UNIZIK ADMISSION

The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University has released the list of admitted candidates for 2017/2018 academic session. Candidates who applied for admission in the university can check their admission status on the school portal. Follow the procedure below to check your admission status -Log on to http: //portal.unizik.edu.ng/utme-screening/2017_2018/index.html -Scroll down and click on "Continue" -Enter your email and Password in the spaces provided -Click on "Login" and proceed to view your admission details Congratulations to the admitted candidates!..

BRIEF BACKGROUND OF THE COMPANY RUWASSA

BRIEF BACKGROUND OF THE COMPANY RUWASSA by ogo judith Rural Water Supply And Sanitation Agency(RUWASSA) is a state government parastatal in the ministry of public utilities, water resources and community development. RUWASSA is a UNICEF-assisted office and its activities are mainly in rural communities. Activities of RUWASSA centre on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and are geared towards the reduction or CONCLUSION elimination of excreta related diseases, and improving the of living condition the population. the major activities of RUWASSA includes: • Provision of water boreholes and other safe water sources in selected schools and communities. • To promote healthy hygiene practices and health education in selected schools and communities. This is done through the establishment of Environmental health club in those selected schools, and the establishment of voluntary hygiene promoters(VHP) in selected communities. RUWASSA also helps in organizing the celebration of annual global hand washing day. • Sensitization and galvanization of rural communities through community led total sanitation(CLTS) approach, to ensure elimination of open defecation and construction of safe latrines. • Establishment of WASH units/Departments in local Government offices and WASHCOMS (WASH committees)at selected rural communities. Projects executed by RUWASSA are mostly donor supported. Funds for projects are often shared among the following partners:- 1. UNICEF/EUROPEAN UNION (EU) 2. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA(FGN) 3. STATE GOVERNMENT 4. LOCAL GOVERNMENT (LG) 5. BENEFITING COMMUNITY And some many others. RUWASSA has the following units(departments) • Administration & Finance • Water Supply • Sanitation • Community Mobilization & Health Education • Monitoring & Evaluation • Accounts • Workshop

Court Remands Killer Wife, Maryam Sanda In Prison Custody​

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arraigned a housewife, Mrs. Maryam Sanda for allegedly killing of her husband, Bilyamin Bello a son of former People's Democratic Party Chairman.before an FCT High Court in Abuja just as the court ordered her to be remanded in Suleja Prison custody. She was arraigned for an offence bordering on culpable homicide.

Maryam covered her face a with green scarf to prevent being photographed by the media. Before the commencement of the court proceedings, she read from the Quran. As at the time of this report the suspect has entered the dock to take her plea and pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge of homicide.

The defence counsel, Hussein Musa asked the court to let the defendant be in the police custody arguing that she is still a nursing mother and would be improper to be remanded in prison custody. The presiding judge, Yusuf Halilu ruled that suspects be remanded in Suleja prison and the matter has been adjourned to December 7th for further hearing.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar Dumps APC​

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has resigned from the party. Mr Abubakar’s aide, Mr Paul Ibe, revealed this in a tweet this morning. “H.E. @atiku has resigned from the All Progressives Congress,” the tweet read.

Mr Abubakar contested against the president, Muhammed Buhari alongside three others for the ticket of the APC in 2014. He lost out in the primary but collapsed his structure to support the president at the 2015 presidential campaign.

Five Ukraine troops die 💐 in heavy fighting with Luhansk rebels❗​

Five Ukrainian troops have been killed by intense rebel shelling in the east of the country, the military says, in a new escalation of fighting.

Four of them died during an eight-hour clash near Krymske, a village 50km (31 miles) north-west of Luhansk.

The UN says more than 10,000 people have died since the eastern Ukraine conflict erupted in April 2014, soon after Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimea peninsula.

Armed men in camouflage, without insignia, blocked access to some administrative buildings in Luhansk on Tuesday, hours after rebel leader Igor Plotnitsky had sacked his "interior minister" Igor Kornet.

The armed men who appeared on the streets were loyal to Mr Kornet, AFP news agency reported from Luhansk.

FG okays fresh N28bn budget support for 35 states​

The Federal Government has approved a fresh budget support loan facility for 35 states across the country. Each of the states will get N800m, totalling N28bn to meet their salaries and other obligations.

The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udoma, disclosed this to State House Correspondents on Thursday at the end of a meeting of the National Economic Council presided over by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Udoma said the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun; and the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, had been directed to effect payments. Udoma said the Accountant General of the Federation reported to Council that approval had been received and CBN had been directed to pay N800 million to each of the 35 states of the Federation. Only Lagos State is not taking the loan.

Argentina 🇦🇷 missing submarine: Still no sign of ARA San Juan​

Argentina's navy has said there is still no sign of a submarine that disappeared nine days ago.

Although an event "consistent with an explosion" was detected north of the ARA San Juan's last-known location, spokesman Captain Enrique Baldi said there had been no more trace of it.

The ARA San Juan was returning from a routine mission to Ushuaia, near the southernmost tip of South America, when it reported an "electrical breakdown".

​🇰🇪Kenya 👔MP Kaluma Drafts Secession 📜Bill to Form 'People's Republic of 🇰🇪Kenya'​

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has drafted a bill seeking to split the country into the People's Republic of Kenya and the Central Republic of Kenya. In the Bill to be tabled in Parliament, Kaluma wants 40 out of the 47 counties to secede and form the People’s Republic of Kenya.

Kaluma argues that these counties have continually been discriminated upon by successive governments. The Bill says while all important public appointments have remained the eternal; preserve of a few, the national budget is permanently skewed to benefit a few groups, communities and regions while marginalising the rest.

The MP says the rest of the country has been rendered mere taxpayers without corresponding rights to equal opportunities and service. "The current administration has captured the state and totally emasculated Parliament, commissions and independent offices established to secure good governance," the draft Bill reads. According to the Bill, the People's Republic of Kenya would include major counties such as Nairobi and Mombasa.

Update: At least 184 killed in Egypt mosque attack​

Suspected militants have launched a bomb and gun attack on a mosque in Egypt's North Sinai province, killing at least 184 people, state media say. Witnesses say the al-Rawda mosque in the town of Bir al-Abed, near al-Arish, was targeted during Friday prayers. Local police said men in four off-road vehicles opened fire on worshippers, AP reported.

One report said the target appeared to be supporters of the security forces who were praying at the mosque. Locals are also quoted as saying that followers of Sufism, or Islamic mysticism, regularly gathered at the mosque. Islamist jihadist groups, including so-called Islamic State (IS), see Sufis as heretics. President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi is to meet security officials to discuss the incident, Egypt's private Extra News TV reported.

Egypt has declared 3 days of mourning in remembrance of the victims.

Watch 🇿🇼Zimbabwe👔 President 🐊Mnangagwa's Inauguration

Emmerson Mnangagwa has vowed to hold “democratic” elections next year as scheduled while being sworn in as Zimbabwe’s second president since independence in 1980. Mnangagwa took his oath of office in front of tens of thousands of jubilant Zimbabweans who he greeted with a raised fist at a stadium in Harare.

He also vowed to tackle corruption, reimburse the farmers whose land was seized under his predecessor, Robert Mugabe, and protect foreign investment in Zimbabwe. “We ask those who have punished us in the past to reconsider,” Mnangagwa said, in a possible reference to years of sanctions and international condemnation over rights abuses.

People sang and danced in the stands and raised banners reading “Dawn of a new era” and “No to retribution”, even as human rights activists began to report worrying details of attacks on close allies of the former first lady, Grace Mugabe, and their families. Mnangagwa himself has warned against “vengeful retribution”.

