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Mia Robertson recovering from cleft palate surgery

Sonia Pantiss
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Mia Robertson recovering from cleft palate surgery

Duck Dynasty’s Mia Robertson is slowly recovering after she underwent another surgery on Friday, March 27, to repair her cleft palate and lip.

Mia’s mom, Missy Robertson, wrote on her Facebook page: “Mia’s recovery has been slow and painful, but today has been a good day. Cousin Bella brought her a snow cone and that seemed to do the trick. Thank you for your continued prayers and support. She still has a tough road ahead, but we can see a glimpse of light that has been hiding for the past 5 days. She is definitely a brave kid!

Photo Mia Moo
Photo Mia Moo

This is a video of her hospital room. Each paper doll was made by a child from either our WFR church or our OCS school family and have a scripture or a message telling Mia to “Be Brave and Keep Going”. Over 500! What a blessing to this mom to know so many kids (and adults) love and are praying for my child!

Thank you all!”

Mia Elaine Robertson, 11, was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate.

Zayn Malik’s first solo song I Won’t Mind removed from SoundCloud

Sonia Pantiss
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Zayn Malik’s first solo song I Won’t Mind removed from SoundCloud

Zayn Malik’s first solo song has been taken down, less than a day after it was shared on SoundCloud.

Producer Naughty Boy tweeted a link to the track on March 31, with the words “let the music do the talking”.

The song was uploaded less than a week after Zayn Malik confirmed he was quitting One Direction.

Louis Tomlinson accused Naughty Boy of being “inconsiderate” to fans after he re-tweeted a video about Zayn Malik.

The pair argued on Twitter hours before the demo was made public.

Zayn Malik quit One Direction last week saying he wanted to be a “normal 22-year-old”, but early on March 31 Naughty Boy tweeted a link to his first solo song I Won’t Mind.Zayn Malik first solo song

The track on SoundCloud is now unavailable, but it included the caption: “There is nothing but love for what was left behind. That’s why we don’t mind. 😉 #zaughty #zinabad.”

Naughty Boy, whose real name is Shahid Khan, has previously worked with Emeli Sande, Tinie Tempah, Ed Sheeran, Leona Lewis and Rihanna.

The producer tweeted the song hours after having an argument with Zayn Malik’s former One Direction bandmate Louis Tomlinson.

Louis Tomlinson accused the producer of “trying to wind the fans up” after he re-tweeted a video saying “Zaughty will rise”, a reference to working with Zayn Malik.

He later tweeted: “Wow @NaughtyBoyMusic you’re so inconsiderate pal, seriously how old are you? Grow up! #masterofallwisdom.”

So far, Zayn Malik hasn’t commented on the solo material.

As One Direction carries on as a four-piece, Zayn Malik has been removed from the video montage which plays at the beginning of the band’s shows.

Fans in Johannesburg, South Africa, noticed Zayn Malik was missing from the footage at One Direction’s show on March 29.

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Jeremy Clarkson to appear with Richard Hammond and James May on Top Gear Live shows

Clyde K. Valle
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Jeremy Clarkson to appear with Richard Hammond and James May on Top Gear Live shows

Jeremy Clarkson will appear on rebranded Top Gear Live shows with his fellow presenters Richard Hammond and James May.

A deal has been done to fulfill a series of live shows that were planned before Jeremy Clarkson was dropped from the show for hitting Top Gear producer Oisin Tymon.

The shows will be stripped of all BBC branding and content and will be called Clarkson, Hammond and May Live.

The first live show will take place in Belfast on May 22.

BBC said it had agreed the tour could continue “so as to not disappoint fans”.Top Gear Live Jeremy Clarkson

A spokesman called it “a sensible approach in the circumstances”.

Thousands of people around the world had already bought tickets.

A spokesman for Brand Events, who are co-producing the shows, said they wanted to thank “ticket holders for their continued patience”.

“The fans are the most important people to Jeremy, Richard and James so we’re delighted to be able to say <<we’re still coming>>. We’re sure it’ll be something you won’t want to miss.”

Top Gear Live shows will take place in venues around the world including Australia, Norway, South Africa and the UK.

Live shows that were due to take place in Stavanger, Norway earlier this month have been re-scheduled to June 20 and 21.

