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Charleston Shooting: Nine Killed at Emanuel AME Church

Diane A. Wade
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Charleston Shooting: Nine Killed at Emanuel AME Church

Nine people have been killed in a shooting at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston in the US state of South Carolina, officials say.

City police chief Gregory Mullen said eight of the victims were killed inside the historic African-American church on Wednesday evening, while another person died shortly afterwards.

Police are now searching for a white male suspect in his 20s.

“I do believe it was a hate crime,” Gregory Mullen said.

The church’s pastor, state Senator Clementa Pinckney, was among those killed, civil rights activist the Rev Al Sharpton tweeted.

A prayer meeting was going on at the time of the shooting at about 21:00 local time on June 17 at the church on Calhoun Street.Charleston Emanuel AME Church shooting 2015

Charleston police tweeted: “Suspect in shooting on Calhoun St is a w/m approx 21 slender small build wearing a grey sweat shirt blue jeans timberland boots clean shaven.”

Speaking at a news briefing later, Gregory Mullen said: “There were eight deceased individuals inside of the church. Two individuals were transported to [the hospital]. One of them has died.

“At this point, we have nine victims in this hideous crime that has been committed.

“It is unfathomable that somebody in today’s society would walk into a church when people are having a prayer meeting and take their lives.”

A woman who survived the shooting told her family the gunman said he was letting her live so she could report what happened, the Charleston Post and Courier reported.

She said the gunman had sat in the church before standing and opening fire, according to an official from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

Charleston Mayor Joe Riley described the shooting as “the most unspeakable” tragedy.

South Carolina Senator Tim Scott tweeted: “My heart is breaking for Charleston and South Carolina tonight.”

Jeb Bush’s campaign cancelled an event planned in Charleston for June 18 due to the shooting.

“Governor Bush’s thoughts and prayers are with the individuals and families affected by this tragedy,” Jeb Bush’s team said in a statement.

Helicopters were seen hovering above the area and a police chaplain was at the scene.

At one point police asked residents to move away because of reports of a bomb – but police later gave the all-clear.

A group of worshippers was seen praying near the church.

The attack comes two months after unarmed black man Walter Scott was shot and killed by a white police officer in North Charleston.

The shooting prompted angry protests and highlighted racial tension in the city. The officer has since been charged with murder.

Charleston was also due to hold a ceremony on June 18 marking the eighth anniversary of another tragedy – the death of nine firefighters in a blaze at a furniture store in 2007.

Reed Robertson’s Catching Light EP Available on iTunes and Spotify

Sonia Pantiss
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Reed Robertson’s Catching Light EP Available on iTunes and Spotify

Duck Dynasty’s Reed Robertson has launched his new single Catching Light EP on iTunes and Spotify.

Jase and Missy Robertson’s eldest son tweeted: “Catching Light EP is officially LIVE on iTunes. Go check it out! Very grateful for all the support so…”Reed Robertson Catching Light EP

Reed Robertson, 20, who is a talented musician, first appeared on Duck Dynasty in 2012 in the episode called High Tech Redneck.

He graduated from high school in West Monroe, Louisiana and moved to Nashville, Tennessee to follow his dreams as a musician.

Reed Robertson’s siblings are Cole and Mia.

Greece Default: Central Bank Warns of Painful Eurozone and EU Exit

Clyde K. Valle
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Greece Default: Central Bank Warns of Painful Eurozone and EU Exit

The Bank of Greece has warned for the first time that the country could be on a “painful course” to default and exit from both the eurozone and the EU.

The central bank’s warning comes as the government and its international creditors blamed each other for failing to reach a deal over economic reforms.

That failure is holding up the release of €7.2 billion in bailout funds.

About €30 billion was withdrawn from Greek bank deposits between October and April, the central bank added.

The central bank also warned Greece’s economic slowdown would accelerate without a deal.

“Failure to reach an agreement would… mark the beginning of a painful course that would lead initially to a Greek default and ultimately to the country’s exit from the euro area and, most likely, from the European Union,” the Bank of Greece said in a report.

“Striking an agreement with our partners is a historical imperative that we cannot afford to ignore.”

Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis, when asked if there could be an agreement at the meeting of euro zone finance ministers in Luxembourg on June 18, said: “I do not believe so.”Bank of Greece warns of default

He said preparatory work for the meeting had not gone far enough for a deal.

Greek shares fell sharply again. The Athens General Index closed 3.2% lower which takes its loss for the past four trading sessions to almost 19%.

Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann was in Athens on June 17 in a last-ditch bid to end the standoff.

“For Europe to be stronger, it must show solidarity and support to any country which needs it,” Werner Faymann said during a meeting with Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos.

That came ahead of a meeting of euro zone finance ministers on June 18 although officials have played down expectations of a make-or-break decision being reached.

The Austrian chancellor’s comments followed a harsher critique from European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, who on June 16 accused the Greek government of misleading voters, as Greek PM Alexis Tsipras accused the EU and International Monetary Fund (IMF) of trying to “humiliate” his country.

Greece has two weeks remaining to strike a deal with its creditors or face defaulting on an existing €1.6 billion loan repayment due to the IMF.

The country has already rolled a €300 million payment into those due on June 30.

Jean-Claude Juncker said the Greek government had not told the truth about its latest reform proposals.

“I am blaming the Greeks [for telling] things to the Greek public which are not consistent with what I’ve told the Greek prime minister,” he said.

PM Alexis Tsipras has said that the lenders wanted to raise VAT on electricity.