Mugabe did not attend Friday’s swearing-in, but party officials have said he will remain in Zimbabwe. Officials have promised he is safe and that his legacy as a war hero in the fight for independence from white minority rule will stand.

​🇺🇬Uganda's Red Pepper ✍Journalists Charged with Treason:Police​

Eight managers and editors of a daily newspaper arrested this week have been charged with treason, Ugandan police said on Thursday. Police raided the Red Pepper, Uganda's leading tabloid, late on Tuesday and detained the journalists, whom they accused of publishing a false story the previous day.

The story, citing unnamed sources, alleged that Rwanda believed Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni was plotting to oust its leader, Paul Kagame. Besides treason, the journalists were charged with "offensive communication and publication of information prejudicial to national security", police spokesman Emilian Kayima told Reuters.

Rights groups and journalists have complained of escalating harassment and intimidation of independent media by security personnel in Uganda. "We believe that this is economic sabotage aimed at occasioning the media house financial loss since all its production have been stopped," the Human Rights Network for Journalists - Uganda (HRNJ-U), a local media rights group, said in a statement issued on Thursday.

📰 ​IJ3​: ​Japanese politician brings baby to assembly sparking debate

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A local Japanese politician has been criticised by lawmakers for trying to bring her baby to a council session. Yuka Ogata said she wanted to show how difficult it is for women to juggle careers and raise children. Kumamoto municipal assembly officials said she had violated assembly rules as visitors and observers are forbidden from the floor. After a lengthy discussion, Ms Ogata left the child with a friend and the session started 40 minutes late.

The council says it will discuss her case and ways to support lawmakers with young children. Speaker Yoshitomo Sawada told reporters: "We would like to work on a system where assembly members can participate in meetings with their children," Mainichi newspaper reports.

Wednesday's incident was the first time Ms Ogata had attended a municipal assembly plenary session since giving birth to her son seven months ago. She told reporters that she had asked the secretariat repeatedly to either allow her son to be with her during the assemblies or to provide a day-care facility. "I wanted the assembly to be a place where women who are raising children can also do a great job," she told Mainichi.  
 

​North Korea digs DMZ trench after recent defection

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North Korea appears to be fortifying its border in the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) with the South, days after a soldier defected by running across. A US diplomat to South Korea has tweeted a picture showing workers digging a trench. The defector was shot multiple times by border guards from the North at the spot last week.

South Korea has handed out medals to its soldiers who helped rescue the wounded defector. Marc Knapper, chargé d'affaires at the US embassy in Seoul tweeted a picture of the scene after a visit to the DMZ. Another diplomat visiting the same spot told the Reuters news agency he had also seen several workers digging a trench.

​Germany coalition: Merkel and SPD to hold talks​

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and her ex-coalition partners, the centre-left Social Democrats, are to hold talks in efforts to end a political impasse. Earlier, the SPD softened its stance and said it was open for discussions. Leader Martin Schulz, who has refused to renew a coalition with Mrs Merkel's conservatives, is under pressure from party allies to change his position.

Mrs Merkel failed to form a coalition government with the liberal Free Democrats and the Greens this week. German President Frank Walter Steinmeier, who is holding talks with party leaders in efforts to break the stalemate and avoid a snap election, said he would host the talks between Mrs Merkel and the SPD next week.

Mr Schulz, who met Mr Steinmeier on Thursday, said he would ask his party to vote on whether to take part in another coalition. The SPD was in government with Mrs Merkel between 2013 and 2017 and said it would not renew the deal following the 24 September election, when the party had its worst election result since 1949.

​Over 40,000 apply for teaching in Kaduna​

Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State on Thursday said that over 40,000 people have so far applied for teaching in public primary schools in the state. The governor made this statement, following the planned retrenchment of 21,780 primary school teachers alleged to have failed a competency test conducted by the state government.

The government has since announced vacancies for about 25,000 new teaching positions and called for the replacement of over 20,000 teachers who failed the test.

According to the statement, the governor informed the lawmakers that the state government had received 43, 806 applications from prospective teachers in public primary schools in the state. He explained that all shortlisted applicants would be subjected to oral and practical examinations, to be followed by interviews and final verification to ascertain the authenticity of their qualifications.

​North Korea digs DMZ trench after recent defection

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North Korea appears to be fortifying its border in the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) with the South, days after a soldier defected by running across. A US diplomat to South Korea has tweeted a picture showing workers digging a trench. The defector was shot multiple times by border guards from the North at the spot last week.

South Korea has handed out medals to its soldiers who helped rescue the wounded defector. Marc Knapper, chargé d'affaires at the US embassy in Seoul tweeted a picture of the scene after a visit to the DMZ. Another diplomat visiting the same spot told the Reuters news agency he had also seen several workers digging a trench.

May to Russia: We Know What You Are Doing​

Theresa May last night made her most outspoken attack on Russia for using fake news to “sow discord” in Britain and other western nations. The prime minister accused President Putin of trying to “weaponise information” in the age of social media to undermine democracies. “I have a very simple message for Russia,” Mrs May said. “We know what you are doing.”

In a lengthy charge-sheet of actions that she said risked provoking “dangerous and unpredictable” conflicts, Mrs May accused Russia directly of meddling in elections. The comments risk raising tensions with President Trump, who drew criticism last week for saying that he believed Mr Putin’s denial that Russia had interfered in the US presidential race.

​E.U. Ministers Approve Venezuela Arms Embargo​

The foreign ministers of the European Union approved an arms embargo against Venezuela on Monday as part of what they called “restrictive measures” to pressure the administration of President Nicolás Maduro to strengthen the rule of law and democracy.

The ministers also established the legal framework for sanctions, including travel bans and the freezing of assets, against government officials, a step the Trump administration has taken against dozens of Venezuelan government officials, including Mr. Maduro. But the ministers stopped short of naming any specific officials who might be subject to such penalties, saying they still hoped Venezuela could find a “peaceful negotiated way” out of its economic and political crises.

“The primary responsibility for ending the crisis in Venezuela lies in the country,” the ministers said in a statement. “The E.U. calls upon the government to urgently restore democratic legitimacy, including through free and fair elections, and on the opposition to continue engaging in a united manner towards a negotiated solution to the current tensions, in the interest of the country.”

Ganduje buys N208m noodles, others to empower tea sellers​

The Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, says his administration has spent N208m on the empowerment of 5,200 Masu Shayi (tea sellers) in the state. Ganduje stated this on Saturday while distributing empowerment items to the 5,200 tea sellers from the 44 local government areas of Kano State.

The distributed items included cartons of noodles, cocoa beverage, liquid and powdered milk, tea, crates of eggs, nylon and cups, baskets, brown and white sugar, spaghetti and bread. At an elaborate ceremony held at the Open Theatre, Government House, Kano, Ganduje said each of the beneficiaries would also receive N40,000 cash as take-off capital.

He described the distribution of the materials as a significant milestone and the first of its kind in the history of Kano, adding that it would also boost the economic potential of the tea sellers and their families.