A Top Gear Festival planned for Sydney in April will instead become an indoor arena show staged in both Melbourne on July 18-19 and Sydney on July 25 -26.

Top Gear Live show dates are:

  • May 22 – 24 – Belfast
  • June 5 – 7 – Sheffield
  • June 13 – 14 – South Africa
  • June 20-21 – Norway
  • November 28 – 29 – London O2

EU milk quota system lifted after more than 30 years of efforts to prevent overproduction

Clyde K. Valle
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EU milk quota system lifted after more than 30 years of efforts to prevent overproduction

The EU milk quota system has come to an end after more than 30 years of efforts to prevent overproduction.

The system, set up in 1984, is ending so EU dairy businesses can compete with international rivals in supplying fast-growing markets in Asia and Africa.

The Irish Republic, the Netherlands and Germany are all expected to increase production sharply.

The European Commission believes the changes will not bring back butter mountains and milk lakes and says China and other international markets are hungry for European farmers’ produce.

EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Phil Hogan said the ending of quotas was both a challenge and an opportunity for the EU.

Photo AFP/Getty Images
Photo AFP/Getty Images

“It is a challenge because an entire generation of dairy farmers will have to live under completely new circumstances and volatility will surely accompany them along the road,” he said.

“But it certainly is an opportunity in terms of growth and jobs.”

The EU milk quota system was set up after subsidized European milk production persistently outstripped consumer demand.

This led to the so-called milk lakes and butter mountains. From 1984, member states were fined heavily if they produced too much milk.

Quotas have been raised steadily in the past seven years in preparation for being lifted altogether.

The abolition of the system affects farmers in all 28 EU member states.

Belgian and other EU dairy farmers staged a protest in Brussels on March 31, fearing the lifting of quotas will drive small farms out of business.

They have argued the lifting of quotas helps only big food companies and the largest milk producers, whose efficiency allows them to operate with slim margins.

German dairy industry association president Karl-Heinz Engel said he was happy quotas were being scrapped.

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Storm Niklas: At least nine people killed in northern Europe

Diane A. Wade
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Storm Niklas: At least nine people killed in northern Europe

Nine people are reported dead after a strong storm hit Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the UK.

Seven people were killed in Germany, including two men whose car was hit by a tree.

German media reports that there have been dozens of injuries from flying branches.

In Austria, a man fell from a ladder and suffered fatal head injuries while securing an awning over his patio.Storm Niklas Europe 2015

Forecasters said that on Germany’s highest mountain, the Zugspitze, winds of more than 118 mph were recorded.

Rail services were disrupted and the main station in Munich had to be evacuated due to concerns that parts of the roof might collapse.

A man in the UK was seriously injured when his car was crushed by a falling tree.

The biggest winds in the Netherlands were put at 75mph by weather site Weeronline. Toppled trucks were left scattered across Dutch roads.

As the storm, dubbed Niklas, swept from the west across Germany, regional rail services came to a halt in Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia, while many Germans were trying to get away ahead of the Easter holiday period.

A man was killed when a concrete wall fell on top of him in the eastern town of Gross Santersleben, police said.

Flights were disrupted at airports in Frankfurt, Hamburg and Munich.

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Easter Recipe: Hatching Chick Deviled Eggs

Kathryn R. Bown
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Easter Recipe: Hatching Chick Deviled Eggs

Learn how to prepare egg appetizers for the celebration of the coming Easter.

Chicks are cute even when they are made of boiled eggs .Hatching Chick Deviled Eggs

The idea to arrange a platter full of chick tasty snacks can be easily put into practice if you follow the steps in the movie .

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

Dutch royals to return Joris van der Haagen painting looted by Nazis

Sonia Pantiss
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Dutch royals to return Joris van der Haagen painting looted by Nazis

The Dutch royal family has announced it will return a painting by Joris van der Haagen from its collection thought to have been looted by the Nazis during World War Two.

The Hague Forest with a View of Huis ten Bosch Palace painted by 17th century Dutch master Joris van der Haagen had been bought by Queen Juliana from a Dutch art dealer in 1960.

The palace said an investigation looked at tens of thousands of art works in the House of Orange’s collection.

Photo ANP
Photo ANP

Officials have contacted the heirs of the original owner, who was not named, to arrange its return.