Other Greek ministers have criticized suggestions to increase sales tax on medicines.

Jean-Claude Juncker said: “I’m not in favor, and the prime minister knows that… of increasing VAT on medicaments and electricity. This would be a major mistake.”

“The debate in Greece and outside Greece would be easier if the Greek government would tell exactly what the Commission… are really proposing,” he added.

YanisVaroufakis claimed that EU proposals did include VAT increases: “Juncker either hadn’t read the document he gave Tsipras – or he read it and forgot about it.”

Elsewhere in the eurozone, Portugal’s short-term borrowing costs rose sharply on June 17, with yields on six-month treasury bills jumping from minus 0.002% to 0.044% at the country’s latest debt auction.

The rise came despite an assurance to investors from Portuguese PM Pedro Passos Coelho that his country would not be “the next to fall” in the event of a Greek default.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLYmRdGiqo4

Escaped Tiger Kills Georgian Man in Flooded Tbilisi

Nancy Clayson
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Escaped Tiger Kills Georgian Man in Flooded Tbilisi

A Georgian man was killed and another one wounded by a tiger after escaping from a flooded zoo in the capital Tbilisi.

The animal was later shot dead, the Georgian interior ministry says.

The tiger was one of several to break free from enclosures at Tbilisi Zoo last weekend following severe flooding.

Georgian police said they tracked the tiger to a disused warehouse but could not sedate it because it was too aggressive.

The flash floods devastated parts of Tbilisi, claiming the lives of 13 people, including three zoo keepers.Tiger Tbilisi zoo

There was uncertainty on June 17 about the number of dangerous animals still on the loose, with reports on Twitter of another tiger being cornered in a city centre cafe after the first was shot dead.

The zoo had said on June 16 that all of the missing lions and tigers had been found dead, with one jaguar unaccounted for – sparking confusion when news of the tiger attack on the two men emerged.

Internal Affairs Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri told the press that the animal was found “hiding in an unused store room”.

“We tried our best to sedate the tiger, but it was not possible because the animal was too aggressive. So unfortunately we had to liquidate it,” he said.

Special police units drafted in to deal with the threat posed by dangerous animals have faced criticism, with zoo workers alleging that animals have been killed unnecessarily.

The zoo’s website says two white Bengali tigers live at the facility, one male and one female.

The flash floods devastated parts of Tbilisi, claiming the lives of 13 people, including three zoo keepers.

Up to six people are still missing and about 40 families lost their homes.

Hundreds of volunteers took to the streets on June 17 to help clear up the mess left by the floodwater.

The volunteers, many dressed in trainers and ordinary clothes and armed only with shovels, helped dig animals from the mud and carry them away.

Hundreds of animals drowned when the zoo was swamped by floodwater, while many others escaped.

Lions, hippos and bears were pictured roaming the streets, with residents urged to stay indoors and avoid contact with any of the animals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHv7i40FOvA

 

What To Expect (When He Pops ‘The Question’)

Lisa.Felice
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What To Expect (When He Pops ‘The Question’)

So, you’ve found The One… and you’re pretty sure he feels the same. When is that question going to make its enlightening entry, bringing you both together in unity until your old age together? You’re almost certain it will be soon, and while your emotions are running wild with excitement, so many questions come to mind. But, most importantly, the main question remains: Which ring will you find wrapped up in that perfect package?

This is the moment in every woman’s life when a piece of jewellery has never been more important. Of course, as you will showcase this piece of beautifully crafted jewels for the rest of your life!

While you can never know exactly what it looks like (unless you’re shopping together), let’s take a look at what it could look like. And how would we do that? Well, considering you must know your partner quite well by now, let’s dive into the possibilities… based on his personality!

The Creative Type

While in profession, he may be an artist or a designer, or just possibly the type of guy who loves to think “outside of the box”, you can imagine whichever special engagement ring he gets you is going to reflect something truly unique.

Whether it be multiple colors, various stone sizes, or a unique type of band, it certainly won’t be the traditional type. If this describes your mate, you may expect the likes of a bespoke ring, which truly centralizes his passion for creativity… and his passion for you.

So, He’s Going To Propose… (And What To Expect?!)
So, He’s Going To Propose… (And What To Expect?!)

The True Romantic

He brings you flowers when you least expect it… boxes of chocolates in a well-crafted heart shaped box is a regular event; does this sound familiar? If so, you can probably guess your partner is what they call ‘a true romantic’. This is every little girl’s dream, and you’ve found your Knight in shining armor… so what does that tell us when it comes to the ring?

If I could make an educated guess, this type of partner will almost certainly go for the classic diamond ring; a timeless work of art that will truly signify the neverending love you have for eachother. And isn’t that every little girl’s dream, come true?

The Outgoing Showstopper

He’s the life of every party, the flashiest of them all, and he sure isn’t afraid to show it. He does everything BIG and bold, whether that is in regards to his car purchase, his play on the field, in the bedroom … or in his moment of dedication to the one and only: You!

You never really know what to expect with this personality type, but one thing you do know is, it’s going to be spectacular. A fair guess, is that your ring will not only be big, but unique in every sense of the word; a real showstopper! Expect some kind of fancy coloured diamond in a non-traditional shape, to show just how much he wants the woman of his world to ‘stand out’!

The Perfectionist

We all know these types; everything has to be perfect and in-order, plans are always organized and nothing goes unnoticed. While this can sometimes be overwhelming, you can’t help but love this perfectly imperfect person who will lead your lives into loving bliss (on a schedule, of course). If this sounds like your partner, you may be in for a real treat.

