animal fostering group, 'Dogwood Animal Rescue Project', the New York Times reported. "She knocks over every water bucket no matter how securely attached to the fence," said owner Shirley Dawn Zindler of her homely hound. "She bosses the other dogs around and makes sure all guests are suitably slimed on arrival." Martha will now live with Ms Burkard, who reached out to Dogwood via Facebook, reported the New York Times. The competition was stiff: Moe, a lackadaisical, scraggly-haired mutt whose tongue generally hangs out the side of his mouth nabbed second place. Miriam Tcheng holds her Brussel Griffon Pug 'Moe' during The World's Ugliest Dog Competition (AFP) × Precious, a rat-like, wide-eyed Chihuahua claimed the spirit award. Precious the Chihuahua faces off with Martha the Neapolitan Mastiff during The World's Ugliest Dog Competition (AFP) × The small coastal city of Petaluma has been hosting an annual ugly dog contest for more than 50 years, organisers said. This year's event included a red carpet walk and a "fashion faux paw show" -- complete with ugly sweaters -- allowing the less aesthetically pleasing canines of the world the chance to strut their stuff. "We celebrate the spirit and imperfections that make these dogs lovable," said event marketing director Karen Spencer. A Chinese Crested dog named Chase walks on stage during The World's Ugliest Dog Competition (AFP) × Josie, a Chinese Crested, waits to compete in the World's Ugliest Dog Competition (AFP) ×

Martha: The beauty that won the Ugliest Dog award

A gunman opened fire in downtown Fresno, California, on Tuesday, killing three people before he was taken into custody, local media reported, citing police.

The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Kori Ali Muhammad, was also wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of a security guard at a Motel 6 in Fresno on Sunday, the Fresno Bee newspaper reported.

Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer said Muhammad had expressed a hatred for white people and shouted &quot;Allahu Akhbar&quot; as he was being taken into custody, the Bee reported.

Fresno is an agricultural hub in California&#39;s central valley, about 170 miles southeast of San Francisco.

The Bee reported that the gunman opened fire with a large-calibre handgun while cursing shortly before 11 am&nbsp;near a Catholic Charities building.

County government buildings were placed on lockdown and residents were urged to shelter in place, according to the newspaper.

Local television images showed what appeared to be a body covered in a yellow tarp in a street near where police tape marked off several crime scenes.

(Reuters)

The suspect, 39-year-old Kori Ali Muhammad, was also wanted in connection with the fatal shooting on Sunday of a security guard

A gunman opened fire in downtown Fresno, California, on Tuesday, killing three people before he was taken into custody, local media reported, citing police. The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Kori Ali Muhammad, was also wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of a security guard at a Motel 6 in Fresno on Sunday, the Fresno Bee newspaper reported. Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer said Muhammad had expressed a hatred for white people and shouted "Allahu Akhbar" as he was being taken into custody, the Bee reported. Fresno is an agricultural hub in California's central valley, about 170 miles southeast of San Francisco. The Bee reported that the gunman opened fire with a large-calibre handgun while cursing shortly before 11 am near a Catholic Charities building. County government buildings were placed on lockdown and residents were urged to shelter in place, according to the newspaper. Local television images showed what appeared to be a body covered in a yellow tarp in a street near where police tape marked off several crime scenes. (Reuters)

Fresno: 3 killed in California shooting spree

Uber said on Friday it planned to keep its self-driving cars on the streets of San Francisco, defying a state order to halt the test program.

The ridesharing giant said it disputed the interpretation by the California Department of Motor Vehicles that the cars require a special permit, saying they had the same autonomy capabilities as Tesla cars which have an optional &quot;autopilot&quot; feature.

Anthony Levandowski, Uber&#39;s vice president for advanced technologies, said that as with the Teslas, the cars driven by Uber still have a driver capable of assuming control at any time.

&quot;We respectfully disagree with the California DMV&#39;s interpretation of autonomous regulations, in particular that Uber needs a permit to operate in San Francisco,&quot; Levandowski told a conference call with journalists.

&quot;While these are considered state of the art today, they still require monitoring by a vehicle operator at all times.&quot;

Levandowski said Uber did not plan on seeking a state permit and for now planned to continue picking up passengers in San Francisco despite the threat of legal action.

He called it &quot;an important issue of principle&quot; about &quot;uneven application of statewide rules.&quot;

&quot;We cannot in good conscience sign up for regulation of something we are not doing,&quot; he said.

Levandowski said Uber was having &quot;frank conversations&quot; with regulators and hoped to convince them that its autonomous cars were no different from Tesla&#39;s, which allow a driver to turn over many operations to an onboard computer but still need a human behind the wheel.

&quot;We have a person sitting in the driver&#39;s seat, and there&#39;s also a person next to them looking at the system and trying to confirm that everything is going well,&quot; he said.

&quot;They are able to override and take control of the vehicle at any time.&quot;

The announcement by the global ridesharing colossus came two days after state regulations said the testing program was not authorized.

In a letter to Uber, DMV counsel Brian Soublet said the permit is required to protect public safety.

&quot;It is illegal for the company to operate its self-driving vehicles on public roads until it receives an autonomous vehicle testing permit,&quot; he wrote.

&quot;It is essential that Uber takes appropriate measure to ensure safety of the public. If Uber does not confirm immediately that it will stop its launch and seek a testing permit, DMV will initiate legal action.&quot;

Backers of autonomous vehicles say the technology can reduce more than 90 per cent of accidents, which mostly are due to human error.

Since its debut in 2010, Uber has grown into a worldwide phenomenon despite regulatory hurdles and resistance from traditional taxi operators.&nbsp;

In its latest funding round, Uber was valued at more than $60 billion, but has racked up losses at it expands and takes on competitors such as Lyft.