“A Jewish collector was forced in 1942 to hand over the painting Haagse Bos with view over Huis Ten Bosch Palace by Joris van der Haagen to the (Nazi) bank Lippmann, Rosenthal & Co in Amsterdam,” said the report, which was commissioned by the palace in 2012.

It said after the war and the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands “the painting ended up with a Dutch art dealer where Queen Juliana bought it in 1960 without knowing about its history.”

No further details were given, due to privacy concerns.

The inquiry ruled that another painting in the collection, Landscape with St Hubert, whose provenance had been questioned, was not stolen.

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Misao Okawa: World’s oldest person dies at 117

Nancy Clayson
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Misao Okawa: World’s oldest person dies at 117

Japanese Misao Okawa, known as the world’s oldest living person, has died from heart failure at the age of 117.

Misao Okawa died in a nursing home in Osaka, the city she was born in on March 5, 1898.

She is survived by three children, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Misao Okawa was recognized in 2013 as the world’s oldest living person, as well as the world’s oldest living woman, by Guinness World Records.

While celebrating her birthday earlier this month, Misao Okawa said that 117 years did not seem such a long time.Misao Okawa world's oldest person

She also said the key to a long life was getting at least eight hours of sleep a night and eating sushi – her favorite food.

Misao Okawa said she particularly enjoyed mackerel on vinegar-steamed rice.

Her birthday celebration was shown on national television in Japan.

Born to a kimono-maker, Misao Okawa married her husband Yukio in 1919. They lived in Kobe where he ran a business. When Yukio died in 1931, Misao Okawa moved back to Osaka.

Misao Okawa lived across three centuries, seeing four emperors of Japan, six British monarchs, and 20 US presidents.

Craig Glenday, the editor-in-chief of Guinness World Records, said previously of Misao Okawa: “Her impressive longevity… is an inspiration and a testament to the Japanese lifestyle.”

Misao Okawa’s name has since been taken down for the entry for the world’s oldest living person on the organization’s site.

It is not yet known who now holds that record, but the site does state that the oldest living man is Sakari Momoi, also of Japan, who turned 112 in February.

The oldest person who has ever lived according to Guinness was Jeanne Calment of France, who lived 122 years and 164 days. She died in August 1997.

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Nigeria elections 2015: Muhammadu Buhari wins presidential polls

Diane A. Wade
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Nigeria elections 2015: Muhammadu Buhari wins presidential polls

Nigeria’s former military Muhammadu Buhari has won the country’s presidential election.

Gen. Muhammadu Buhari has hailed his victory as a vote for change and proof the nation has embraced democracy.

He also praised outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan as a “worthy opponent” who peacefully relinquished power.

Muhammadu Buhari beat Goodluck Jonathan by 15.4 million votes to 13.3 million.

Observers have generally praised the election, though there have been allegations of fraud.

Muhammadu Buhari, of the All Progressives Congress (APC) party, has become the first opposition candidate to win a presidential election in Nigeria.

He said: “President Jonathan was a worthy opponent and I extend the hand of fellowship to him.

“We have proven to the world that we are people who have embraced democracy. We have put the one-party state behind us.”

The former military ruler added: “Your vote affirms that you believe Nigeria’s future can be better than what it is today. You voted for change and now change has come.

“You, Nigerians, have won. The people have shown their love for this nation and their belief in democracy.”Muhammadu Buhari wins Nigeria presidential election 2015

On March 31, Goodluck Jonathan said in a statement: “I promised the country free and fair elections. I have kept my word.

“Nobody’s ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian. The unity, stability and progress of our dear country is more important than anything else.”

Goodluck Jonathan said he had conveyed his “best wishes” to Muhammadu Buhari, and urged “those who may feel aggrieved to follow due process… in seeking redress”.

However, analysts say the margin of victory is likely to prevent any successful legal challenge.

Goodluck Jonathan must officially hand over power on May 29.

This election was the fourth time that Muhammadu Buhari, 72, had sought the presidency.

He ruled Nigeria from January 1984 until August 1985, taking charge after a military coup in December 1983.

Goodluck Jonathan had led Nigeria since 2010, initially as acting leader before winning elections in 2011.

Nigeria has suffered from attacks by the Islamist militant group Boko Haram, which has killed thousands of people in its drive to establish an Islamic state.

Many voters have said that they believe Muhammadu Buhari is better positioned to defeat Boko Haram.