Given their nature to have everything just perfect, he may think well ahead on this one and decide that there is no better way to give the perfect girl the perfect ring, then to let her choose it, herself! This may slightly take away from the ‘surprise’ factor (although I am sure he has something planned to cover that base, too), but you surely can’t deny the excitement and joy of purchasing the most important piece of jewellery, together. After all, it has to be just perfect!

No matter what the personality of your partner, the important thing to remember, is that you found that perfect person. The one who makes you laugh, picks you up when you’re down, and carries you across the finish line. And, while your ring is so very important, at the end of the day, all will be perfect when with that perfect someone… and that is truly priceless.

Top Gear Co-Host Will Be a Woman, Chris Evans Confirms

Clyde K. Valle
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Top Gear Co-Host Will Be a Woman, Chris Evans Confirms

The new Top Gear co-host will be a woman, Chris Evans has confirmed.

Chris Evans, who was announced as Jeremy Clarkson’s replacement on June 16, said Top Gear would star at least one woman, chosen not “for the sake of it” but because of their passion for cars.

Former model Jodie Kidd, who presents Channel 5’s Classic Car Show, has already been tipped for the role.

Formula One presenter Suzi Perry has also been rumored for the show.Suzi Perry female Top Gear presenter

Suzi Perry appeared prominently in the audience of Chris Evans’ TV show TFI Friday last week, shortly after he agreed to host Top Gear.

However, bookmakers have made Jodie Kidd the favorite to fill one of the two slots left by James May and Richard Hammond, who quit the show in the wake of Jeremy Clarkson’s sacking.

Jodie Kidd currently attracts odds of 1/3, with former motorcycle racer turned broadcaster Guy Martin at 5/2, and Suzi Perry, Philip Glenister and Demot O’Leary all at 4/1.

In an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live’s Nicky Campbell, Chris Evans said he wanted his co-stars to be “extremely knowledgeable about cars… people who have great energy, good timing… who are keen to do things differently”.

Asked if one of the presenters would be female, Chris Evans replied: “I can confirm that definitely, 100 per cent.”

The BBC has not given a timescale for announcing a replacement, but filming on Top Gear new series is expected to begin in a few weeks.

Glastonbury 2015: Florence and the Machine to Replace Foo Fighters at Pyramid Stage

Sonia Pantiss
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Glastonbury 2015: Florence and the Machine to Replace Foo Fighters at Pyramid Stage

Florence and the Machine will replace Foo Fighters as the headliner of this year’s Glastonbury Festival.

Foo Fighters cancelled their Friday’s appearance at the Pyramid Stage after Dave Grohl broke his leg in a stage fall in Sweden.

Glastonbury organizer Emily Eavis said: “Once we heard… Foo Fighters had been forced to pull out, there was only one person we wanted to call and that was Florence.”

Florence Welch, 28, had already been confirmed to perform with her band before Foo Fighters on June 26.Florence and the Machine to headline Glastonbury 2015

She last performed at the Somerset event in 2010.

Ironically, Florence Welch’s recent concerts have been hampered by her breaking her foot on stage at the Coachella music festival in April.

This summer will mark Florence Welch’s first performance on Glastonbury’s famed main stage.

“Every time she has played here she’s done something spectacular and we always knew she would headline the Pyramid one day,” said Emily Eavis, who runs Glastonbury with her father Michael.

“I’m delighted she’s agreed to step up to it – she’s going to smash it!”

Michael Eavis added: “I’m absolutely delighted. She’s a fantastic girl, and she’s English as well.

“It’s a moment for her and she will be triumphant.”

Michael Eavis added that he hoped to book Foo Fighters for next year’s festival, but nothing was confirmed yet.

Kanye West is the headline act on June 27, while The Who will close this year’s festival the following night.

According to organizers, revised Pyramid Stage set timings for June 26 would be announced soon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-joeydu064

Segolene Royal: Nutella Causes Environment Damages

Nancy Clayson
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Segolene Royal: Nutella Causes Environment Damages

French Ecology Minister Segolene Royal has urged people to stop eating Nutella and save forests.

She said the chocolate-hazelnut spread damages the environment because it is made with palm oil.

Segolene Royal said Nutella contributed to deforestation because oil palms were replacing trees.

Nutella producer, Italian company Ferrero, said it has made commitments to source palm oil in a responsible way.Segolene Royal boycotts Nutella

French senators tried unsuccessfully to impose a 300% tax on palm oil in 2011.

They argued that the oil was dangerously fattening and that its cultivation harmed the environment.

On June 16, Segolene Royal said that Nutella should be made from “other ingredients”.

“We have to replant a lot of trees because there is massive deforestation that also leads to global warming. We should stop eating Nutella, for example, because it’s made with palm oil,” she said, during an interview with French television network Canal+.

Ferrero gets almost 80% of its palm oil from Malaysia, according to AFP news agency. The rest of its supply comes from Brazil, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

The Italian group said that it was aware of the environmental stakes involved.

In February, Ferrero announced that all of its products were produced with palm fruit oil that was 100% certified as sustainable according to the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) supply chain.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap4qI1HvBPk

FIFA Corruption Scandal: Swiss Banks Report Money Laundering Suspicions

Clyde K. Valle
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FIFA Corruption Scandal: Swiss Banks Report Money Laundering Suspicions

Swiss banks have reported suspicions of money laundering by soccer’s governing body FIFA.