&nbsp;

(AFP)

Uber said it disputed the interpretation by the California Department of Motor Vehicles that the cars require a special permit

Uber said on Friday it planned to keep its self-driving cars on the streets of San Francisco, defying a state order to halt the test program. The ridesharing giant said it disputed the interpretation by the California Department of Motor Vehicles that the cars require a special permit, saying they had the same autonomy capabilities as Tesla cars which have an optional "autopilot" feature. Anthony Levandowski, Uber's vice president for advanced technologies, said that as with the Teslas, the cars driven by Uber still have a driver capable of assuming control at any time. "We respectfully disagree with the California DMV's interpretation of autonomous regulations, in particular that Uber needs a permit to operate in San Francisco," Levandowski told a conference call with journalists. "While these are considered state of the art today, they still require monitoring by a vehicle operator at all times." Levandowski said Uber did not plan on seeking a state permit and for now planned to continue picking up passengers in San Francisco despite the threat of legal action. He called it "an important issue of principle" about "uneven application of statewide rules." "We cannot in good conscience sign up for regulation of something we are not doing," he said. Levandowski said Uber was having "frank conversations" with regulators and hoped to convince them that its autonomous cars were no different from Tesla's, which allow a driver to turn over many operations to an onboard computer but still need a human behind the wheel. "We have a person sitting in the driver's seat, and there's also a person next to them looking at the system and trying to confirm that everything is going well," he said. "They are able to override and take control of the vehicle at any time." The announcement by the global ridesharing colossus came two days after state regulations said the testing program was not authorized. In a letter to Uber, DMV counsel Brian Soublet said the permit is required to protect public safety. "It is illegal for the company to operate its self-driving vehicles on public roads until it receives an autonomous vehicle testing permit," he wrote. "It is essential that Uber takes appropriate measure to ensure safety of the public. If Uber does not confirm immediately that it will stop its launch and seek a testing permit, DMV will initiate legal action." Backers of autonomous vehicles say the technology can reduce more than 90 per cent of accidents, which mostly are due to human error. Since its debut in 2010, Uber has grown into a worldwide phenomenon despite regulatory hurdles and resistance from traditional taxi operators. In its latest funding round, Uber was valued at more than $60 billion, but has racked up losses at it expands and takes on competitors such as Lyft. (AFP)

Uber defies California demand to stop self-driving cars

California shut down Uber&#39;s testing of self-driving cars shortly after the ride-sharing service launched its pilot in San Francisco, citing a lack of permit and threatening to sue.

Uber Technologies Inc. launched the test without a permit as required by the US state. Twenty companies have been approved to test a total of 130 vehicles, the California Department of Motor Vehicles pointed out.

In a letter to Uber, the DMV counsel Brian Soublet said the permit is required in part to protect public safety.

&quot;It is illegal for the company to operate its self-driving vehicles on public roads until it receives an autonomous vehicle testing permit,&quot; he wrote.

&quot;It is essential that Uber takes appropriate measure to ensure safety of the public. If Uber does not confirm immediately that it will stop its launch and seek a testing permit, DMV will initiate legal action.&quot;

Uber was not immediately available to comment on the DMV action.

Uber rolled out its driverless cars in San Francisco after an initial pilot earlier this year in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

&quot;We&#39;re excited to start operating in our hometown of San Francisco with Volvo XC90s, our first cars built in partnership with a major auto-manufacturer,&quot; Uber said in a statement.

A consumer protection organization based in Santa Monica, Consumer Watchdog, earlier Wednesday condemned the Uber pilot.

&quot;Consumer Watchdog today called on San Francisco police to impound Uber&#39;s robot cars operating without a permit on city streets and asked City Attorney Dennis Herrera to file criminal charges against Uber CEO Travis Kalanick,&quot; it said in a statement.

Consumer Watchdog cited reports of Uber&#39;s robot cars running red lights in San Francisco.

Backers of autonomous vehicles say the technology can reduce more than 90 per cent of accidents, which mostly are due to human error.

Since its debut in 2010, Uber has grown into a worldwide phenomenon despite regulatory hurdles and resistance from traditional taxi operators.&nbsp;

In its latest funding round, Uber was valued at more than $60 billion, but has racked up losses at it expands and takes on competitors such as Lyft.

(AFP)

Uber Technologies Inc launched the test without a permit as required by the US state

California shut down Uber's testing of self-driving cars shortly after the ride-sharing service launched its pilot in San Francisco, citing a lack of permit and threatening to sue. Uber Technologies Inc. launched the test without a permit as required by the US state. Twenty companies have been approved to test a total of 130 vehicles, the California Department of Motor Vehicles pointed out. In a letter to Uber, the DMV counsel Brian Soublet said the permit is required in part to protect public safety. "It is illegal for the company to operate its self-driving vehicles on public roads until it receives an autonomous vehicle testing permit," he wrote. "It is essential that Uber takes appropriate measure to ensure safety of the public. If Uber does not confirm immediately that it will stop its launch and seek a testing permit, DMV will initiate legal action." Uber was not immediately available to comment on the DMV action. Uber rolled out its driverless cars in San Francisco after an initial pilot earlier this year in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. "We're excited to start operating in our hometown of San Francisco with Volvo XC90s, our first cars built in partnership with a major auto-manufacturer," Uber said in a statement. A consumer protection organization based in Santa Monica, Consumer Watchdog, earlier Wednesday condemned the Uber pilot. "Consumer Watchdog today called on San Francisco police to impound Uber's robot cars operating without a permit on city streets and asked City Attorney Dennis Herrera to file criminal charges against Uber CEO Travis Kalanick," it said in a statement. Consumer Watchdog cited reports of Uber's robot cars running red lights in San Francisco. Backers of autonomous vehicles say the technology can reduce more than 90 per cent of accidents, which mostly are due to human error. Since its debut in 2010, Uber has grown into a worldwide phenomenon despite regulatory hurdles and resistance from traditional taxi operators. In its latest funding round, Uber was valued at more than $60 billion, but has racked up losses at it expands and takes on competitors such as Lyft. (AFP)

California pulls plug on Uber's self-driving cars

A 19-year-old British man has been charged for trying to grab a police officer&#39;s gun at a Donald Trump rally in Las Vegas in a bid to kill the Republican presidential nominee. 
 
According to a complaint filed in federal court in Nevada, Michael Sandford tried to disarm the officer at Saturday&#39;s rally at the Mystere Theatre in the Treasure Island Casino before being overpowered. 
 