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Joni Mitchell hospitalized after being found unconscious

Sonia Pantiss
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Joni Mitchell hospitalized after being found unconscious

Joni Mitchell is in intensive care after being found unconscious at her Los Angeles home.

The singer-songwriter was rushed to hospital on March 31.

A statement released on Joni Mitchell’s website said she “regained consciousness on the ambulance ride to an LA area hospital.”

Photo NY magazine
Photo NY magazine

It went on to add that the eight-time Grammy winner is “currently in intensive care undergoing tests and is awake and in good spirits”.

In December Joni Mitchell told Billboard magazine that she has a rare skin condition, Morgellons Disease, which prevents her from performing.

The singer’s website urged fans to keep her in their thoughts: “Light a candle and sing a song, let’s all send good wishes her way.”

Best known for her 1970 hit Big Yellow Taxi, Joni Mitchell was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.

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Mehmet Selim Kiraz killed in Istanbul hostage operation

Diane A. Wade
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Mehmet Selim Kiraz killed in Istanbul hostage operation

Turkish prosecutor Mehmet Selim Kiraz and two gunmen who took him hostage were killed in a shootout with security forces in Istanbul.

Thousands of people have attended the funeral ceremony for Mehmet Selim Kiraz inside the courthouse in Istanbul where he died on March 31.

On April 1, a man who burst into a district office of Turkey’s ruling AK Party was detained by security forces.

The intruder, said to be armed, entered the building in the Kartal district ordering those inside to leave.

Photo Hurriyet
Photo Hurriyet

Mehmet Selim Kiraz had been investigating the case of a teenager who died nine months after being hit on the head by a police tear gas canister during anti-government protests in 2013.

The hostage-taking was blamed on a banned Marxist revolutionary group.

Turkish TV broadcast footage of Wednesday morning’s security incident, showing a man flying a Turkish flag with a sword on it from a window of the AKP office.

It was not clear if the attacker was politically motivated.

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Mehmet Selim Kiraz hostage crisis: Prosecutor badly wounded and gunmen killed

Diane A. Wade
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Mehmet Selim Kiraz hostage crisis: Prosecutor badly wounded and gunmen killed

Turkish prosecutor Mehmet Selim Kiraz has been badly wounded and two gunmen who took him hostage killed after a shootout at a courthouse in Istanbul, officials say.

Gunshots were heard and smoke was seen rising from the scene, after special forces reportedly entered the building.

Mehmet Selim Kiraz was apparently taken hostage because he had headed an inquiry into the death of teenager Berkin Elvan during anti-government protests in 2013.

A banned Marxist revolutionary group is said to be behind the incident.

A statement posted online had said Mehmet Selim Kiraz would be killed if the group’s demands were not met.

Istanbul’s police chief Selami Altunok said that police had negotiated with the gunmen for six hours, but eventually stormed the courthouse “because of gunshots heard from inside the prosecutor’s office”.Mehmet Selim Kiraz hostage crisis

“Our prosecutor is in hospital and seriously wounded,” he said, adding that he would require an operation.

The gunmen had released dramatic images of a gun being held to the head of Mehmet Selim Kiraz as the hostage crisis unfolded.

The Turkish government banned live TV coverage of the incident, citing security concerns.

Sukriye Erden, a lawyer negotiating with the hostage takers, said they had demanded that the police announce the names of four members of the security services whom they said were connected to the death of Berkin Elvan.

Berkin Elvan, who was then 14, was struck in the head by a police tear gas canister in June 2013 as he went to buy bread during mass demonstrations that began in Istanbul and spread across Turkey.

He died in an Istanbul hospital last year, after spending nine months in a coma.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, now Turkey’s president, inflamed passions shortly after the teenager’s death when he said the boy had been carrying a slingshot and had been “taken up into terrorist organiations”.

Suspected members of the Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party-Front (DHKP-C) took the prosecutor hostage on the sixth floor of the Caglayan court house, reports said.

The DHKP-C is considered a terrorist group by Turkey, the European Union and US. It said it carried out a suicide bombing in February 2013 at the US embassy in Ankara, where a security guard was killed.

In January, a man linked to the banned Marxist group was arrested near the prime minister’s offices in Istanbul, reportedly after throwing two grenades that failed to explode.