Local prosecutors are investigating 53 cases of possible money laundering in their inquiry into bidding for the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups.

Swiss Attorney General Michael Lauber said the incidents had been reported by Swiss banks.

He said his office was analyzing a “huge amount” of seized FIFA data in its inquiry.

The Swiss investigation is running in parallel to one being carried out by the US.

The 2018 and 2022 World Cups were awarded to Russia and Qatar respectively. But leading FIFA official Domenico Scala has said the awards could be cancelled if evidence emerges of bribery.

Russia and Qatar deny any wrongdoing.

FIFA is facing claims of widespread corruption after Swiss police raided a hotel in Zurich – where the soccer’s governing body is based – and arrested seven of its top executives last month.Swiss Attorney General Michael Lauber FIFA probe news conference

The seven were held at the request of the US DoJ which has charged 14 current and former FIFA officials and associates on charges of “rampant, systemic, and deep-rooted” corruption.

The charges follow a three-year inquiry by the FBI.

Also in May, Swiss prosecutors opened separate criminal proceedings “against persons unknown on suspicion of criminal mismanagement and of money laundering” in connection with the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

However, until now, much less has been revealed about the Swiss investigation than the inquiry being led by the FBI.

Michael Lauber told a news conference that the investigation was “huge and complex on many levels” and would take a long time.

“We note positively that banks in Switzerland did fulfill their duties to file suspicious activity reports. Partly in addition to 104 banking relations already known to the authorities, banks announced 53 suspicious banking relations via the anti-money-laundering framework of Switzerland,” he said.

Michael Lauber said he did not rule out interviews with FIFA president Sepp Blatter as part of his investigation.

Sepp Blatter has denied any wrongdoing and announced earlier this month that he will resign.

The attorney said his investigation was separate from that being carried out by the FBI and that documents and data would not be shared automatically with the US.

Michael Lauber added: “The world of football needs to be patient. By its nature, this investigation will take more than the legendary 90 minutes.”

Kangaroo Survives 4 Days with Arrow Stuck in Head

Nancy Clayson
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Kangaroo Survives 4 Days with Arrow Stuck in Head

A female kangaroo has survived for four days with an arrow stuck in her head after being shot in Queensland, Australia.

The mother kangaroo was finally captured north of Brisbane on June16. She was also carrying a baby kangaroo, Australia Zoo said in a statement.

Doctors performed surgery to remove the arrow, which came very close to her skull and brain.

The kangaroo and her joey (baby) were released back into the wild after the operation.

Photo Australia Zoo Wildlife
Photo Australia Zoo Wildlife

She was captured by Australia Zoo and the RSPCA near Toorbul and taken to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for treatment.

The arrow “actually grazed the skull and came millimeters from her eye socket and optical nerves”, the Australia Zoo statement said.

According to the statement, the kangaroo was sedated from when she arrived until when she was released back into the wild.

“She wouldn’t have even known she was there, but she will be waking up in the wild much more comfortably without the arrow,” the statement said.

“This type of deliberate cruelty towards animals is horrific, illegal and could have caused a certain slow, painful death for this mother kangaroo and her young joey.”

RSPCA Queensland spokesman Michael Beatty urged anyone with information on the case to contact it on 1300 852 188.

Michael Beatty said in most cases animals shot with arrows either died a slow death or lived long enough to be rescued but ultimately had to be euthanized.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zb1r40yxv-M

North Korea Experiences Worst Drought in Century

Diane A. Wade
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North Korea Experiences Worst Drought in Century

North Korea has been hit by worst drought in a century, sparking fears of worsening food shortages, state news agency KCN announced.

Main rice-growing provinces had been badly affected and more than 30% of rice paddies were “parching up”, the news agency said.

Hundreds of thousands of North Koreans are believed to have died during a widespread famine in the 1990s.

This drought is unlikely to be as deadly because of recent agricultural reforms, correspondents say.

The United Nations World Food Programme says North Korea regularly faces significant food shortages and currently about a third of children in the country are malnourished.

KCNA said rice planting had finished in more than 441,560 hectares of paddy fields “but at least 136,200 hectares of them are parching up”.North Korea drought 2015

Paddy fields in South Hwanghae and North Hwanghae provinces were particularly badly hit, with up to 80% of rice seedlings drying up in some areas, the news agency added.

It said South Phyongan and South Hamgyong were also “badly affected”.

“Water levels of reservoirs stand at their lowest, while rivers and streams [are] getting dry,” the news agency said.

It added that it was planting other crops in rice paddy fields of drought-stricken areas to “reduce damage”.

Denmark’s ambassador to North and South Korea, Thomas Lehman, told Reuters that he had visited drought-hit areas in the North in May.

“The lack of water has created a lot of damage to the so-called spring crop, and the rice planting is extremely difficult without sufficient water,” Thomas Lehman said.

In 2014, North Korea saw its lowest rainfall in 30 years.

For this reason, food shortages caused by the current drought are unlikely to be on the same scale, Thomas Lehman says.

Other countries, including South Korea, regularly send aid to North Korea.

In April 2015, the UN called for $111 million to fund humanitarian activities in food, nutrition, agriculture and sanitation.

North Korea is heavily sanctioned under UN resolutions for its nuclear and missile tests dating back to 2006.

Turkey: Ex-President Suleyman Demirel Dies in Ankara Aged 90

Diane A. Wade
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Turkey: Ex-President Suleyman Demirel Dies in Ankara Aged 90

Father of Turkish politics, ex-President Suleyman Demirel, has died at the age of 90, Ankara’s Guven Hospital officials say.