It said that the young man told a Secret Service agent after his arrest that he had driven from California to Las Vegas &quot;to kill Trump,&quot; and had been to a range a day earlier to learn to shoot as he had never fired a gun before. 
 
&quot;Sandford acknowledged that he would likely only be able to fire one to two rounds and stated he was convinced he would be killed by law enforcement during his attempt on Trump&#39;s life,&quot; the complaint said. 
 
It added that Sandford told investigators he had purchased tickets for a rally in Phoenix, where he &quot;would try again to kill Trump&quot; in the event his plan in Las Vegas failed. 
 
Video of his arrest carried by US media show a skinny man with short brown hair and a grey T-shirt being escorted out of the rally by police officers with his hands behind his back. 
 
The prosecutor&#39;s office said Sandford was ordered held without bond, as he was considered dangerous and represented a flight risk. 
 
Britain&#39;s Foreign Office is &quot;providing assistance&quot; in the case, a spokesman said. 
 
&#39;Would try this again&#39; 
 
The complaint said Sandford had told investigators that he had been in the United States for about 18 months, and had lived in Hoboken, New Jersey, before traveling to California. 
 
&nbsp;Sandford told investigators that he had targeted officer Ameel Jacob&#39;s gun because it was in an unlocked position and would be the easiest way to gain access to a weapon at the rally where those attending had to go through metal detectors. 
 
&quot;Sandford further stated that if he were on the street tomorrow, he would try this again,&quot; according to the complaint. 
 
It said Sandford told the Secret Service that he had been plotting to kill Trump for about a year and finally decided to act on Saturday, as &quot;he finally felt confident to do it.&quot; 
 
His arrest comes amid one of the nastiest US presidential campaigns in recent history, dominated by violent rhetoric, with Trump lashing out at Mexicans, Muslims and other groups. 
 
The real estate billionaire enjoys Secret Service protection but also has his own private security detail that has been accused of using unnecessary force to remove people from events. 
 
A number of protesters have been arrested at his rallies where riot police are deployed in force and there have been mounting demonstrations during his campaign appearances in recent months. 
 
Sandford is due to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on July 5. He faces more than 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if found guilty on the charge of &quot;act of violence on restricted grounds.&quot; 
(AFP)

The man had apparently driven from California to Las Vegas to kill Trump and had visited a shooting range a day earlier to learn to shoot

A 19-year-old British man has been charged for trying to grab a police officer's gun at a Donald Trump rally in Las Vegas in a bid to kill the Republican presidential nominee. According to a complaint filed in federal court in Nevada, Michael Sandford tried to disarm the officer at Saturday's rally at the Mystere Theatre in the Treasure Island Casino before being overpowered. It said that the young man told a Secret Service agent after his arrest that he had driven from California to Las Vegas "to kill Trump," and had been to a range a day earlier to learn to shoot as he had never fired a gun before. "Sandford acknowledged that he would likely only be able to fire one to two rounds and stated he was convinced he would be killed by law enforcement during his attempt on Trump's life," the complaint said. It added that Sandford told investigators he had purchased tickets for a rally in Phoenix, where he "would try again to kill Trump" in the event his plan in Las Vegas failed. Video of his arrest carried by US media show a skinny man with short brown hair and a grey T-shirt being escorted out of the rally by police officers with his hands behind his back. The prosecutor's office said Sandford was ordered held without bond, as he was considered dangerous and represented a flight risk. Britain's Foreign Office is "providing assistance" in the case, a spokesman said. 'Would try this again' The complaint said Sandford had told investigators that he had been in the United States for about 18 months, and had lived in Hoboken, New Jersey, before traveling to California. Sandford told investigators that he had targeted officer Ameel Jacob's gun because it was in an unlocked position and would be the easiest way to gain access to a weapon at the rally where those attending had to go through metal detectors. "Sandford further stated that if he were on the street tomorrow, he would try this again," according to the complaint. It said Sandford told the Secret Service that he had been plotting to kill Trump for about a year and finally decided to act on Saturday, as "he finally felt confident to do it." His arrest comes amid one of the nastiest US presidential campaigns in recent history, dominated by violent rhetoric, with Trump lashing out at Mexicans, Muslims and other groups. The real estate billionaire enjoys Secret Service protection but also has his own private security detail that has been accused of using unnecessary force to remove people from events. A number of protesters have been arrested at his rallies where riot police are deployed in force and there have been mounting demonstrations during his campaign appearances in recent months. Sandford is due to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on July 5. He faces more than 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if found guilty on the charge of "act of violence on restricted grounds." (AFP)

19-year-old Briton tries to grab cop's gun and kill Trump, charged

Three US police officers were shot at in Palm Springs on Saturday, the Palm Springs Police Officers Association said.&nbsp;

The Association tweeted: &quot;Two officers dead, one injured in Palm Springs shooting; manhunt ongoing.&quot;

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Two officers dead, one injured in Palm Springs shooting; manhunt ongoing <a href="https://t.co/m181zP0RkB">https://t.co/m181zP0RkB</a>
&mdash; Palm Springs POA (@PalmSpringsPOA) <a href="https://twitter.com/PalmSpringsPOA/status/784887537387073536">October 8, 2016</a></blockquote>
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The officers had arrived at a possible domestic dispute when they were shot at, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

The Palm Springs police department identified the fallen officers as Jose Vega, a 35-year veteran, and Lesley Zerebny, who had started her career a year and a half before.&nbsp;

Police chief Bryan Reyes praised the police officers for their hard work and sacrifice.&nbsp;

&quot;Today Palm Springs lost two brave officers. They go out every day and put their boots on the ground for everybody in this community. They gave it all for you,&quot; Reyes said.&nbsp;

The shooting was believed to have unfolded near the intersection of North Sunrise Way and East Racquet Club Road, AFP reported the police as saying.&nbsp;

Dozens of police officers in tactical gear had surrounded the house in which the suspect involved in the shooting was holed up, with an armoured assault vehicle parked in front of it.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The officers had arrived at a possible domestic dispute when they were attacked