George Bush Snr 👀 'groped 16-year-old girl' 👧 during 2003 photo op​

A woman has said she was 16 when former US President George HW Bush groped her buttocks as she posed for a photo with him and her mother. 
Rosyln Corrigan is the sixth woman to accuse Bush of inappropriately touching her in similar circumstances. She told Time Magazine she met Bush at a 2003 meeting of CIA officers in Texas, where her father worked. 
"My initial reaction was absolute horror," she said about the incident. "I was really, really confused. I was a child," Corrigan added. 
A Bush spokesman has previously acknowledged he has touched several women on the rear. 
On Monday, Jim McGrath, a spokesman forBush, told the BBC the 41st president, who once directed the CIA, "simply does not have it in his heart to knowingly cause anyone harm or distress, and he again apologises to anyone he may have offended during a photo op". 
Corrigan said the incident occurred as Bush was posing for a photo with her and her mother at the CIA office in The Woodlands, Texas, in November 2003. 
"As soon as the picture was being snapped on the one-two-three he dropped his hands from my waist down to my buttocks and gave it a nice, ripe squeeze, which would account for the fact that in the photograph my mouth is hanging wide open," Ms Corrigan said. 
Bush was 79 years old at the time.

​Lagos ‘policeman’ robs, stabs commuter, leaves ID card at scene​

Highway robberies may have taken a turn for the worse after a police sergeant, Williams Godwin, was allegedly involved in the robbery of a commuter identified only as Henry. ​PUNCH Metro​ learnt that the 41-year-old victim was on his way to work when he joined a cab along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway en route to Lagos Island.

He was said to have been attacked at gunpoint, as the assailants, which included Godwin, allegedly dispossessed him of his ATM card and N4,000. However, during the incident, the policeman’s ID card allegedly fell into the luggage of the victim, who was rushed to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre at Toll gate, Ojota, where he was admitted and treated.

One of those who rescued Henry told _PUNCH Metro _that he was stabbed with a sharp object in the back.

​Spanish TV plays Exorcist tune under former Catalan leader❗​

The Spanish state broadcaster has been asked to explain why it ran the theme music to the 1973 horror film The Exorcist under a clip of the ousted Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont.

It was played under Puigdemont's voice in RTVE's flagship current affairs programme Informe Semanal last Saturday.

At about four and a half minutes in to the programme, Puigdemont's clip came on, edited with Tubular Bells underneath.

One Twitter user sarcastically called the use of the clip "very subtle" while another said: "Mother of God, please tell me that's been edited."

Since the last government of Catalonia held a banned vote and declared the region independent, Spain's government has imposed direct rule, sacked the government, detained some Catalan leaders and called a snap election.

​Update: 🇮🇷Iran-🇮🇶Iraq 🌎Earthquake Kills at Least 430​

Rescuers dug with their bare hands Monday through the debris of buildings felled by an earthquake that killed more than 430 people in the border region of Iran and Iraq, with nearly all the casualties occurring in an area rebuilt after their ruinous 1980s war.

The magnitude-7.3 earthquake struck Sunday at 9:48 p.m. Iran time, just as people were going to bed. The worst damage appeared to be in the Kurdish town of Sarpol-e-Zahab in the western Iranian province of Kermanshah, which sits in the Zagros Mountains that divide the two countries.

Seismologist Abdul-Karim Abdullah Taqi, who runs the earthquake monitoring group at Iraq's Meteorological Department, said the main reason for the lower casualty figure in Iraq was the angle and direction of the fault line in this particular quake, as well as the nature of the Iraqi geological formations that could better absorb the shocks.

Wizkid crowned best African artist at AFRIMA​

Nigerian sensation Wizkid retained his best artist title at this year’s African Music Awards, as he carried off a clutch of prizes at a glitzy ceremony in Lagos. The 27-year-old Afrobeats star — real name Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun — beat his compatriot Davido and Fally Ipupa from the Democratic Republic of Congo to the top award.

He also won the best song category for “Come Closer” and the prize for best West African artist. AFRIMA 2017, now in its fourth year, is considered the equivalent of the US Grammys and was held on Sunday evening at a luxury hotel in Nigeria’s economic and entertainment hub.

The African Union-backed awards are designed to celebrate the continent’s booming music industry and were this year broadcast live to 84 countries on 109 different channels.

Pastors✝ Who Collect 💵Offerings Are Thieves!🔊: Reinhard Bonnke

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Celebrated German evangelist Reinhard Bonnke, who is known for his great gospel crusades throughout Africa, has called out pastors who collect offerings from their congregants.

Although donating to missions or gospel crusades isn't wrong, some Pastors have abused their post and are demanding that people donate as a pre-condition for receiving a blessing from God.

Most of them have adapted to a more sophisticated - and super flamboyant - lifestyles and are giving politicians a run for their money. Well, evangelist Bonnke, who is among the few preachers who don't collect offerings during crusades, had this to say about rogue pastors: "Anyone who asks you to give offering for this crusade is a thief and should be reported immediately."

Chiwenga in Zanu-PF Purge Warning

Zimbabwe's army chief has warned those responsible for "purging" the country's ruling Zanu-PF party to stop, or the military will step in. The rare intervention comes just a week after President Robert Mugabe sacked his deputy Emmerson Mnangagwa.

General Constantino Chiwenga, who appeared at a news conference with another 90 senior army officers, did not refer to anyone by name.

Speaking at the army's headquarters, General Chiwenga said: "The current purging which is clearly targeting members of the party with a liberation background must stop forthwith. We must remind those behind the current treacherous shenanigans that when it comes to matters of protecting our revolution, the military will not hesitate to step in."

​Man Utd want me, confirms Argentine defender Enzo Diaz​

Manchester United have shown an interest in Argentine left-back Enzo Diaz, the player says, and he has a "dream" of representing Jose Mourinho's side.

The 21-year-old plays in the second tier in his homeland with Agropecuario, having broken into the first team this season.

After just six league appearances, the full-back, who can also play in the centre, has attracted interest from abroad and says that the Premier League side are already tracking him.

"I found out about it on Saturday morning, but later I did not talk to anyone other than my agent," he told ​Ataque Futbolero.​

"My agent told me that they were delighted and they were going to see me in a couple more games.

"It is the dream of any footballer [to play for Manchester United]."

Chelsea stars held Loftus-Cheek back - Southgate​

England manager Gareth Southgate believes Chelsea's senior stars have made an effort to prevent Ruben Loftus-Cheek from breaking into the first team at Stamford Bridge.

Loftus-Cheek was one of the star performers for England as they held world champions Germany to a 0-0 draw in a friendly on Friday.

The midfielder is on loan at Crystal Palace from Chelsea and Southgate feels his team-mates at his parent club have had an impact on his inability to break through.

"I've known Ruben a long time – I think the first time I saw him was an Under-16 international – I think Dele Alli played that night in his first game too," Southgate said.

"And when you see his physical size, you think you'll also see a certain type of player. Then I saw what you all saw against Germany – one that is so technically gifted.

"He's also been able to battle through difficult spells at Chelsea where he's been training with senior players who have recognised his talent and so they get to him in training.

"Have they kept him in his place? Yes. They probably saw the threat."

​Bechler: Neymar regrets signing for PSG​

Life in Paris is not exactly what Neymar expected and the forward is already beginning to regret his move to PSG, claims Marcelo Bechler.

Bechler is the Brazilian journalist who reported on his desire to leave Barcelona in the summer and he states that Neymar has already told some of his former Blaugrana teammates, such as Gerard Pique and Luis Suarez, that he wishes he hadn't moved to the French capital.

Speaking on Onda Cero's 'El Transistor' programme, Bechler also explained that the 25-year-old is struggling to win over the dressing room.

"There are a lot of high-ranking players in the dressing room, such as [Edinson] Cavani and [Angel] Di Maria, and they have found Neymar's behaviour in these first month strange," he said.