Suleyman Demirel, who held office from 1993 to 2000, died early in the morning on June 17 in Guven Hospital.Suleyman Demirel dead at 90

The former president had reportedly been treated for a respiratory tract infection.

In a political carrier spanning nearly 50 years, Suleyman Demirel also served seven times as Turkey’s prime minister. His government was twice overthrown by the country’s powerful military.

Suleyman Demirel led the Justice Party from 1964 until a military coup in 1980, which led to him and other politicians being banned from politics.

The ban was lifted in 1987, when Suleyman Demirel formed the True Path Party (DYP) and became president six years later.

James Murdoch Confirmed as Fox’s New CEO

Clyde K. Valle
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James Murdoch Confirmed as Fox’s New CEO

21st Century Fox has confirmed that Rupert Murdoch’s son, James, will take over as chief executive from his father on July 1.

Rupert Murdoch, 84, will become executive co-chairman, along with his other son Lachlan, who is currently co-chairman.

He said in a statement that his sons would “strive to take our company to new levels of growth”.

The current president, Chase Carey, will act as executive vice-president until June 2016.

Rupert Murdoch is still expected to have the final say in decisions at the company, which owns the broadcaster Fox News as well as the 20th Century Fox film studio.James Murdoch Fox CEO

It was split off from Rupert Murdoch’s less profitable newspaper business, News Corporation, two years ago.

Rupert Murdoch said: “It has always been our priority to ensure stable, long-term leadership for the company, and these appointments achieve that goal.

“Lachlan and James are each talented and accomplished executives and together, we, as shareholders and partners, will strive to take our company to new levels of growth and opportunity at a time of dynamic change in our industry.”

James Murdoch, 42, and his brother Lachlan Murdoch, 43, said in a joint statement they were both “humbled” by the opportunity to lead the company with their father and the executive team.

Chase Carey, a respected media executive, has been president and chief operating officer since 2009.

It is thought that Chase Carey’s continued presence on the board will reassure investors.

Shares in 21st Century Fox have fallen almost 13% since the start of this year, but are more than 100% higher than in June 2010.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8OghS00gEM

Chris Evans Announced as Top Gear Host

Clyde K. Valle
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Chris Evans Announced as Top Gear Host

Chris Evans is replacing Jeremy Clarkson as the host of an all-new Top Gear line-up, the BBC Two has announced.

The TV and radio said he was “thrilled” to get the job, describing Top Gear as his “favorite program of all time”.

Chris Evans said: “I promise I will do everything I possibly can to respect what has gone on before and take the show forward.”

Jeremy Clarkson was dropped in March after punching a Top Gear producer while on location.

Car enthusiast Evans, who has signed a three-year deal with the motoring show, had been tipped to replace his good friend Jeremy Clarkson but had previously insisted he was not interested.Chris Evans replaces Jeremy Clarkson as Top Gear host

An “all-new” line-up means Jeremy Clarkson’s co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May will not be involved.

Top Gear is watched by 350 million viewers worldwide and is one of the BBC’s biggest shows, with overseas sales worth an estimated $75 million a year.

Once the news broke, Chris Evans tweeted: “First tweet as new Top Gear host. I would like to say Jeremy, Richard & James are the greatest. And NO I’m not leaving the R2 Breakfast Show.”

In a statement, Chris Evans said: “I’m thrilled, Top Gear is my favorite program of all time.

“Created by a host of brilliant minds who love cars and understand how to make the massively complicated come across as fun, devil-may-care and effortless.

“When in fact of course, it’s anything but and that’s the genius of Top Gear’s global success.”

Back in March, Chris Evans had denied that he was taking over the show’s presenting duties, tweeting: “I can categorically say I am not and will NEVER be running for office. Pls discount my candidacy.”

Production on the new series of Top Gear will start in the next few weeks and the BBC said more information would be announced in due course.

Jeremy Clarkson’s final appearance on Top Gear will be shown on June 28. The episode will be made up of two films shot before Jeremy Clarkson was suspended, with Richard Hammond and James May presenting links from the studio.

Viewers will see Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May behind the wheel of classic cars and beaten-up 4x4s in their final challenges as a trio.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwK1HOt2RcY

Street Outlaws: AZN Biography

Clyde K. Valle
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Street Outlaws: AZN Biography

Street Outlaws star AZN, aka Jeff Bennett, has been Farmtruck’s barker for years which means he does the smack talking and Farmtruck, aka Sean Whitley, does the driving.

AZN and Farmtruck met racing the streets of the 405 and as AZN says, when you meet street racing you either become enemies or fast friends. They became friends.

AZN is scared of a lot of thing although street racing isn’t one of them. He is said to be loyal to the Farmtruck after he lost both of his parents.Street Outlaws AZN and Farmtruck

Last year, AZN bought his own sleeper, a 1966 Volkswagon bug, affectionately known as the “Dung Beetle”. While it looks like nothing more than a filthy, rusted piece of dung on wheels, under the hood it’s all about speed with a 1000 horsepower turbo-charged precision engine. The Dung Beetle gives AZN and buddy Farmtruck more opportunities to do some “fishing,” finding unsuspecting suckers to race. Their strategy is pretend to be very impressed with the mark’s car and downplay the Dung Beetle’s power. Next step is to race, win and collect some fast cash.