Three US police officers were shot at in Palm Springs on Saturday, the Palm Springs Police Officers Association said. The Association tweeted: "Two officers dead, one injured in Palm Springs shooting; manhunt ongoing." Two officers dead, one injured in Palm Springs shooting; manhunt ongoing https://t.co/m181zP0RkB — Palm Springs POA (@PalmSpringsPOA) October 8, 2016 × The officers had arrived at a possible domestic dispute when they were shot at, Reuters reported. The Palm Springs police department identified the fallen officers as Jose Vega, a 35-year veteran, and Lesley Zerebny, who had started her career a year and a half before. Police chief Bryan Reyes praised the police officers for their hard work and sacrifice. "Today Palm Springs lost two brave officers. They go out every day and put their boots on the ground for everybody in this community. They gave it all for you," Reyes said. The shooting was believed to have unfolded near the intersection of North Sunrise Way and East Racquet Club Road, AFP reported the police as saying. Dozens of police officers in tactical gear had surrounded the house in which the suspect involved in the shooting was holed up, with an armoured assault vehicle parked in front of it. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Two policemen killed, one hurt in US shooting

Since the dawn of rock &#39;n&#39; roll, promoters have strived to create the ultimate festival, delivering the perfect lineup and atmosphere that will live on in fan lore.&nbsp;

This weekend will mark what will likely become the highest-grossing music festival of all time as six acts who form rock&#39;s canon &mdash;&nbsp;the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Roger Waters, The Who, Bob Dylan and Neil Young &mdash;&nbsp;play in the desert of southern California.

Called Desert Trip, the three-day concert starting&nbsp;Friday&nbsp;&mdash;&nbsp;to be repeated with an identical schedule the following weekend &mdash;&nbsp;is driven by an unstated question: When will fans have the chance to see the acts again?

While the rock greats showcased at Desert Trip are active and appear in good health, all of them are septuagenarians with the sole exception of Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, who is a youthful 69.

The Who, who in 1965 spoke for baby boomers with the anthem &quot;My Generation&quot;, may be the first to bow out as the group has said its ongoing tour will be its last.

For wonkish music fans, Desert Trip will be a deep historic experience, bringing together both the Rolling Stones and McCartney of The Beatles &mdash;&nbsp;&nbsp;the two British mega-bands who defined rock in the 1960s with their rival visions.

Desert Trip will also mark the first time that McCartney and Dylan have shared a bill after years of off-stage encounters,&nbsp;most famously in 1964 at a New York hotel, where the folk icon was said to have introduced The Fab Four to marijuana, the effects of which were soon musically evident.

Paying a premium&nbsp;

Set to draw 150,000 people over the two weekends, Desert Trip is the fruit of the masterful booking skills of the promoters behind Coachella, the lucrative festival that takes place each April at the same venue, a polo ground in the city of Indio.

While young revelers have driven a boom in festivals, Desert Trip has tapped into a more senior audience, so much that online detractors have dubbed it &quot;Oldchella&quot;.

Desert Trip sold tickets for up to $1,599 for three-day reserved seats with access to a premium lounge. The festival is also offering special dining packages with food and drink from leading California restaurants and bars.

&quot;It&#39;s kind of setting a new boundary for how much an audience will absorb in terms of the ticket price and what people are willing to pay for the finer things in life,&quot; said Gary Bongiovanni, president and editor-in-chief of the live-music industry site Pollstar.

&quot;Everybody ate the same $5 hot dog, and that&#39;s not the case anymore,&quot; he said.

Bongiovanni said that Desert Trip has proven to be an extraordinary success, with tickets quickly snapped up.

Less successful have been brokers or individual gamblers who bought tickets in hopes of reselling them at a profit.

The cheapest three-day tickets &mdash;&nbsp;$399 face value for standing in the back &mdash;&nbsp;were going for half that on resale sites amid an apparent glut.

Who&#39;s missing?&nbsp;

Few would contest that Desert Trip&#39;s six acts are among the most influential in rock. Taken together they have grossed more than $3.1 billion in ticket sales since 2000, according to Pollstar&#39;s data.

The Rolling Stones, McCartney and Waters &mdash;&nbsp;who has had wildly successful tours based on &quot;The Wall&quot; of his former band Pink Floyd &mdash;&nbsp;lead the pack and will be Desert Trip&#39;s late-evening performers, putting the other three in the rare position of opening acts.

But Desert Trip has raised inevitable questions of who from the rock pantheon is missing.

One absence is hard-rock pioneers Led Zeppelin whose key members Robert Plant and Jimmy Page have not played together since a 2007 benefit in London that set a record for ticket demand.

Also not involved in Desert Trip are California&#39;s own Beach Boys, who still tour but without key songwriter Brian Wilson who has a strained relationship with the group&#39;s singer, his cousin Mike Love.

Desert Trip promoters have hinted that the festival will not be a one-off, raising a guessing game on who could be such major draws in future years &mdash;&nbsp;&nbsp;perhaps giant acts a generation younger such as U2, Bruce Springsteen or Aerosmith.

For John Covach, a music professor at the University of Rochester, the enduring pull of the bands is extraordinary.

&quot;If you chronicle the history of rock music, it tends to move in three- or four-year style phases and most groups don&#39;t continue in the limelight much beyond the moment where the style they practiced was at its commercial height,&quot; he said.

&quot;It&#39;s amazing that the rock &#39;n&#39; rollers who are playing youth music &mdash;&nbsp;that&#39;s how it started out, youth music &mdash;&nbsp;are septuagenarians who are playing to gigantic crowds of people over the age of 40.