"The relationship between Neymar and [Unai] Emery is distant, as it is with some players.

"Yet PSG are clear that anybody else would have to leave before Neymar goes."

However, the player could move on one day in the future and Bechler suggested that a move to Real Madrid isn't impossible.

Ronaldo better than 'incredible' Messi, says Alonso​

Cristiano Ronaldo is better than the "incredible" Lionel Messi, according to Formula One driver Fernando Alonso.

Real Madrid star Ronaldo and Barcelona maestro Messi are often compared, with the two modern-day greats having won the past nine Ballons d'Or.

Alonso, a two-time F1 world champion and honorary club member at Madrid, said there was no doubt in his mind who was the better of the two.

"Cristiano is better than Messi, yes," the Spaniard told _Globo Esporte _ahead of Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix.

"Messi has an incredible talent as well, but as a Real Madrid fan, only Real Madrid players interest me."

Man Utd are like an adult version of Disneyland!' - Klopp reveals crazy Red Devils approach​

Manchester United tried to lure Jurgen Klopp away from Borussia Dortmund in 2014 by describing themselves as "an adult version of Disneyland."

The German was strongly linked with a switch to Old Trafford as the club struggled under David Moyes following Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement.

And according to the upcoming biography on Klopp - Bring the Noise, written by Raphael Honigstein - United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward flew to see Klopp just weeks before Moyes' sacking.

However, Klopp apparently found Woodward's bizarre comparison between United and Disneyland “a bit unsexy” and therefore decided to remain at Dortmund.

Serialised in the ​Daily Mail,​ the book reads: “Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward had flown out to see Klopp in Germany.

“Klopp wasn't entirely convinced by that sales pitch — he found it a bit 'unsexy', he told a friend — but he didn't dismiss the proposition out of hand either.”

Klopp, 50, would later meet up with Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke to confirm he had made up his mind and that he would be turning down United's offer.

Security 👮 becomes a top priority 👍 for churches ⛪ after Texas massacre​

While active-shooter training is not new to houses of worship, the massacre this month at a Texas church has renewed attention to their vulnerability and the fine line religious leaders walk as they try to create a welcoming atmosphere that doesn't tempt a would-be shooter.

"One of the responsibilities I have as a pastor, as a shepherd of the church, is to protect the people, and that includes spiritually, but it also includes the physical protection," said Pastor Jack Graham of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas.

The deadliest-ever mass shooting in Texas -- in which a gunman walked among pews at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, killing 25 parishioners and an unborn child -- has become the latest in a string of attacks directed at religious institutions.

Now, Christian leaders, in particular, are considering new security measures or bolstering existing rules, mirroring actions taken by leaders of Jewish, Muslim and other faith communities when their institutions have been targets.

"It doesn't give me any pause; it's the world we are in," he said, pointing out that no one used to worry about so-called soft targets, such as movie theaters and churches.

Warsaw nationalist march 👪 draws tens of thousands

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Tens of thousands of people joined a nationalist march in Warsaw on Saturday, organised to coincide with Poland's independence day.

Marchers chanted religious slogans such as "God, honour, country" and some called out racist chants including "Pure Poland, white Poland". 
An "anti-fascist" counter-protest attracted about 2,000 people. 
Police estimated that 60,000 people took part in the main march. 
It attracted far-right agitators from elsewhere in Europe, including Tommy Robinson from the UK and Roberto Fiore from Italy. 
Kamil Staszalek, 30, said he was there to "honour the memory of those who fought for Poland's freedom". 
"I'd say some people here do have extreme views, maybe even 30% of those marching, but 70% are simply walking peacefully, without shouting any fascist slogans," he told the AFP news agency. 
Supporters of the country's governing conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party took part in the annual march, which takes place alongside other events. 
Poland's interior Minister Mariusz Blaszczak called the event a "beautiful sight". 
"We are proud that so many Poles have decided to take part in a celebration connected to the Independence Day holiday," he said.

US 🇺🇸 rocket launch 🚀 aborted after small plane ✈ enters airspace

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A rocket launch in Virginia was aborted at the last moment when a small aircraft flew into restricted airspace.

The unmanned cargo ship was about to be launched en route to the International Space Station (ISS) when mission control called "abort, abort, abort!". 
They had spotted a small aircraft flying in restricted airspace at 500ft (150m) near Wallops Island. 
The launch will be attempted again on Sunday morning at 07:14 EST (12:14 GMT). The cargo ship was filled with 7,400 lbs (3,356 kg) of food, supplies, equipment and science experiments for the ISS.

​UK 🇬🇧 most overweight country 😱 in Western Europe says OECD​

Obesity rates have doubled over the past two decades, and 63% of UK adults are overweight, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

However, the OECD Health at a Glance report said the overall health and life expectancy of Britons remained average - aided by a reduction in smoking and adult drinking - despite a noted shortage in hospital beds and staff.

The OECD lists the UK as one of five countries suffering from "historically high" rates of obesity since the 1990s - increasing by 92%, compared to 65% in the United States.

A number of OECD nations, such as Australia and Canada, have managed to reduce and stabilise obesity levels in recent years, but Japan remains lowest at 4%.

"Since 2013, England has seen a significant increase in the number of days people stay in hospital after a doctor declares them ready to be discharged or transferred, reaching over 30 additional bed days per 1000 population in 2015," the report said.

Cesar: Neymar's the best in the world... Messi's from another planet!​

Julio Cesar has hailed Neymar as the best player in the world, but still thinks Lionel Messi is better.

Neymar came third in this year's FIFA Men's Best Player award, behind runner-up Messi and winner Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Brazil and Paris Saint-Germain star has been tipped as a future Ballon d'Or winner after finishing behind the Barcelona and Real Madrid heroes in 2015 as well.

The 25-year-old is in fine form this season since his €222 million move from Barcelona with 11 goals from 12 games in all competitions, while Messi has 16 from 17 so far this term.

And former Brazil goalkeeper Cesar believes Neymar would be taking over as football's No.1 this year if not for the Argentine superstar.

"For me, Neymar is the best player in the world today," he said of his compatriot to ESPN. "Messi? I said the world; Messi is from another planet! But I think this is Neymar's moment now.

"The whole world is following him and seeing how he does, even people who don't follow football are interested in Neymar."

Injury-ridden Real Madrid left sweating as Isco limps off against Costa Rica​

Spain star Isco was forced off in his country's friendly against Costa Rica after being caught on a late challenge.

The Real Madrid midfielder was levelled by a dangerous tackle from Ticos centre-back Kendall Waston, who was shown a yellow card in the 62nd minute for the challenge.

The midfielder was, however, able to walk off the field, and Spain striker Alvaro Morata was optimistic after the game about his former Madrid team-mate's condition.

Isco's name could be added to Madrid's growing list of injuries, with Mateo Kovacic, Keylor Navas, Raphael Varane and Gareth Bale all currently sidelined.

The Blancos face city rivals Atletico at the Wanda Metropolitano in the Madrid derby next Saturday, and losing Isco would be another blow for Zinedine Zidane's side.

Morocco and Tunisia secure World Cup spots​

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Morocco have qualified for a first World Cup since 1998 after beating their closest Group C challengers Ivory Coast 2-0 away from home on Saturday, and Tunisia joined them in securing passage as they drew 0-0 with Libya.

The Atlas Lions went into the match in Abidjan just needing a draw to consolidate their place as pacesetters in the final group match, but they went one better in what was an assured display.

Nabil Dirar gave the visitors the lead 25 minutes in, cutting in from the right and seeing his left-footed cross go all the way in, raising serious questions over goalkeeper Sylvain Gbohouo.

