News Headlines - 15 September 2019

▽US university head admits he approved Epstein gift

The president of the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) admitted Thursday he had approved financial support from Jeffrey Epstein after the disgraced financier was convicted of child sex offenses.
Rafael Reif said lawyers investigating MIT's links to Epstein, who hung himself in prison last month, had told him that he had signed a letter of thanks to Epstein following a gift to faculty member Seth Lloyd.
"I apparently signed this letter on August 16, 2012, about six weeks into my presidency. Although I do not recall it, it does bear my signature," he said in a statement published on the university's website.

▽Cho's relative arrested over family investment | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

South Korean prosecutors have arrested a relative of Justice Minister Cho Kuk in connection with allegations over an investment by his family in a private equity fund.
The man was arrested on Saturday at Incheon Airport after he returned from abroad, on suspicion of embezzlement and other charges. He is believed to be at the center of the equity fund.

▽Hong Kong protesters hurl petrol bombs at government buildings in latest wave of unrest - CNA

Hong Kong police fired water cannon and volleys of tear gas to disperse protesters throwing petrol bombs at government buildings on Sunday (Sep 15), as months of sometimes violent demonstrations showed no sign of letting up.
Some protesters threw bricks at police outside the nearby People's Liberation Army base in the city and tore down and set fire to a red banner proclaiming the 70th anniversary on Oct 1 of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

▽Japan Airlines Could Bid for Malaysia Airlines, Edge Reports - Bloomberg

Japan Airlines Co. could be a contender to buy a stake in Malaysia Airlines Bhd., the Edge weekly newspaper reported.
There have been high-level talks for Japan Airlines to pursue an interest in the Malaysian national carrier amid close ties between the two governments, the Edge said, citing two unidentified people familiar with the matter.

▽Su-metal: Yuimetal is still a member of the Babymetal family | Louder

Su-metal says Yuimetal is still very much part of the Babymetal family - despite her leaving the Japanese sensations last year.
Yuimetal, aka Yui Mizuno, officially quit in October 2018, saying in a statement that she wanted “to advance towards my dreams” as a solo artist.
But in the the new issue of Metal Hammer magazine, which is on sale today, Su-metal says her and Moametal hold no animosity towards their former bandmate.