&quot;It isn&#39;t what anyone expected to happen.&quot;

(AFP)

The Stones, McCartney, Roger Waters, The Who, Dylan and Neil Young will play for 3 days in the desert of southern California

Since the dawn of rock 'n' roll, promoters have strived to create the ultimate festival, delivering the perfect lineup and atmosphere that will live on in fan lore. This weekend will mark what will likely become the highest-grossing music festival of all time as six acts who form rock's canon — the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Roger Waters, The Who, Bob Dylan and Neil Young — play in the desert of southern California. Called Desert Trip, the three-day concert starting Friday — to be repeated with an identical schedule the following weekend — is driven by an unstated question: When will fans have the chance to see the acts again? While the rock greats showcased at Desert Trip are active and appear in good health, all of them are septuagenarians with the sole exception of Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, who is a youthful 69. The Who, who in 1965 spoke for baby boomers with the anthem "My Generation", may be the first to bow out as the group has said its ongoing tour will be its last. For wonkish music fans, Desert Trip will be a deep historic experience, bringing together both the Rolling Stones and McCartney of The Beatles — the two British mega-bands who defined rock in the 1960s with their rival visions. Desert Trip will also mark the first time that McCartney and Dylan have shared a bill after years of off-stage encounters, most famously in 1964 at a New York hotel, where the folk icon was said to have introduced The Fab Four to marijuana, the effects of which were soon musically evident. Paying a premium Set to draw 150,000 people over the two weekends, Desert Trip is the fruit of the masterful booking skills of the promoters behind Coachella, the lucrative festival that takes place each April at the same venue, a polo ground in the city of Indio. While young revelers have driven a boom in festivals, Desert Trip has tapped into a more senior audience, so much that online detractors have dubbed it "Oldchella". Desert Trip sold tickets for up to $1,599 for three-day reserved seats with access to a premium lounge. The festival is also offering special dining packages with food and drink from leading California restaurants and bars. "It's kind of setting a new boundary for how much an audience will absorb in terms of the ticket price and what people are willing to pay for the finer things in life," said Gary Bongiovanni, president and editor-in-chief of the live-music industry site Pollstar. "Everybody ate the same $5 hot dog, and that's not the case anymore," he said. Bongiovanni said that Desert Trip has proven to be an extraordinary success, with tickets quickly snapped up. Less successful have been brokers or individual gamblers who bought tickets in hopes of reselling them at a profit. The cheapest three-day tickets — $399 face value for standing in the back — were going for half that on resale sites amid an apparent glut. Who's missing? Few would contest that Desert Trip's six acts are among the most influential in rock. Taken together they have grossed more than $3.1 billion in ticket sales since 2000, according to Pollstar's data. The Rolling Stones, McCartney and Waters — who has had wildly successful tours based on "The Wall" of his former band Pink Floyd — lead the pack and will be Desert Trip's late-evening performers, putting the other three in the rare position of opening acts. But Desert Trip has raised inevitable questions of who from the rock pantheon is missing. One absence is hard-rock pioneers Led Zeppelin whose key members Robert Plant and Jimmy Page have not played together since a 2007 benefit in London that set a record for ticket demand. Also not involved in Desert Trip are California's own Beach Boys, who still tour but without key songwriter Brian Wilson who has a strained relationship with the group's singer, his cousin Mike Love. Desert Trip promoters have hinted that the festival will not be a one-off, raising a guessing game on who could be such major draws in future years — perhaps giant acts a generation younger such as U2, Bruce Springsteen or Aerosmith. For John Covach, a music professor at the University of Rochester, the enduring pull of the bands is extraordinary. "If you chronicle the history of rock music, it tends to move in three- or four-year style phases and most groups don't continue in the limelight much beyond the moment where the style they practiced was at its commercial height," he said. "It's amazing that the rock 'n' rollers who are playing youth music — that's how it started out, youth music — are septuagenarians who are playing to gigantic crowds of people over the age of 40. "It isn't what anyone expected to happen." (AFP)

From tomorrow, the ultimate rock festival

US is set to cede control over the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the organisation that oversees the allocation of domain names and IP addresses, as the Department of Commerce&#39;s contract with the non-profit&nbsp;organisation expires on Friday midnight. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Republicans, however, are sceptical about President Barack Obama-led administration&#39;s decision to remove last elements of internet control after decades.

&nbsp;

Last week, the Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump opposed the transition saying that it will allow the &quot;countries like Russia, China and Iran to take control over the Internet&quot;.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&quot;Donald J Trump is committed to preserving Internet freedom for the American people and citizens all over the world. The US should not turn control of the Internet over to the United Nations and the international community. President Obama intends to do so on his own authority on October 1st, unless Congress acts quickly to stop him. The Republicans in Congress are admirably leading a fight to save the Internet this week, and need all the help the American people can give them to be successful,&quot; a statement on Trump&#39;s website had said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Senator Ted Cruz echoed similar concerns. &quot;Once the government&#39;s out of the picture, First Amendment (that&nbsp;guarantees freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition.protections go away,&quot; Cruz was quoted as saying by local media.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&quot;Why risk it? The Internet works. It&#39;s not broken. What is the problem that is trying to be solved here?&quot; &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Conservatives like Cruz are worried that if the US government relinquishes oversight of ICANN and internet&#39;s domain naming systems, it will hamper the freedom of speech. California-based ICANN is not a &quot;democratic&nbsp;body&quot; &nbsp;and authoritarian countries in the world may benefit from the move, Cruz&nbsp;had earlier warned.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

According to American tech news website Cnet.com, the US Commerce Department&#39;s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) that earlier supervised the core aspects of internet, gradually backed from its responsibility in 2014 to &nbsp;and tasked &quot;ICANN to formalise a multistakeholder approach to internet governance &nbsp;by convening involved parties&quot;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&quot;The Commerce Department&#39;s June 10, 1998 Statement of Policy stated that the US Government is committed to a transition that will allow the private sector to take leadership for DNS management,&quot; an official statement on NTIA&#39;s website reads.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The system will be managed through a &quot;multistakeholder&quot; model in which engineers, businesses, non-government groups and government bodies serve as checks against any single entity, international news agency AFP reports.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Christopher Mondini, ICANN&#39;s vice president for global business engagement, claims the change will have no impact on day-to-day internet use. It will assure the global community that the system is free from government regulation and interference.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&quot;This is a new kind of governance model,&quot; he told AFP.