He was partially at fault again shortly after, failing to come and collect a corner delivery which was ultimately directed into the net by Morocco captain Medhi Benatia, who made the most of slack marking.

The hosts poured men forward for most of the rest of the match, but Morocco generally looked in control of things at the back and held on comfortably, giving Herve Renard - the coach who ended Ivory Coast's Africa Cup of Nations drought in 2015 - a famous victory against his former team.

Tunisia also only needed a draw to pip DR Congo – who began the day three points adrift – to top spot in Group A and they duly accomplished that with a 0-0 stalemate at home to Libya.

India 🇮🇳 rounds up beggars 👀 ahead of Ivanka Trump's visit ✈​

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Police in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad are doing a last-minute sweep to get beggars off the streets ahead of Ivanka Trump's visit later this month.

The unprecedented order was given by the city's police commissioner earlier this week and will last for two months, according to V.K. Singh, the director general of prisons in Hyderabad.

Speaking on a wider issue surrounding Hyderabad's begging crisis, Singh said: "There is a mafia or a network behind this who force people to beg or kidnap some children and force them into begging."

But the recent campaign to move Hyderabad's beggars off the city's streets only started in late October, prompting speculation that it was in preparation for the summit.

Spain 🇪🇸 Catalonia: Barcelona rally 💪 urges prisoners' release

Three-quarters of a million people have rallied in Barcelona to protest against Spain's detention of Catalan independence leaders, police estimate.

They shone phone torches in unison at sunset as calls were made to free eight regional ministers and two grassroots campaign leaders being held on remand.

Some of the detainees will be included on the list of a Catalan separatist party at next month's snap election. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy is to visit the city on Sunday. 
In another development, Barcelona's mayoress has condemned pro-independence leaders.

Bale will be 'devastated' after latest injury, says Coleman​

Real Madrid star Gareth Bale will be "devastated" by his latest injury setback, according to Wales manager Chris Coleman.

Bale, 28, is set to miss another month after confirmation of a strained adductor muscle.The star attacker has played just nine games in all competitions this season, with the last of those coming in September.

Coleman said he was unsure about the severity of Bale's latest setback, but he knows the Wales international will be shattered.

"I don't know the full extent of it. He'll be devastated," he told U.K. newspapers.

"We haven't had dialogue with Real Madrid, but we'll speak with Gareth in the next few days and find out exactly what it is. It's bad luck, bad news, and he'll be gutted.

"The harder you try to get back you get a setback and sometimes you have to go through that."

Morocco and Tunisia secure World Cup spots​

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Morocco have qualified for a first World Cup since 1998 after beating their closest Group C challengers Ivory Coast 2-0 away from home on Saturday, and Tunisia joined them in securing passage as they drew 0-0 with Libya.

The Atlas Lions went into the match in Abidjan just needing a draw to consolidate their place as pacesetters in the final group match, but they went one better in what was an assured display.

Nabil Dirar gave the visitors the lead 25 minutes in, cutting in from the right and seeing his left-footed cross go all the way in, raising serious questions over goalkeeper Sylvain Gbohouo.

He was partially at fault again shortly after, failing to come and collect a corner delivery which was ultimately directed into the net by Morocco captain Medhi Benatia, who made the most of slack marking.

The hosts poured men forward for most of the rest of the match, but Morocco generally looked in control of things at the back and held on comfortably, giving Herve Renard - the coach who ended Ivory Coast's Africa Cup of Nations drought in 2015 - a famous victory against his former team.

Tunisia also only needed a draw to pip DR Congo – who began the day three points adrift – to top spot in Group A and they duly accomplished that with a 0-0 stalemate at home to Libya.

Statue Will Inspire ⭐ Girls, Women 👩 In Africa- Sirleaf​

President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is hopeful that the erection of a statue in her honor in Imo State will inspire young girls and women in the continent to reach their potentials.

She made the remark while delivering a lecture on the topic "Women in Politics" at the International Convention Centre Owerri adding that as a continent Africa has some good reasons to celebrate.

We can stand tall among the many women of the world in providing the kind of exemplary leadership that will lift us up to stand, as I stand to represent women," Sirleaf said.

While unveiling the statue, Governor Rochas Okorocha said Sirleaf has done Africa in particular proud and the world at large, stressing that the Liberian President deserves every honor because she has remained a woman of inspiration.

According to her, it also signaled a new dawn with the prospect of leveling the playing field between men and women in politics in Africa.

Activist 💪 , Prof. Ishaq Akintola, shuns 😠 daughter’s wedding 💍 reception, says it’s wasteful spending​

Popular Muslim activist, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, on Saturday shunned the wedding reception of his daughter, Dr. Jihad Anjorin (nee Akintola). The activist, who doubles as the President of the Muslim Rights Concern, explained that two of his daughters had got married without holding a reception.

It was learnt that the wedding reception had Akintola's approval, however; as he had earlier held the wedding fatiha for the couple in his home on Friday.

"I know how to spend any amount on the education of my sons and daughters, but I can't see any reason why I should spend lavishly on their nikah. Let me make it abundantly clear, however, that society wedding is not haram and it is in order for those who have more than enough money to spend on it."

Denmark 0 Republic of Ireland 0: O'Neill's men stand firm to set up second-leg showdown in Dublin

Denmark and the Republic of Ireland drew a blank in Copenhagen as the first leg of their World Cup play-off ended in a 0-0 stalemate.

Fittingly at the Parken Stadium, the visitors dropped deep and defended solidly to keep a third successive clean sheet that puts them in pole position to reach Russia ahead of the return meeting in Dublin.

The Danes struggled to break down their resolute opponents and even when they did occasionally get a sight of goal, Darren Randolph was on hand to keep them out.

The Middlesbrough goalkeeper made three key saves in the first half but was fortunate to see Pione Sisto shoot wide when well placed inside the penalty area.

Having won in Wales last time out to reach the next stage of the qualification process, Ireland can now secure a first World Cup appearance since 2002 on Tuesday.

Nigerian Student 👦 And Team Member's Skin Cancer-Detecting Device 👏 Wins 2017 James Dyson Award​

The sKan is a low cost and non-invasive device that can detect skin cancer has won this year's international James Dyson Award.

Invented by four Canadian bioengineering undergraduates from Ontario's McMaster University; Michael Takla, Rotimi Fadiya, Prateek Mathur and Shivad Bhavsar, the sKan is a handheld device is made from widely available and inexpensive components and can possibly make detection of the disease more accessible.

James Dyson, founder of the Dyson company said the sKan received the award because it is "a very clever device with the potential to save lives around the world".

The device uses temperature sensors to help in the early detection of melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer because cancerous cells have a higher metabolic rate than normal tissue cells.

Spain 5 Costa Rica 0: David Silva inspires demolition job

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David Silva scored two and set up another as he inspired Spain's 5-0 hammering of a defensively woeful Costa Rica side in Saturday's friendly clash at La Rosaleda.

Julen Lopetegui's men played with immense freedom throughout, as they stroked the ball around in style and took full advantage of Costa Rica's poor defensive organisation, as the away side made errors for each of Spain's first four goals.

Costa Rica actually showed flashes of promise early on, but that quickly vanished as Spain took control, with Jordi Alba's Silva-influenced opening goal after just six minutes ushering in a period of real dominance.

The lively Alvaro Morata added a second in the 23rd minute and probably should have scored at least hat-trick before his half-time withdrawal.