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Lufthansa knew of Andreas Lubitz’s depression

Nancy Clayson
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Lufthansa knew of Andreas Lubitz’s depression

Co-pilot Andreas Lubitz suspected of deliberately crashing Germanwings flight 4U 9525 into the Alps had disclosed an earlier bout of depression, Lufthansa has said.

Lufthansa, which owns Germanwings, said last week that Andreas Lubitz had taken a break from flight school training, but refused to say why.

It has now shared emails from 2009 which show Andreas Lubitz told instructors he had suffered from “severe depression”.

Meanwhile, all human remains from the crash have reportedly been recovered.

French authorities told AFP news agency that the remains of all the victims had been removed from the remote ravine where the plane went down, but mountain troops would return to the scene on Wednesday to search for personal belongings.

The search for the second flight recorder will also continue.

A recording from the cockpit of the aircraft suggests Andreas Lubitz, 27, deliberately caused the disaster on March 24, which killed 150 people.

Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr previously said that the company was not aware of anything that could have driven the co-pilot to crash the Airbus A320.

“He was 100% fit to fly without any restrictions or conditions,” he told reporters.Andreas Lubitz depression

It has now emerged, as part of the airline’s internal research, that Andreas Lubitz had sent information about his depressive episode to the Lufthansa flight school in Bremen, when he resumed training after an interruption of several months.

Andreas Lubitz subsequently passed all medical tests and eventually secured his license. He started working with Lufthansa subsidiary Germanwings in 2013.

German prosecutors said on March 30 that Andreas Lubitz had received treatment for “suicidal tendencies” before completing his training.

However, Lufthansa said his medical records were subject to doctor-patient confidentiality and it had no knowledge of their contents.

The airline has set aside an additional $300 million (€280 million) to cover possible costs arising from the crash.

The money is separate from the $54,250 available to the relatives of each passenger to cover short-term expenses.

Airlines are obliged to compensate relatives for proven damages of up to a limit of about $157,000, regardless of what caused the crash. Higher compensation is possible if an airline is held liable.

None of the victims’ bodies were found intact after the plane’s 430mph impact, but different strands of DNA have been identified.

French President Francois Hollande said on March 31 that all 150 victims would be identified by the end of the week.

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Mehmet Selim Kiraz: Turkish prosecutor investigating Berkin Elvan’s death taken hostage

Diane A. Wade
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Mehmet Selim Kiraz: Turkish prosecutor investigating Berkin Elvan’s death taken hostage

Turkish prosecutor Mehmet Selim Kiraz, who is heading the inquiry into the death of teenager Berkin Elvan during anti-government protests in 2013, has been taken hostage by gunmen in Istanbul.

Dramatic images have emerged on social media of a gun being held to the head of Mehmet Selim Kiraz at a court house in Istanbul.

A banned Marxist revolutionary group is said to be behind the incident.

A statement posted online said Mehmet Selim Kiraz would be killed if their demands were not met.

Turkish special forces entered the court house, which was evacuated, and gunshots were heard from inside the building, Turkish news agencies reported.

City police chief Selami Altinok told reporters that negotiations with the hostage takers were under way.

“We are trying to resolve the issue without anyone being hurt,” he said.

The Turkish government has banned live TV coverage of the incident, citing security concerns.

Berkin Elvan, who was then 14, was struck in the head by a police tear gas canister in June 2013 as he went to buy bread during mass demonstrations that began in Istanbul and spread across Turkey.

After nine months in a coma Berkin Elvan eventually died in an Istanbul hospital.Turkish prosecutor investigating Berkin Elvan's death taken hostage

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan inflamed passions shortly after Berkin Elvan’s death when he said the boy had been carrying a slingshot and had been “taken up into terrorist organizations”.

Suspected members of the Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party-Front (DHKP-C) took the prosecutor hostage on the sixth floor of the Caglayan court house, reports said.

A website close to the group has published a series of demands, including calls for an immediate confession from police officers responsible for the boy’s death, and for an end to prosecutions of protesters charged over the clashes.

Berkin Elvan’s father appealed for the prosecutor to be freed: “My son is dead but let no-one else die.”

The DHKP-C is considered a terrorist group by Turkey, the European Union and US. It said it carried out a suicide bombing in February 2013 at the US embassy in Ankara, where a security guard was killed.