&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from AFP)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Privatisation of domain name management is a threat to internet freedom, according to presidential nominee Donald Trump, Senator Ted Cruz

US is set to cede control over the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the organisation that oversees the allocation of domain names and IP addresses, as the Department of Commerce's contract with the non-profit organisation expires on Friday midnight. Republicans, however, are sceptical about President Barack Obama-led administration's decision to remove last elements of internet control after decades. Last week, the Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump opposed the transition saying that it will allow the "countries like Russia, China and Iran to take control over the Internet". "Donald J Trump is committed to preserving Internet freedom for the American people and citizens all over the world. The US should not turn control of the Internet over to the United Nations and the international community. President Obama intends to do so on his own authority on October 1st, unless Congress acts quickly to stop him. The Republicans in Congress are admirably leading a fight to save the Internet this week, and need all the help the American people can give them to be successful," a statement on Trump's website had said. Senator Ted Cruz echoed similar concerns. "Once the government's out of the picture, First Amendment (that guarantees freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition.protections go away," Cruz was quoted as saying by local media. "Why risk it? The Internet works. It's not broken. What is the problem that is trying to be solved here?" Conservatives like Cruz are worried that if the US government relinquishes oversight of ICANN and internet's domain naming systems, it will hamper the freedom of speech. California-based ICANN is not a "democratic body" and authoritarian countries in the world may benefit from the move, Cruz had earlier warned. According to American tech news website Cnet.com, the US Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) that earlier supervised the core aspects of internet, gradually backed from its responsibility in 2014 to and tasked "ICANN to formalise a multistakeholder approach to internet governance by convening involved parties" "The Commerce Department's June 10, 1998 Statement of Policy stated that the US Government is committed to a transition that will allow the private sector to take leadership for DNS management," an official statement on NTIA's website reads. The system will be managed through a "multistakeholder" model in which engineers, businesses, non-government groups and government bodies serve as checks against any single entity, international news agency AFP reports. Meanwhile, Christopher Mondini, ICANN's vice president for global business engagement, claims the change will have no impact on day-to-day internet use. It will assure the global community that the system is free from government regulation and interference. "This is a new kind of governance model," he told AFP. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Republicans wary as US prepares to relinquish internet control

Two years ago, the city of Adelanto, a crumbling outpost in California&#39;s Mojave desert, was facing a bleak future as it teetered on the brink of bankruptcy and struggled with double-digit unemployment. 
 
&quot;We were about to vanish, to be incorporated into another city,&quot; says councilman John &quot;Bug&quot; Woodard Jr. &quot;The place was dying and in total despair.&quot; 
 
Today, however, the once-desolate town is firmly back on the map, having joined a handful of communities in California in embracing large-scale commercial cannabis cultivation - a move that smells of success as the state prepares to vote in November on legalising the use of recreational marijuana. 
 
Though California already allows the use of medical marijuana, the initiative to fully legalise the drug - seen as likely to succeed - is expected to transform the most populous state in the US and one of the world&#39;s largest economies into a new epicentre for cannabis, bringing in billions in revenue. 
 
According to the Arcview Group, a cannabis investment and research firm based in California, medical and recreational marijuana sales are expected to more than double to $6.5 billion in the Golden State by 2020 if the drug becomes fully legal after November. 
 
Nationwide, the legal cannabis market - which stood at about $5.7 billion in 2015 - is projected to reach more than $23 billion by 2020, according to Arcview. 
 
Apart from California, several other states including Arizona, Maine, Massachusetts and Nevada will also vote on legalising recreational marijuana on November 8, at the same time as casting ballots in the presidential race. 
 
A similar ballot measure in California failed in 2010 but support has grown since, with Silicon Valley billionaire Sean Parker among backers of the latest initiative, which has the support of 58 per cent of voters according to a recent USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times poll. 
 
Celebrities join scramble 
 
For Adelanto, the signs pointed to an opportunity too good to pass up. 
 
Last November, the town became among the first in California to permit medical marijuana cultivation. 
 
The decision to welcome marijuana growers led to a flood of high-end investors rushing to the town of 32,000 residents to buy up warehouses and plots of land in two so-called &quot;green zones&quot; earmarked for cannabis cultivation, local officials say. 
 
&quot;All of a sudden, we have people driving over here in Bentleys to look at property,&quot; said Woodard, 57, a real-estate agent with wispy shoulder-length hair who organizes an annual jazz festival in the desert. 
 
&quot;Here you have a building that was bought for $725,000 a couple years ago and now it&#39;s worth four million,&quot; he added, pointing to an expanse of land dotted with warehouses surrounded by Joshua trees and brush. 
 
&quot;When you say Adelanto now, everybody knows where it is.&quot; 
 
Among the celebrities who have reportedly joined the mad scramble to snag a producer license in the city, Woodard says, are rapper Snoop Dogg, one of reggae legend Bob Marley&#39;s sons, Ky-Mani Marley, and actor Tommy Chong, of cult comedy duo &quot;Cheech &amp; Chong.&quot; 
 
City officials said they expect cannabis production to easily reach 100 tons annually once farming gets fully underway, bringing in much-needed tax revenue to the decrepit town until now known more for its three prisons than for being pot-friendly. 
 
Blossoming industry 
 
&quot;We are on the precipice of taking over the industry,&quot; Jermaine Wright, a former pastor and member of the city council, said assuredly. &quot;We&#39;re doing what no other city has done when it comes to marijuana and this is going to bring in other businesses and manufacturing.&quot; 
 
The city&#39;s cannabis ordinance stipulates that 40 to 50 percent of the workforce must be drawn from the local population, a measure that should significantly reduce unemployment, local officials say. 
 
So far Adelanto, which means progress in English, has issued 35 licenses to grow cannabis and expects to hand out more in coming months, Woodard said. 
 
Dan Olson, who owns a company that manufactures air filtration equipment in one of the &quot;green zones,&quot; said he has seen the town transform as it prepares for the expected windfall from cannabis farming. 
 
&quot;I go out for a walk in the desert every morning and I can see the change,&quot; said Olson, whose company has been in the city for 12 years. &quot;You now see all these cars with black tinted windows driving around and you see all these warehouses where the weeds have been pulled and you know it&#39;s going cultivation.&quot; 
 
Christopher Goodman, 59, who is in the process of purchasing several warehouses in the city, said he expects to reap millions from his investment. 
 
&quot;The demand is here and the more people get educated about cannabis the more people will use it,&quot; said Goodman, who was in the auto business before turning to cannabis farming several years ago. 
 