But Spain's attacking unit hardly suffered for Morata's substitution, as Silva added two goals in four minutes shortly after the restart, making the most of hapless goalkeeping and calamitous defending.

Andres Iniesta added a fifth towards the end to wrap things up, with Costa Rica left realising that they have much to improve upon if they are to emulate their 2014 World Cup showing next year, while Spain already look ready to prove a point in Russia.

Spain 🇪🇸 Catalonia: Barcelona rally 💪 urges prisoners' release

Three-quarters of a million people have rallied in Barcelona to protest against Spain's detention of Catalan independence leaders, police estimate.

They shone phone torches in unison at sunset as calls were made to free eight regional ministers and two grassroots campaign leaders being held on remand.

Some of the detainees will be included on the list of a Catalan separatist party at next month's snap election. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy is to visit the city on Sunday. 
In another development, Barcelona's mayoress has condemned pro-independence leaders.

UNILAG tests students for hard drugs, nabs 100 users*

In a bid to check drug abuse on campus, the University of Lagos has provided a drug test kit in its medical centre to examine students suspected to be on hard drugs. The institution said no less than 100 illicit drug users were caught within a year of commencement of the tests.

Outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Rahaman Bello, confirmed this at a forum with _News Agency of Nigeria_ in Lagos. Bello said the initiative was necessary because drug abuse was on the increase, generally, in the nation’s tertiary institutions.

According to him, with the test kit, the university has been able to pin down victims, but granted them amnesty. He said although the university’s regulation provides that any student found dealing with drug should be expelled, the management had been warning and rehabilitating culprits.

Suffering, anger as Lagos task force declares war on okada riders

Suffering, anger as Lagos task force declares war on okada riders​

Residents of Lagos, who depend on commercial motorcyclists for ease of movement where many can hardly afford taxis, are at the receiving end of a new war declared on okada riders by the Lagos State Environment and Special Offences Enforcement Unit.

The task force says it is doing exactly what it is expected to do in enforcing the Lagos State Road Traffic Laws of 2012. In various parts of the state, the task force operatives have seized hundreds of motorcycles over the last two weeks.

Residents and passengers, who spoke with Saturday PUNCH expressed anger that the task force has now gone beyond the previous crackdown on okada riders plying major roads to impound and confiscate commercial motorcycles operating on inner streets.

I’m Finally Back On My Feet After Fighting Skin Cancer – Banky W​

Singer, Bankole Wellington, popularly known as Banky W, is full of gratitude to God for seeing him through a health challenge. He took to social media where he explained in a lengthy post that he had been away for some time because he was undergoing surgery for a “rare strain of skin cancer tumours” on his shoulder.

Mr W also revealed that the surgery which was carried out in October was the third since over 10 years ago. “For those who’ve been wondering why I’ve been away so long..I had my 3rd surgery on a rare strain of skin cancer tumours in my shoulder last month. The first 2 times were over 10 yrs ago, then it recently resurfaced.”

The entertainer, however, said he was only sharing his story to serve as an encouragement to others who may be struggling with the same fate. He therefore, asked that fans should avoid sending messages of sympathy or worry.

UNILAG tests students for hard drugs, nabs 100 users*

In a bid to check drug abuse on campus, the University of Lagos has provided a drug test kit in its medical centre to examine students suspected to be on hard drugs. The institution said no less than 100 illicit drug users were caught within a year of commencement of the tests.

Outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Rahaman Bello, confirmed this at a forum with _News Agency of Nigeria_ in Lagos. Bello said the initiative was necessary because drug abuse was on the increase, generally, in the nation’s tertiary institutions.

According to him, with the test kit, the university has been able to pin down victims, but granted them amnesty. He said although the university’s regulation provides that any student found dealing with drug should be expelled, the management had been warning and rehabilitating culprits.

Alli out of England squad for Germany and Brazil friendlies

​Alli out of England squad for Germany and Brazil friendlies​

Dele Alli has been ruled out of the England squad after sustaining a hamstring injury.

The midfielder, who scored twice in midweek as Tottenham beat Real Madrid 3-1 at Wembley, was ruled out of his club's clash with Crystal Palace early on Sunday, and it has been confirmed that he will miss upcoming international friendlies against Germany and Brazil.

It has not yet been announced if a replacement will be called up by Gareth Southgate, who has named a youthful squad for the two marquee games this month.

The likes of Joe Gomez, Jesse Lingard, Harry Winks, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tammy Abraham have been called up by Southgate, as he looks to formalise his plans ahead of the World Cup in Russia next summer.

England qualified for the tournament by finishing top of their World Cup qualifying group, going through the pool unbeaten.

​'I had to push him away - he always wants to speak!' - Mourinho plays down Herrera rift​

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has said that he "loves" his players - and that the feeling is mutual.

Ander Herrera spoke out in frustration after the Old Trafford side suffered a surprise loss to Huddersfield in the Premier League a fortnight ago, sparking rumours of a fallout with the Portuguese, who has insisted that this could not be further from the truth.

Indeed, Mourinho has said that he gets on with all his staff and hit out at the media for stirring speculation.

“I was not speaking with Ander Herrera anymore? Pfft!” he said. “Ander Herrera is the kind of guy that I have to push away because he wants to speak with me all the time! I don't know where you get these kinds of stories but, yes, I am happy.

“I love my players. You try to create a mystery because of my reaction after Huddersfield, but there is no mystery about it.”

With three wins in succession behind his team, Mourinho is very content with how the season has panned out to date but would not be drawn on what gave him the most pleasure three months into the season.

​Meunier: I rejected deadline day move to Chelsea​

Paris Saint-Germain full-back Thomas Meunier has revealed that he rejected the opportunity to join Chelsea during the summer transfer window.

The Belgium international was aware PSG were in the market for another right-back over the summer but he was not prepared for the signing of Dani Alves following the expiry of his Juventus contract.

The Brazilian's arrival left Meunier unsure of his long-term future at the Parisian club and led to him pondering a proposed move to Chelsea.

Meunier opted to stay in the French capital and fight for his place in Unai Emery's side and has since made seven Ligue 1 appearances this season.

"I could have left for Chelsea on the last day of the transfer window but I did not want to. I want to become the first choice by the end of the season."

​'I had to push him away - he always wants to speak!' - Mourinho plays down Herrera rift​

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has said that he "loves" his players - and that the feeling is mutual.

Ander Herrera spoke out in frustration after the Old Trafford side suffered a surprise loss to Huddersfield in the Premier League a fortnight ago, sparking rumours of a fallout with the Portuguese, who has insisted that this could not be further from the truth.

Indeed, Mourinho has said that he gets on with all his staff and hit out at the media for stirring speculation.

“I was not speaking with Ander Herrera anymore? Pfft!” he said. “Ander Herrera is the kind of guy that I have to push away because he wants to speak with me all the time! I don't know where you get these kinds of stories but, yes, I am happy.

“I love my players. You try to create a mystery because of my reaction after Huddersfield, but there is no mystery about it.”

With three wins in succession behind his team, Mourinho is very content with how the season has panned out to date but would not be drawn on what gave him the most pleasure three months into the season.

Free-scoring Man City make fastest start to Premier League season​

Manchester City have played some stunning football so far this season and, despite the campaign being less than three months old, they have already found the net on 50 occasions.

Kevin de Bruyne's strike to break the deadlock against Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium brought up City's half-century of goals in all competitions this season. And, despite Pep Guardiola's side playing football which fans have rarely seen in the English top-flight, they have only matched their start to the 2011-12 campaign, when they also netted their 50th goal of the campaign in their 17th match.