In 2014, AZN raced a souped up riding mower in the first annual Grass Car races. He smoked the competition, literally when the motor blew up. For AZN and Farmtruck, one man’s garbage is another man’s race car. Whether it’s the old riding mower or a rickshaw from a second hand store.

Louise, a 14-year-old Blue Heeler dog, is Farmtruck and AZN’s faithful mascot. Louise is loved by Farmtruck although it is mentioned that she hates AZN.

Raccoon Riding Alligator: Amazing Picture Captured at Ocala National Forest

Nancy Clayson
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Raccoon Riding Alligator: Amazing Picture Captured at Ocala National Forest

A rare image of a raccoon appearing to ride on the back of an alligator has been captured by Richard Jones in a Florida forest.

The man was walking with his family in the Ocala National Forest when they spotted the alligator.

Richard Jones believes his son startled the raccoon while trying to take a picture of the reptile.

Photo Richard Jones
Photo Richard Jones

The image has become an internet sensation since the photo was taken on Sunday morning, June 14.

Richard Jones told local television station WFTV that he “snapped a lucky picture right when the gator slipped into the water and before the raccoon jumped off and scurried away”.

He added: “Without the context you’d think the raccoon was hitching a ride across the river.”

The picture was met largely with humor and a degree of admiration for the raccoon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=he0NX3Uh4NI

Donald Trump Is Running for President in 2016

Diane A. Wade
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Donald Trump Is Running for President in 2016

Real estate mogul and reality star Donald Trump has announced his presidential bid on June 16, 2015 at a rally in front of New York’s Trump Tower.

Donald Trump’s official website has released the following statement:

Donald J. Trump announced his candidacy for President of the United States of America. Mr. Trump was joined by his immediate family and stood before thousands of supporters to declare his candidacy for the 2016 GOP Presidential nomination.

Donald J. Trump said, “Quite simply, it is time to bring real leadership to Washington. The fact is, the American Dream is dead — but if I win, I will bring it back bigger and better and stronger than ever before. Together we will Make America Great Again!” 

Mr. Trump has frequently used his platform as a notable public figure to advocate for conservative causes and to educate the public on the failures of the Obama administration. Mr. Trump believes in the Free Market, a strong military and our country’s sacred obligation to take care of our veterans and their families. 

Photo Getty Images
Photo Getty Images

Mr. Trump has teams based in the early primary states of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. He will be visiting each of these states beginning with Iowa today, followed by New Hampshire on June 17th, and South Carolina on June 19th.The Donald J. Trump for President Campaign will be headquartered in New York City. For more information please visit DonaldJTrump.com.

The billionaire’s site also revealed that Donald Trump is at the top of the latest poll released yesterday [June 8], revealing 12% of approximately 500 Republican Primary voters consider Mr. Trump their top choice. The results show Donald Trump to be among voter favorites, trailing establishment darling Governor Scott Walker by just one point.

Mr. Trump certainly has momentum on his side as he continues to gain support from Republican voters in early primary states like Iowa, South Carolina and New Hampshire as voters emphasize the increasingly strong desire for a Republican candidate that is a proven business leader and not a traditional politician.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjTKlAqRPwU

Kirk Kerkorian Dies in Los Angeles Aged 98

Clyde K. Valle
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Kirk Kerkorian Dies in Los Angeles Aged 98

Las Vegas billionaire Kirk Kerkorian has died in Los Angeles at the age of 98.

The veteran businessman, who was the son of Armenian immigrants, was the largest shareholder in MGM Resorts International, which owns the MGM Grand and Bellagio hotels in Las Vegas.

Kirk Kerkorian was well known for buying and then selling the MGM film studio three times, making a profit each time.

He was reported to have died on Monday night, June 15, but no cause of death has been given.

MGM Resorts said in a statement: “Mr. Kerkorian was a quiet but powerful force behind the transformation of the Las Vegas Strip into one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations.”Kirk Kerkorian dead at 98

A school dropout at 16, Kirk Kerkorian became a boxer and later flew dangerous missions delivering warplanes from Canada to Britain during World War II.

Kirk Kerkorian carried on flying after the war and opened a charter flight business ferrying gamblers who wanted to get from Los Angeles to Las Vegas more quickly than by driving.

He began buying property in Las Vegas in 1962 after selling his charter airline, which he later re-purchased.

Kirk Kerkorian was also a player in the automobile industry, losing a battle for control of Chrysler in the 1990s before taking stakes in General Motors and Ford in the 2000s.

In May 2015, Forbes magazine estimated Kirk Kerkorian’s wealth at $4.2 billion after taking a hit on his investments during the financial crisis in 2008, when the magazine said he was worth $16 billion.

In a MGM statement, CEO Jim Murren said of Kirk Kerkorian: “MGM Resorts and our family of 62,000 employees are honoring the memory of a great man, a great business leader, a great community leader, an innovator, and one of our country’s greatest generation.”

Donald Trump 2016: Property Billionaire Announces White House Bid

Diane A. Wade
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Donald Trump 2016: Property Billionaire Announces White House Bid

Donald Trump has announced his run for the White House in 2016.

The Republican property billionaire has never formally run for president before, but has often talked about it.

Donald Trump, 69, told supporters at New York’s Trump Towers on Fifth Avenue: “I am officially running for president of the United States and we are going to make our country great again.”

The billionaire said his fortune would allow him to be an effective president.

“Our country is in serious trouble. We don’t have victories anymore,” he said.Donald Trump running for president 2016

“When was the last time anyone saw us beating, let’s say, China in a trade deal?