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Germanwings crash: Lufthansa puts aside $300 million to cover possible costs

Clyde K. Valle
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Germanwings crash: Lufthansa puts aside $300 million to cover possible costs

Lufthansa has put aside an additional $300 million to cover possible costs arising from last week’s Germanwings plane crash.

The German airline, which owns low-cost Germanwings, said the money would cover “all costs arising in connection with the case”.

Meanwhile, French President Francois Hollande said the 150 victims would be identified by the end of the week.

An access road to the crash site has been completed to help speed up the recovery of bodies.

However, rescuers have warned the operation could still take several months.

Speaking at a joint news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin, President Francois Hollande praised the work of scientists at the scene in the French Alps.

“The French interior minister confirmed that by the end of the week at the latest it will be possible to identify all of the victims thanks to DNA samples,” he added.Lufthansa Germanwings crash

None of the victims were found intact after the plane’s 430mph impact, but different strands of DNA have been identified at the site.

Germany says that the $300 million being put aside by Lufthansa is separate from the $54,250 (€50,000) available to the relatives of each passenger to cover short-term expenses.

Airlines are obliged to compensate relatives for proven damages of up to a limit of about $157,000 (€135,000) – regardless of what caused the crash – but higher compensation is possible if an airline is held liable.

On March 30 it emerged that co-pilot Andreas Lubitz, had at one point received treatment for suicidal tendencies before getting his pilot license.

Andreas Lubitz, 27, is suspected of deliberately crashing the plane in the Alps, killing all 150 people on board.

Officials in Duesseldorf said the investigation so far had revealed no clue as to his motives.

German prosecutors say he underwent psychotherapy before getting his pilot’s license and that medical records from that period referred to “suicidal tendencies.”

Lufthansa says that Andreas Lubitz’s medical records were subject to doctor-patient confidentiality and it had no knowledge of their contents.

Lufthansa also announced on March 31 that it had cancelled plans to celebrate its 60th anniversary on April 15.

On April 17, the airline will broadcast live coverage of a state memorial service at Cologne Cathedral.

Germanwings flight 4U 9525 crashed near the French Alpine village of Le Vernet on March 24, flying from Barcelona to Duesseldorf.

The cockpit voice recorder suggested Andreas Lubitz crashed the plane deliberately after locking pilot Patrick Sondenheimer out of the cockpit.

The data recorder, which tracks the plane’s altitude, speed and direction, has not yet been found.

Lufthansa board chairman Kay Kratky on March 30 warned it may have been too badly damaged and may not be sending signals.

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Nigeria elections 2015: Muhammadu Buhari ahead as vote count resumes

Diane A. Wade
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Nigeria elections 2015: Muhammadu Buhari ahead as vote count resumes

Nigeria’s former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari has a narrow lead over incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan in the country’s presidential election, partial results show.

With more than half of Nigeria’s 36 states declared, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s All Progressives Congress (APC) is ahead by half a million votes.

A victory for Muhammadu Buhari would make President Goodluck Jonathan the first incumbent to lose an election in Nigeria.

Correspondents say it is likely the loser will allege foul play.

More than 800 people were killed in protests after Goodluck Jonathan beat Muhammadu Buhari in the previous election.

Muhammadu Buhari’s lead was cut from two million votes, after Goodluck Jonathan gained a landslide in Rivers State, where there have been widespread reports of irregularities and a curfew imposed.

Nigeria’s electoral commission (INEC) chairman, Attahiru Jega, said the fact-finding team sent to the state found there were some voting irregularities with the poll but not enough “to warrant a cancellation of the election”.

However, many of the states still to declare are in the north, where Muhammadu Buhari is seen as favorite.

Earlier, the announcement of results was disrupted when an agent of Goodluck Jonathan’s People’s Democratic Party (PDP) launched a tirade against Attahiru Jega in Abuja.Muhammadu Buhari Nigeria elections 2015

“We have lost confidence in what you’re doing, we don’t believe in you anymore,” Elder Orubebe said.

Rejecting the allegation, Attahiru Jega replied: “Let us be careful about what we say or do and let us not dispute a process that has begun peacefully.”

Muhammadu Buhari has won the two biggest states, Lagos in the south and Kano in the north, while Goodluck Jonathan won a huge majority in his home state of Bayelsa, as well as Rivers.

The candidate with the most votes will only avoid a run-off if they gain at least 25% of the votes in two-thirds of Nigeria’s 36 states.

