News Headlines - 04 October 2019
▽Hong Kong Invokes Emergency Powers to Ban Masks at Protests - Bloomberg
Hong Kong invoked emergency powers for the first time in more than half a century to ban face masks for protesters after months of unrest, prompting demonstrators to occupy downtown streets.
Chief Executive Carrie Lam said on Friday the move was necessary to stem increased violence in recent weeks, including attacks by protesters using petrol bombs, corrosive liquids and other weapons. The prohibition on face masks will deter violence and help police enforce the law, she said, adding that the measure didn’t mean Hong Kong was under a state of emergency.
The Tokyo District Court ruled Thursday against a government deportation order issued to a U.S. activist opposing dolphin hunts when he tried to enter Japan three years ago... According to the ruling, O’Barry sought to enter Japan on Jan. 18, 2016, at Narita International Airport for sightseeing but was denied entry.
He was deported on Feb. 5 after his appeal to enter the country was turned down.
▽Brexit: Boris Johnson will send extension letter - court document - BBC News
Boris Johnson will send a letter to the EU asking for a Brexit delay if no deal is agreed by 19 October, according to government papers submitted to a Scottish court.
The document was revealed as campaigners sought a ruling forcing the PM to comply with the law... But the prime minister said the UK would still be leaving on 31 October, deal or no deal, "but no delay".
▽The first marijuana cafe in the U.S. opens in Los Angeles, weed available at Lowell Farms - CBS News
The first-ever cannabis cafe in the U.S. has officially opened in Los Angeles. The Lowell Cafe declared an end to "prohibition" as it opened the doors of the West Hollywood weed haven to the public Tuesday... Lowell Cafe is a hybrid weed lounge and restaurant where you can order up some pot along with your meal. The cafe boasts a "Dab Bar" for the more experienced cannabis consumer as well as a "Flower House" with hosts who can help customers, including novices, choose their perfect "flower."
▽Ethiopian 18th-century crown hidden for 21 years in Dutch flat to be returned | Sky News
An Ethiopian crown from the 18th century is to be returned to its home country after being hidden in a flat in the Netherlands for 21 years.
Ethiopian Sirak Asfaw fled to the Dutch port city of Rotterdam as a political refugee in the late 1970s and discovered the crown in a visitor's suitcase.
Mr Asfaw confronted the visitor about it when he realised it was stolen and has protected it since, but now feels it is safe to return the crown to Ethiopian authorities.