“They kill us. I beat China all the time.”

Donald Trump expressed support for gun rights and said he would protect US government programs like Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.

He also said he would “immediately terminate” President Barack Obama’s executive order on immigration, which would save undocumented migrants from deportation.

Donald Trump added: “Sadly, the American Dream is dead.

“If I get elected president I will bring it back bigger and better and strong than ever before. We will make America great again.”

According to his website, Donald J. Trump “is the very definition of the American success story, continually setting the standards of excellence in business, real estate and entertainment”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3fa8phe7yk

John Hurt Diagnosed With Pancreatic Cancer

Sonia Pantiss
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John Hurt Diagnosed With Pancreatic Cancer

Oscar-nominated actor John Hurt has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

John Hurt, 75, said he would continue working despite the diagnosis.

The veteran actor was Oscar-nominated for his role in 1980’s The Elephant Man.

John Hurt, who starred as the War Doctor in Doctor Who in 2013 told the Press Association: “I am undergoing treatment and am more than optimistic about a satisfactory outcome, as indeed is the medical team.”

Photo Wikipedia
Photo Wikipedia

The actor said wanted to announce his diagnosis to the press because he had “always been open about the way in which I conduct my life and in that spirit I would like to make a statement”.

John Hurt is due to be seen on the small screen in November in new Sky Atlantic drama The Last Panthers, opposite Samantha Morton.

According to IMDB, the veteran actor also has roles in some seven other projects, including the upcoming Tarzan film, due for release in 2016.

Sir John Hurt was knighted earlier this year for his services to drama.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MtmL_P01vY

Berkeley Balcony Collapse Kills Five Irish Students

Nancy Clayson
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Berkeley Balcony Collapse Kills Five Irish Students

A balcony collapsed near the University of California’s Berkeley campus killing 5 Irish students and injuring nine others have been injured.

Police found debris on the street below after an emergency call at 01:00 local time on June 16.

Officers arriving at the scene found that the balcony on the fourth floor of an apartment building on Kittredge Street, near the University of California, Berkeley, had collapsed.

The students are believed to have been holding a birthday party at the time, Irish officials said, but the cause of collapse is unknown.

They were believed to be in the US on temporary worker visas.

Photo AP
Photo AP

Photos taken at the scene appear to show a balcony on the fourth floor of the building fallen to the balcony on the floor below.

Berkeley Police Department spokeswoman Jennifer Coats said that many of those hurt have life-threatening injuries.

Officer Jennifer Coats said that the police were still investigating and that she did not have any information on what the people were doing on the balcony at the time.

Four of the victims died at the scene and another died in hospital, said Irish Foreign Minister Charlie Flanagan.

“It is with great sadness that I confirm that a number of young Irish citizens have lost their lives,” Charlie Flanagan said, “while a number of others have been seriously injured following the collapse of a balcony in Berkeley.”

He said another eight or nine people who were injured in the incident were Irish students as well.

The identities of the victims are not yet being released, pending family notification.

Irish President Michael Higgins said that he had “heard with the greatest sadness of the terrible loss of life of young Irish people and the critical injury of others in Berkeley, California today”.

He said his heart goes out to the families and their loved ones.

The Irish consul general in San Francisco is helping those affected and there is an Irish helpline (+353 1 418 0200).

The building has apartments in the upper floors and shops on the ground floor.

Rachel Dolezal Says She Identifies Herself as Black

Nancy Clayson
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Rachel Dolezal Says She Identifies Herself as Black

Civil rights advocate Rachel Dolezal says she identifies herself as black, despite claims that she is actually white.

On June 15, the race activist resigned from the anti-racism organization NAACP, after her parents said she was pretending to be black.

Speaking to NBC, Rachel Dolezal said that from the age of five she “was drawing self-portraits with the brown crayon instead of the peach crayon”.

Rachel Dolezal added that she “takes exception” to suggestions she had deceived people.

“This is not some freak-show, Birth of a Nation blackface performance,” she told NBC’s Matt Lauer.

“This is on a real connected level how I’ve had to go there with the experience.”

Rachel Dolezal’s estranged parents say her origins are mostly white, with a small amount of Native American ancestry. They say that she has no black origins.

They have produced childhood pictures of her daughter with pale skin, freckles and fair hair.

According to new reports, in 2002, Rachel Dolezal sued the historically black Howard University for discriminating against her for being white.

She subsequently claimed to be the victim of hate crimes for being black.

Rachel Dolezal, then known as Rachel Moore, received a Master of Fine Arts degree from Howard University 13 years ago.

Court documents, obtained by the Smoking Gun website, show that Rachel Dolezal sued Howard University for “discrimination based on race, pregnancy, family responsibilities and gender”.

As part of her claim, Rachel Dolezal alleged that some of her artwork had been removed from an exhibition in order to favor black students.

She said the art was removed from the 2001 exhibition because Howard University was “motivated by a discriminatory purpose to favor African-American students over”.

The case was dismissed in 2004 with no evidence found that Rachel Dolezal had been discriminated against. That decision was upheld by the Court of Appeal in 2005.

Photo Twitter
Photo Twitter

Rachel Dolezal was ordered to pay costs of $2,728.50 to Howard University.

It is estimated that 93% of Howard University students are black, while only 1% are white.

On June 15, Rachel Dolezal announced her resignation as president of The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People’s Spokane Chapter in Washington in the wake of the race row.

An online petition calling for her to step down received hundreds of signatures. Rachel Dolezal had already lost her job as a lecturer in African-American studies at a local university.