International observers have broadly praised the conduct of the vote but there has been some concern over possible efforts to rig the outcome during the count.

The US and UK have expressed their concerns over potential “political interference” during the count.

A spokesman from INEC dismissed these fears, saying that “there is absolutely no basis” to talk of meddling.

Authorities in Rivers State announced a curfew on March 30 after protests over alleged vote rigging.

Earlier, police in the state used teargas against female opposition protesters who were attempting to lodge complaints with election officials.

Voting spilled into Sunday in some parts of Nigeria after problems were encountered with new electronic card readers, which were introduced to prevent fraud.

President Goodluck Jonathan, whose PDP has dominated Nigerian politics since 1999, was among those whose registration to vote was delayed by the technology.

Attahiru Jega said only a fraction of the 150,000 card readers being used nationwide had failed.

Gen. Muhammadu Buhari: 10,454,137 votes;

Passed 25% threshold in 16 states

Goodluck Jonathan: 9,953,432 votes;

Passed 25% threshold in 20 states

Results from 25 states + Abuja

Candidates needs 25% in 24 states for first-round victory

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Andy Wilman denies leaving Top Gear after Jeremy Clarkson’s departure

Clyde K. Valle
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Andy Wilman denies leaving Top Gear after Jeremy Clarkson’s departure

Andy Wilman, the executive producer of BBC’s motoring show Top Gear, has announced he is not quitting the show after Jeremy Clarkson’s departure.

A leaked email from Andy Wilman to Top Gear staff had seemed to suggest he was resigning, but he said it was a private “note of thanks” marking the an end of an era.

Andy Wilman, an old school friend of Jeremy Clarkson, helped re-launch Top Gear in 2002.

Jeremy Clarkson, 54, was dropped by the broadcaster earlier this month following a “fracas” with show producer Oisin Tymon.

Andy Wilman has issued a statement about the email, saying: “The email I wrote yesterday was not a resignation statement, and nor was it meant for public consumption.

“It was a private note of thanks to 113 people who have worked on the show over the years, but clearly one of those 113 is a bit of a tit, because they shared it with a website.

“I don’t get this modern obsession with sharing, linking, forwarding, retweeting; whatever happened to a private moment?

“And if I were to resign, I wouldn’t do it publicly, I’d do it old school by handing in my, er, notice, to someone upstairs in HR.

“I work behind the camera and I wouldn’t presume for one moment to think people are interested in what I do. Now, everyone back to work.”

Photo Top Gear
Photo Top Gear

In the leaked email Andy Wilman started with: “Well, at least we left ’em wanting more.

“And that alone, when you think about it, is quite an achievement for a show that started 13 years ago.”

As well as thanking staff, he assured them that the show will continue.

“For those of you who still rely on it for work, don’t worry, because the BBC will make sure the show continues.

“Our stint as guardians of Top Gear was a good one, but we were only part of the show’s history, not the whole of it. Those two words are bigger than us.”

BBC director general Tony Hall announced on March 25 that the broadcaster would not be renewing Jeremy Clarkson’s contract.

Jeremy Clarkson was suspended on March 10, following what was called a “fracas” Oisin Tymon.

The row, which took place in a Yorkshire hotel, was said to have occurred because no hot food was provided following a day’s filming.

There is no news yet as to whether Top Gear presenters James May and Richard Hammond will return to the show.

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Turkey hit by biggest power outage in 15 years

Diane A. Wade
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Turkey hit by biggest power outage in 15 years

Dozens of provinces across Turkey have been hit by a major power blackout on Tuesday, March 31.

According to Turkish officials, a break in connections with mainland Europe could be to blame for the outage.

The cuts affected power stations and public transport, including Istanbul’s tram and metro systems.

A crisis centre has been set up at the energy ministry.

Photo Reuters
Photo Reuters

PM Ahmet Davutoglu has said all possible causes are being examined, including terrorism. The outage hit at 10:36 local time on Tuesday morning.

By early afternoon the Turkish Electricity Transmission company said only 15% of Istanbul and Ankara had power. Istanbul’s transport company said all of its lines were back up and running.

Turkish TV reported that power had been re-established in the cities of Edirne, Tekirdag, Erzurum and Trabzon.

“Our main target right now is to restore the network. This is not an incident that we see frequently,” Energy Minister Taner Yildiz told Turkish media.