Second-half strikes from Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus then made the points safe for the league leaders, meaning City have now made the best ever start to a season in terms of scoring goals since the inception of the Premier League.

No previous team has managed to score 52 goals in the opening 17 matches of a campaign and, if City continue in this form, they look set to break many more records before the season is done.

Juventus 2 Benevento 1: Second-half comeback saves champions' blushes

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Juventus survived a scare with an underwhelming 2-1 home win over Serie A's bottom side Benevento sending them up to second on Sunday.

The reigning champions took their opportunity to leapfrog Inter, who drew 1-1 with Torino earlier in the day, as Gonzalo Higuain and Juan Cuadrado denied the determined visitors their first top-flight points.

Benevento have now lost all 12 of their league games this season, but can take heart from giving the Bianconeri real difficulties at Allianz Stadium.

Roberto De Zerbi's side even took an unlikely first-half lead when Amato Ciciretti's free-kick left Wojciech Szczesny, in for the rested Gianluigi Buffon, rooted to the spot.

Although that was the visitors' only shot of the opening period, it took Massimiliano Allegri's men – wearing a special 120th anniversary kit – until the 57th minute to forge a breakthrough as Higuain coolly dispatched his fifth goal in four matches in all competitions.

Cuadrado then clinched the points with a close-range header to the relief of the home supporters, Juve now trailing Serie A leaders Napoli by only a point after their 0-0 draw at Chievo.

Manchester City 3 Arsenal 1: Guardiola's men underpin favourites status as Gunners run ragged

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Kevin De Bruyne, Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus were on target as Manchester City underpinned their status as Premier League title favourites with a dominant 3-1 beating of an outclassed Arsenal.

It was a more-than-deserved three points for City, whose mesmeric play, lightning speed and swift movement left Arsenal with no reply, and in truth the scoreline could have been worse had Aguero not missed an early chance and Sterling showed more composure in a two-on-one.

City, who had beaten Arsenal just once in nine competitive matches prior to this fixture, have now stretched their unbeaten run to 23 matches and lead the Premier League by eight points from Manchester United, albeit that gap will be cut back down if the Red Devils beat champions Chelsea.

Aguero nearly stretched his new club record in just the second minute when he fired wide of the right post at the end of a frightening counter-attack started by a mislaid pass from Alexis Sanchez, who but for some failed last-minute deadline-day deals may have been lining up for City in this fixture.

Arsenal remained camped in their own half, and had someone gambled on David Silva's pass across the face of goal or Sterling shown more composure to pick out Sane when two on one then City's lead would have been doubled.

Tottenham 1 Crystal Palace 0: Gazzaniga heroics backed up by Son strike

F

Paulo Gazzaniga played an unlikely hero act for Tottenham, repelling a dogged Crystal Palace before Son Heung-min struck to secure a 1-0 win at Wembley.

Dele Alli's absence from the teamsheet will have perturbed Spurs fans, but Gazzaniga's presence was most eye-catching, the former Southampton goalkeeper making his Spurs debut in place of the injured Hugo Lloris and Michel Vorm.

Gazzaniga had not played in the Premier League since December 2015 and overcame a rocky start to deliver a fine performance, making three excellent saves to stop Palace opening the scoring.

And Spurs' only real moment of attacking quality was enough to seal it, Son slamming home his 20th Premier League goal to become the top-scoring Asian player in the competition's history, surpassing his South Korean compatriot Park Ji-sung.

Palace were left to rue Gazzaniga's heroics and an open-goal miss from talisman Wilfried Zaha. They remain rooted to the bottom of the league, four points away from the nearest team.

*🚨Breaking: At least 20 people killed in shooting at Texas church*

At least 20 people have been killed in a church shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas, according to Wilson County Sheriff Joe Tackitt.

Many more have been injured, authorities said Sunday. The shooter was killed after a brief chase north into neighboring Guadalupe County.

A witness, a cashier at a gas station across the street from the church, said she heard about 20 shots being fired in quick succession while a church service was underway around 11:30 a.m.

The Connally Memorial Medical Center in nearby Floresville, Texas, is "accepting and assessing victims" from the Sutherland Springs church shooting, according to hospital spokeswoman Megan Posey.

At least 8 patients are being treated at University Hospital in San Antonio, according to spokeswoman Leni Kirkman, who added the situation is still active and the hospital may receive more patients.

"While the details of this horrific act are still under investigation, Cecilia and I want to send our sincerest thoughts and prayers to all those who have been affected by this evil act," said Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in a statement Sunday.

Ronaldo left out of latest Portugal squad​

Cristiano Ronaldo has been left out of the Portugal squad for the friendly matches with Saudi Arabia and the United States.

The Real Madrid star, who has scored only one goal in La Liga this season, has been omitted by head coach Fernando Santos along with fellow experienced forwards Ricardo Quaresma and Nani.

Monaco forward Marcos Lopes leads a quartet of uncapped players called up, with Real Sociedad's Kevin Rodriguez, Lille's Edgar Ie and Braga's Ricardo Ferreira in to bolster Santos' defensive options.

📜 Portugal squad in full: Beto (Goztepe), Anthony Lopes (Lyon), Jose Sa (Porto); Nelson Semedo (Barcelona), Kevin Rodrigues (Real Sociedad), Pepe (Besiktas), Luis Neto (Fenerbahce), Ricardo Ferreira (Braga), Edgar Ie (Lille), Ricardo Pereira (Braga), Joao Cancelo (Inter); Danilo (Porto), Ruben Neves (Wolves), Joao Mario (Inter), Manuel Fernandes (Lokomotiv Moscow), Bruno Fernandes (Sporting CP), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City); Marcos Lopes (Monaco), Gelson Martins (Sporting CP), Bruma (RB Leipzig), Goncalo Guedes (Valencia), Andre Silva (AC Milan), Eder (Lille).

Mourinho settles tax case in Spain

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Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho says he has paid to settle accusations of tax fraud in Spain.

The 54-year-old attended court in Pozuelo de Alcarcon on Friday to answer charges of tax fraud totalling €3.3million, which he has always denied.

Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Mourinho said "the case is closed" and that he only attended to settle the matter.

"I was told that my tax situation was completely legal," he said, as quoted by ESPN.

"A few years later I was told that there was an investigation opened and they told me that to regularise my situation I had to pay sum X.

"I did not answer, I did not argue, I have paid and signed with the state that I am definitely in compliance and the case is closed. That is why I am here, nothing else."

Mourinho was summoned at the end of September over allegations he defrauded Spanish tax authorities of €3.3m between 2011 and 2012, while he was head coach of Real Madrid.

Gotze, Gundogan in Germany squad to face England and France​

Mario Gotze and Ilkay Gundogan are back in the Germany squad, with Marcel Halstenberg earning a call-up for the first time.

Borussia Dortmund forward Gotze and Manchester City midfielder Gundogan have not played for their country this year due to respective metabolic and knee problems but are in Joachim Low's plans for the friendly matches against England and France.

The more surprising addition to the squad is uncapped RB Leipzig full-back Halstenberg, who has impressed in the Bundesliga and Champions League this season.

There is no place for Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller, who is recovering from a hamstring strain.