&quot;I&#39;ll tell you what, I&#39;d much rather smoke cannabis than drink beer and I mean that wholeheartedly.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

The initiative to fully legalise the drug is expected to transform California into an epicentre for cannabis bringing in billions in revenue

Two years ago, the city of Adelanto, a crumbling outpost in California's Mojave desert, was facing a bleak future as it teetered on the brink of bankruptcy and struggled with double-digit unemployment. "We were about to vanish, to be incorporated into another city," says councilman John "Bug" Woodard Jr. "The place was dying and in total despair." Today, however, the once-desolate town is firmly back on the map, having joined a handful of communities in California in embracing large-scale commercial cannabis cultivation - a move that smells of success as the state prepares to vote in November on legalising the use of recreational marijuana. Though California already allows the use of medical marijuana, the initiative to fully legalise the drug - seen as likely to succeed - is expected to transform the most populous state in the US and one of the world's largest economies into a new epicentre for cannabis, bringing in billions in revenue. According to the Arcview Group, a cannabis investment and research firm based in California, medical and recreational marijuana sales are expected to more than double to $6.5 billion in the Golden State by 2020 if the drug becomes fully legal after November. Nationwide, the legal cannabis market - which stood at about $5.7 billion in 2015 - is projected to reach more than $23 billion by 2020, according to Arcview. Apart from California, several other states including Arizona, Maine, Massachusetts and Nevada will also vote on legalising recreational marijuana on November 8, at the same time as casting ballots in the presidential race. A similar ballot measure in California failed in 2010 but support has grown since, with Silicon Valley billionaire Sean Parker among backers of the latest initiative, which has the support of 58 per cent of voters according to a recent USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times poll. Celebrities join scramble For Adelanto, the signs pointed to an opportunity too good to pass up. Last November, the town became among the first in California to permit medical marijuana cultivation. The decision to welcome marijuana growers led to a flood of high-end investors rushing to the town of 32,000 residents to buy up warehouses and plots of land in two so-called "green zones" earmarked for cannabis cultivation, local officials say. "All of a sudden, we have people driving over here in Bentleys to look at property," said Woodard, 57, a real-estate agent with wispy shoulder-length hair who organizes an annual jazz festival in the desert. "Here you have a building that was bought for $725,000 a couple years ago and now it's worth four million," he added, pointing to an expanse of land dotted with warehouses surrounded by Joshua trees and brush. "When you say Adelanto now, everybody knows where it is." Among the celebrities who have reportedly joined the mad scramble to snag a producer license in the city, Woodard says, are rapper Snoop Dogg, one of reggae legend Bob Marley's sons, Ky-Mani Marley, and actor Tommy Chong, of cult comedy duo "Cheech & Chong." City officials said they expect cannabis production to easily reach 100 tons annually once farming gets fully underway, bringing in much-needed tax revenue to the decrepit town until now known more for its three prisons than for being pot-friendly. Blossoming industry "We are on the precipice of taking over the industry," Jermaine Wright, a former pastor and member of the city council, said assuredly. "We're doing what no other city has done when it comes to marijuana and this is going to bring in other businesses and manufacturing." The city's cannabis ordinance stipulates that 40 to 50 percent of the workforce must be drawn from the local population, a measure that should significantly reduce unemployment, local officials say. So far Adelanto, which means progress in English, has issued 35 licenses to grow cannabis and expects to hand out more in coming months, Woodard said. Dan Olson, who owns a company that manufactures air filtration equipment in one of the "green zones," said he has seen the town transform as it prepares for the expected windfall from cannabis farming. "I go out for a walk in the desert every morning and I can see the change," said Olson, whose company has been in the city for 12 years. "You now see all these cars with black tinted windows driving around and you see all these warehouses where the weeds have been pulled and you know it's going cultivation." Christopher Goodman, 59, who is in the process of purchasing several warehouses in the city, said he expects to reap millions from his investment. "The demand is here and the more people get educated about cannabis the more people will use it," said Goodman, who was in the auto business before turning to cannabis farming several years ago. "I'll tell you what, I'd much rather smoke cannabis than drink beer and I mean that wholeheartedly." (AFP)

Cannabis: The new California gold rush

Brock Turner, a former Stanford University swimmer convicted of sexually assaulting an unconscious woman, was released from jail on Friday after serving half of his six-month sentence. 
 
He was released on the account of his &#39;good behavour&#39;.&nbsp; 
 
Turner&#39;s early release has sparked a renewed debate on sexual assault on US campus colleges. 
&nbsp; 
Turner was jailed three months ago for assaulting with intent to commit rape, penetration of an intoxicated person and penetration of an unconscious person.&nbsp; 
 
He was 19 when he was caught on the top of an unconscious woman near a dumpster.&nbsp; 
 
Dozens of demonstrators took to the streets to protest against Turner&#39;s short jail time. They called for the removal of Judge Aaron Persky, who had sentenced Turner in June.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Why am I so passionate? I have a 16-year-old daughter,&quot; San Jose resident Bonnie Montgomery said at the protest. &quot;She&#39;s going to college next year and I want her to be safe.&quot; 
 
The case drew attention when the victim read a powerful letter in the court. She also detailed the assault outside a fraternity house in January 2015 in graphic terms. 
 
