Richard France, director of Monks Cross (Oakgate) Ltd, said while he was disappointed that work could not begin at the site, the firm took its responsibility to the environment seriously.

BBC: Breeding newts delay York Monks Cross shop development

In Louisiana, for example, a group of monks is fighting back against state requirements that they must obtain a funeral home director's license to sell caskets, a license that must be obtained from a board where nine of the 10 sitting members are from the state's largest funeral homes.

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