​Squad in full:​

​Goalkeepers:​ Bernd Leno (Bayer Leverkusen), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona), Kevin Trapp (Paris Saint-Germain)

​Defenders:​ Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), Matthias Ginter (Borussia Monchengladbach), Marcel Halstenberg (RB Leipzig), Mats Hummels (Bayern Munich), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Marvin Plattenhardt (Hertha Berlin), Antonio Rudiger (Chelsea), Niklas Sule (Bayern Munich);

*Midfielders: *Julian Brandt (Bayer Leverkusen), Emre Can (Liverpool), Julian Draxler (Paris Saint-Germain), Mario Gotze (Borussia Dortmund), Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City), Sami Khedira (Juventus), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Mesut Ozil (Arsenal), Sebastian Rudy (Bayern Munich), Leroy Sane (Manchester City)

​Forwards:​ Lars Stindl (Borussia Monchengladbach), Sandro Wagner (Hoffenheim), Timo Werner (RB Leipzig), Amin Younes (Ajax).

*Moreno back for Spain, Suso and Luis Alberto called up*

Liverpool left-back Alberto Moreno has been called in to the Spain squad for the first time in three-and-a-half years for this month's friendlies against Costa Rica and Russia.

Moreno won the last of his three senior caps against Bolivia in May 2014 while still with Sevilla.

Poor form led to the 25-year-old having limited first-team opportunities at Anfield last season, with manager Jurgen Klopp preferring career midfielder James Milner at full-back.

But Moreno has regained his spot as first-choice this term, starting eight Premier League matches and all four of Liverpool's Champions League group stage games.

📜Spain squad in full:

🔰GK: David De Gea (Manchester United), Pepe Reina (Napoli) Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletic Bilbao);

🔰DEF: Alvaro Odriozola (Real Sociedad) Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Alberto Moreno (Liverpool), Marc Bartra (Borussia Dortmund), Nacho (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid);

🔰MID: Isco (Real Madrid), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Asier Illarramendi (Real Sociedad), David Silva (Manchester City), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid) Luis Alberto (Lazio)

🔰FWD: Marco Asensio (Real Madrid), Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo), Jose Callejon (Napoli), Rodrigo (Valencia), Alvaro Morata (Chelsea), Suso (Milan), Vitolo (Villarreal)

🎤"THE LORD WILL NOT ABANDON HIS PEOPLE" (Ps 94:14)

⏰Saturday of the Thirtieth Week of Ordinary Time 1 (04 November 2017 - Memorial of St. Charles Borromeo)

📖Rom 11:1-2a, 11-12, 25-29; Ps 94:12-13a, 14-15, 17-18 (R.v.14a); Luke 14:1, 7-11

This is the end of the week. On this day, I pray for you that God may also bring to an end, all your difficulties, failures, sorrows, and everything that draws you back. May he end your tears and put smiles back to your face. Amen.

Don't allow the evil plant a seed of depression in you, in case you have a target you are not able to meet yet or a desire that is yet to be satisfied in you. In the midst of their sufferings and persecution they were facing, St. Paul encouraged the early Christians not to ever think that the Lord has abandoned them (cf. Rom 11:1-29).

That message is also meant for you in whatever difficulty you may be passing through. The Lord will never abandon you. Just have faith and follow him in righteousness, and it shall be well with you. Amen.

By the way, when you are enjoying the favour of God, never forget to stay humble. Humility is a virtue which Jesus calls everyone to embrace (cf. Luke 14:1-11). Have you been following him in humility?

St. Charles Borromeo had a lot of things going for him. He was made a Cardinal at a very youthful age, about 22 years, and he was born of a wealthy family. But he became a servant-leader and helped in the correction of abuses among the clergy by his exemplary life. He loved his flock so much that he sacrificed the comfort of his home and office in order to work for their salvation.

We need more Charles Borromeos in our society today. Can you please be one by living an exemplary life of sacrificial love?

May God's blessings be enormous for you today and beyond. And may his grace help us to place ourselves under him at all times. Amen.

Have a joyful and restful weekend. Peace be with you.

*Catalonia Protests as Ex-Ministers Held in 🇪🇸Spanish Custody

Thousands of Catalans have protested against the detention of eight regional ministers sacked over Catalonia's push for independence from Spain. The officials - who appeared in Spain's high court - are accused of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds.

Prosecutors are also seeking a European Arrest Warrant for ousted Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont, who did not show up in court and is now in Belgium. The request also covers four other ex-ministers who ignored the summons.

On Thursday, thousands of people gathered outside Catalonia's regional parliament in Barcelona. Many carried Catalan flags and slogans that read "Freedom for political prisoners". Similar protest rallies were held in other Catalan towns. Political parties and civic groups in the affluent north-eastern region also condemned the judicial move.

US to Name Child Sex Offenders in Their Passports

The State Department said Wednesday it would begin revoking passports of registered child sex offenders and will require them to apply for a new one that carries a “unique identifier” of their status. Those applying for a passport for the first time will not be issued one without the identifier, which will be a notice printed inside the back cover of the passport book that reads: “The bearer was convicted of a sex offense against a minor, and is a covered sex offender pursuant to (U.S. law).”

The department said in a statement posted to its travel.state.gov website that registered child sex offenders will no longer be issued smaller travel documents known as passport cards because they do not have enough room to fit the notice. The changes come in response to last year’s “International Megan’s Law,” which aims to curb child exploitation and child sex tourism, but also has been criticized by civil libertarians for being overly broad and targeting only one category of convicted felons.

The law is named after Megan Kanka, a 7-year-old girl murdered by a convicted child sex offender in New Jersey in 1994. The case drew widespread attention and led to the creation of several state sex offender registries. Government agencies notified Congress on Wednesday the passport requirement of the law had taken effect.

Jared Kushner's team turned over to special counsel in Russia documents investigation

Jared Kushner has turned over documents in recent weeks to special counsel Robert Mueller as investigators have begun asking in witness interviews about Kushner's role in the firing of FBI Director James Comey, CNN has learned.

Mueller's investigators have expressed interest in Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law and a White House senior adviser, as part of its probe into Russian meddling, including potential obstruction of justice in Comey's firing, sources familiar with the matter said.

Their questions about Kushner signal that Mueller's investigators are reaching the President's inner circle and have extended beyond the 2016 campaign to actions taken at the White House by high-level officials.

While Kushner and those close to the White House will only say he was in favor of the decision -- or, in the words of one attorney, "did not oppose it" -- there are multiple sources who say that Kushner was a driver of the decision and expected it would be a political boon for the President.

Other points of focus that pertain to Kushner include the Trump campaign's 2016 data analytics operation, his relationship with former national security adviser Michael Flynn and Kushner's own contacts with Russians, according to sources briefed on the probe.

New SGF, Boss Mustapha Takes Oath Of Office

The new Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, has taken the oath of office. Mr Mustapha took the oath of office today, November 1 at Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, two days after his appointment. President Muhammadu Buhari had announced Mustapha’s appointment on Monday after sacked the suspended Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Babachir Lawal. Mr Lawal’s tenure came to an end six months after the President suspended him based on charges of corruption. Mustapha before his recent appointment as SGF was the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National inland waterways Authority (NIWA).

BREAKING: Court dismisses Diezani’s application for trial in Nigeria

BREAKING: Court dismisses Diezani’s application for trial in Nigeria The Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday rejected an application by a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, seeking to be joined as a defendant in an alleged N450m fraud case in Nigeria. Justice Rilwan Aikawa, while rejecting the application, described it as bizarre and a misuse of court processes, stressing that he would not allow himself to be used to frustrate Diezani’s imminent trial in the United Kingdom, where is currently under investigation and on bail. The judge declined all of Diezani’s prayers, including an order mandating the Attorney General of the Federation to facilitate her return from the UK, where is currently being investigated for alleged fraud by the Metropolitan Police.