According to the Spokesman-Review, Rachel Dolezal said she was a mix of white, black and American Indian on her application to serve on Spokane’s citizen police ombudsman commission in January.

Spokane’s ethics committee said it was investigating the allegations, in addition to a separate investigation related to Rachel Dolezal on a different matter.

Mohamed Morsi Sentenced to Life in Jail for Espionage

Roy Siemens
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Mohamed Morsi Sentenced to Life in Jail for Espionage

Former Egyptian leader Mohamed Morsi has been sentenced to life in prison for espionage.

Ex-President Mohamed Morsi was accused of spying on behalf of the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, Lebanese militants Hezbollah and Iran.

The court is yet to decide on whether to uphold death sentences given to Mohamed Morsi and 100 others over a mass prison break in 2011.

Mohamed Morsi’s supporters have described the charges against him as “farcical”.

The former leader was deposed in July 2013 following mass street protests against his rule and is already serving a 20-year jail term for ordering the arrest and torture of demonstrators.Egypt's former president Mohamed Morsi inside a glass cage during his trial in Cairo earlier this ye

The judge said on June 16 that the Muslim Brotherhood “collaborated with Palestinian Hamas to infiltrate Egypt’s eastern borders and attack prisons”, state TV reported.

Mohamed Morsi was given life, while 16 other Muslim Brotherhood members – including leader Khairat al-Shater – were sentenced to death on charges of delivering secret documents abroad between 2005 and 2013.

In Egypt, a life sentence is 25 years in jail.

A final ruling on Mohamed Morsi’s death sentence for the 2011 prison break is expected after a court recess. It has been awaiting the opinion of Egypt’s highest religious figure, the Grand Mufti.

Grexit: Francois Hollande Urges Restart of Greece Talks

Clyde K. Valle
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Grexit: Francois Hollande Urges Restart of Greece Talks

France’s President Francois Hollande has warned that there is “little time” to prevent Greece from leaving the eurozone.

On a visit to Algiers, Francois Hollande said the ball was firmly in Greece’s court.

“It’s not France’s position to impose on Greece further cuts to smaller pensions, but rather to ask that they propose alternatives,” the French president said on June 15.

“We have to get to work… everything must be done in order that Greece remains in the eurozone.”

Talks with Greek and EU officials in Brussels on June 14 failed to reach an agreement that would release bailout funds to Greece.

Eurozone finance ministers will meet on June 18, but Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis said he did not plan to present new proposals at the meeting.

Yanis Varoufakis told German newspaper Bild: “The Eurogroup [of eurozone finance ministers] is not the right place to present proposals which haven’t been discussed and negotiated on a lower level before.”

The prospects of a Greek default in just over two weeks’ time has worried investors.Francois Holland on Grexit

On June 15, the FTSE 100 in London fell 1.1% to 6,710 points, while the DAX in Frankfurt lost 1.9% and the CAC 40 in Paris shed 1.75%.

In the US, the Dow Jones closed down 0.6%, or 107 points, at 17,791.

Athens’ benchmark ATG index, which fell 5.9% on Friday, fell a further 4.7% on June 15.

Greek bank stocks were hit hardest, with National Bank of Greece closed down 5.7% and Bank of Piraeus was 12.2% lower.

Europe wants Greece to make spending cuts worth €2 billion to secure a deal that will unlock bailout funds.

Greece must repay more than €1.5 billion of loans to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) at the end of June and promise further economic reforms to receive about €7 billion of bailout funds.

The funds have been delayed by three months amid growing fears the government will soon run out of money.

Sticking points between Greece and the IMF and EU remain reforms to VAT and pensions.

European Commission spokeswoman Annika Breidthardt rejected an assertion that creditors were seeking pension or wages cuts. They only wanted Athens to phase out early retirement and remove “incorrect incentives for early retirement”.

Greece had already agreed to specific targets for its primary surplus, she said, with 1% of GDP this year, followed by 2% in 2016 and 3.5% by 2018.

An opinion poll for Greece’s Mega TV found that more than two thirds of respondents believe the Greek government will have to back down, with just 19.4% thinking the lenders will agree to further concessions.

On June 15, Greek PM Alexis Tsipras warned Athens would stand its ground until its creditors become “realistic”.

Alexis Tsipras called on the IMF and EU to “meditate” on the idea that: “We are not only the heirs of a long history of struggle. We are also carrying on our shoulders the dignity of a people, and the hope of the peoples of Europe.”

Gap Plans 175 Store Closures

Clyde K. Valle
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Gap Plans 175 Store Closures

Gap has decided to close 175 stores across North America over the next few years as it attempts to turn around the business.

A “limited number” of European shops would also close, the retailer said in a statement.

In addition, the San Francisco-based will also cut about 250 jobs from its head office.Gap to close 175 stores

Gap has been struggling with falling sales as it competes with the likes of Europe’s H&M and Zara.

Like-for-like sales for the Gap brand fell by 15% in April, compared with a 3% rise in the same month last year.

Gap CEO Art Peck said: “Returning Gap brand to growth has been the top priority since my appointment four months ago.

“Customers are rapidly changing how they shop today, and these moves will help get Gap back to where we know it deserves to be in the eyes of consumers.”

Gap store closures will mean a loss of sales worth about $300 million, the retailer said, with one-off costs expected to be between $140 million to $160 million.

The retailer did not say how many employees would be laid off as a result.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apuCgH4Sku8

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