The case prompted California lawmakers to pass a legislation to expand the definition of rape. A legislation to ban probation in similar assault cases was also passed by the lawmakers. It needs to be signed by the Democratic Governor.&nbsp; 
 
Turner was charged with sexual assault as he digitally penetrated the woman. California law doesn&#39;t recognise digital penetration as rape.&nbsp; 
 
Persky sentenced Turner to only six months in county jail and three years probation, following recommendations from a probation report that described the case as &quot;less serious due to the defendant&#39;s level of intoxication.&quot; 
 
(WION with inputs from Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Turner was jailed three months ago on charges of sexual assault of an unconscious woman. His early release has sparked an outcry

Brock Turner, a former Stanford University swimmer convicted of sexually assaulting an unconscious woman, was released from jail on Friday after serving half of his six-month sentence. He was released on the account of his 'good behavour'. Turner's early release has sparked a renewed debate on sexual assault on US campus colleges. Turner was jailed three months ago for assaulting with intent to commit rape, penetration of an intoxicated person and penetration of an unconscious person. He was 19 when he was caught on the top of an unconscious woman near a dumpster. Dozens of demonstrators took to the streets to protest against Turner's short jail time. They called for the removal of Judge Aaron Persky, who had sentenced Turner in June. "Why am I so passionate? I have a 16-year-old daughter," San Jose resident Bonnie Montgomery said at the protest. "She's going to college next year and I want her to be safe." The case drew attention when the victim read a powerful letter in the court. She also detailed the assault outside a fraternity house in January 2015 in graphic terms. The case prompted California lawmakers to pass a legislation to expand the definition of rape. A legislation to ban probation in similar assault cases was also passed by the lawmakers. It needs to be signed by the Democratic Governor. Turner was charged with sexual assault as he digitally penetrated the woman. California law doesn't recognise digital penetration as rape. Persky sentenced Turner to only six months in county jail and three years probation, following recommendations from a probation report that described the case as "less serious due to the defendant's level of intoxication." (WION with inputs from Reuters)

Brock Turner released from jail after serving half of six-month sentence

Colombia became the first side to book a spot in the Copa America Centenario quarter-finals after beating Paraguay in Pasadena yesterday. The United States kept their hopes of advancing alive by thrashing Costa Rica 4-0. 
 
Colombia&#39;s 2-1 win put them top of Group A on six points, with the United States on three and the other two teams on one point each. 
 
After losing their opener 2-0 to Colombia, the United States were in clinical form against the Costa Ricans in Chicago and scored three times in the first half through Clint Dempsey, Jermaine Jones and Bobby Wood. 
 
Substitute Graham Zusi added a fourth in the 86th minute to cap the win and improve the hosts&#39; goal difference. 
 
&quot;It was important for us to get off to an early start,&quot; said Dempsey. &quot;Once the second went in and the third we got into a bit of a rhythm.&quot; 
 
Dempsey got the first, his 50th international goal, from the penalty spot after Cristian Gamboa was adjudged to have pushed Wood in the box with six minutes gone. 
 
Dempsey was involved in the Americans&#39; second after 36 minutes when his run at the Costa Rica defence saw the ball fall to Jones, who struck a low shot from the edge of the box past the outstretched hand of goalkeeper Patrick Pemberton. 
 
The third goal came five minutes later and once again it was Dempsey who set it up. Wood won the ball in midfield and played a one-two with Dempsey before turning to strike home a low drive from 15 yards out. 
 
Costa Rica, who reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 2014, improved in the second half with captain Bryan Ruiz playing a more influential role, but they were ineffective in the last third of the field. 
 
Ruiz hit the post with a header midway through the second half but Costa Rica lost a fourth goal in the dying moments when Zusi stole the ball in midfield and strode forward before slotting the ball home from 15 yards. 
 
In the second Group A game, played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, Colombia took a 2-0 lead in the first half but were pushed hard in the second. 
 
Carlos Bacca scored the opener in the 12th minute with a header before James Rodriguez doubled Colombia&#39;s lead with a left-foot strike on the half-hour mark. 
 
Paraguay gradually played their way back into the match and hit the woodwork before half-time before forcing David Ospina into a world-class save in the 62nd minute. Colombia&#39;s goalkeeper dived full stretch to turn a header around the post. 
 
Paraguay continued to dominate the second half and were rewarded when midfielder Victor Ayala scored with a stunning 30-yard rocket in the 71st minute. 
 
However, they could not force an equaliser and Colombia hung on to take all three points and claim a berth in the next round. Paraguay must now beat the United States on Saturday to have any chance of advancing to the quarters.

United States player Clint Dempsey scored his 50th international goal in this match apart from assisting two other goals

Colombia became the first side to book a spot in the Copa America Centenario quarter-finals after beating Paraguay in Pasadena yesterday. The United States kept their hopes of advancing alive by thrashing Costa Rica 4-0. Colombia's 2-1 win put them top of Group A on six points, with the United States on three and the other two teams on one point each. After losing their opener 2-0 to Colombia, the United States were in clinical form against the Costa Ricans in Chicago and scored three times in the first half through Clint Dempsey, Jermaine Jones and Bobby Wood. Substitute Graham Zusi added a fourth in the 86th minute to cap the win and improve the hosts' goal difference. "It was important for us to get off to an early start," said Dempsey. "Once the second went in and the third we got into a bit of a rhythm." Dempsey got the first, his 50th international goal, from the penalty spot after Cristian Gamboa was adjudged to have pushed Wood in the box with six minutes gone. Dempsey was involved in the Americans' second after 36 minutes when his run at the Costa Rica defence saw the ball fall to Jones, who struck a low shot from the edge of the box past the outstretched hand of goalkeeper Patrick Pemberton. The third goal came five minutes later and once again it was Dempsey who set it up. Wood won the ball in midfield and played a one-two with Dempsey before turning to strike home a low drive from 15 yards out. Costa Rica, who reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 2014, improved in the second half with captain Bryan Ruiz playing a more influential role, but they were ineffective in the last third of the field. Ruiz hit the post with a header midway through the second half but Costa Rica lost a fourth goal in the dying moments when Zusi stole the ball in midfield and strode forward before slotting the ball home from 15 yards. In the second Group A game, played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, Colombia took a 2-0 lead in the first half but were pushed hard in the second. Carlos Bacca scored the opener in the 12th minute with a header before James Rodriguez doubled Colombia's lead with a left-foot strike on the half-hour mark. Paraguay gradually played their way back into the match and hit the woodwork before half-time before forcing David Ospina into a world-class save in the 62nd minute. Colombia's goalkeeper dived full stretch to turn a header around the post. Paraguay continued to dominate the second half and were rewarded when midfielder Victor Ayala scored with a stunning 30-yard rocket in the 71st minute. However, they could not force an equaliser and Colombia hung on to take all three points and claim a berth in the next round. Paraguay must now beat the United States on Saturday to have any chance of advancing to the quarters.

US hammer Costa Rica, Colombia advance at Copa America

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