Turkey suffers from sporadic power outages but locals say they cannot remember such a nationwide cut for a generation.

One of the few cities unaffected by the power cut was Van in eastern Turkey, where electricity is supplied from Iran.

 

Special agents Shaun Bridges and Carl Force charged with stealing seized Bitcoins

Nancy Clayson
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Special agents Shaun Bridges and Carl Force charged with stealing seized Bitcoins

Former US special agents Shaun Bridges and Carl Force have been charged with stealing large amounts of Bitcoin, which came into their possession during an investigation into the notorious Silk Road marketplace.

The Department of Justice (DoJ) alleges that Shaun Bridges stole more than $800,000 in Bitcoin.

Carl Force has also been charged with money laundering.

Best known for selling illegal drugs, Silk Road was closed in 2013 following raids by the FBI and other agencies.

The man accused of running the site, Ross Ulbricht, was convicted in February, and prosecutors argued that he had earned about $18 million in Bitcoin from the operation.

Carl Force, who worked for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), served as an undercover agent during the investigation into the Silk Road.Special agents Shaun Bridges and Carl Force charged with stealing seized Bitcoins

One of his tasks involved communicating with Ross Ulbricht, known online as “Dread Pirate Roberts.”

The DoJ alleges that “without authority”, Carl Force, 46, “developed additional online personas and engaged in a broad range of illegal activities calculated to bring him personal financial gain”.

“In doing so, the complaint alleges, Force used fake online personas, and engaged in complex Bitcoin transactions to steal from the government and the targets of the investigation.

“In one such transaction, Force allegedly sold information about the government’s investigation to the target of the investigation.”

Carl Force is charged with wire fraud, theft of government property, money laundering and conflict of interest.

Shaun Bridges, who worked for the US Secret Service, is charged with wire fraud and money laundering.

The DoJ alleges that Shaun Bridges transferred more than $800,000 in Bitcoin into an account at MtGox, a Japanese digital currency exchange that filed for bankruptcy in February.

“He then allegedly wired funds into one of his personal investment accounts in the United States mere days before he sought a $2.1 million seizure warrant for Mt. Gox’s accounts,” the DoJ says.

Shaun Bridges and Carl Force are appearing in a San Francisco court on March 30.

Uzbekistan elections 2015: Islam Karimov re-elected as president

Diane A. Wade
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Uzbekistan elections 2015: Islam Karimov re-elected as president

Islam Karimov has been re-elected as Uzbekistan’s president, according to preliminary results of Sunday’s election.

The widely-predicted outcome saw Islam Karimov, who has led Uzbekistan for more than 25 years, secure 90% of the vote.

However, international observers have criticized the poll, saying that it fell short of international standards.Islam Karimov Uzbekistan elections 2015

Uzbek officials said that there was a 91% turnout for the vote.

Islam Karimov, 77, has led Uzbekistan since 1989 when Uzbekistan was still part of the Soviet Union, making him the only leader in the country’s history.

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) issued a statement on March 30 criticizing the election for a “lack of genuine political alternatives” to the incumbent and “persistent legal and organizational shortcomings”.

The OSCE also criticized Islam Karimov for disregarding the two-term limit placed on the presidency by the Uzbek constitution.

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Trevor Noah named as Jon Stewart’s replacement on The Daily Show

Sonia Pantiss
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Trevor Noah named as Jon Stewart’s replacement on The Daily Show

Trevor Noah will replace Jon Stewart on The Daily Show, the New York Times reports.

The 31-year-old South African comedian made his debut as a contributor to the nightly satirical show in December 2014.

Trevor Noah’s first appearance took aim at racial tensions in the US, saying: “I never thought I’d be more afraid of police in America than in South Africa.”

Jon Stewart announced he would be stepping down in January. He has hosted The Daily Show for 16 years.

The presenter has yet to set a timetable for his departure, but the selection of a replacement should make the task easier.

Producers will want to give Trevor Noah time to settle into this new role before next year’s presidential election.

Speaking to the New York Times from Dubai, where he is on tour, the comedian Trevor Noah expressed disbelief at his appointment.Trevor Noah The Daily Show

“You don’t believe it for the first few hours,” he said.

“You need a stiff drink, and then unfortunately you’re in a place where you can’t really get alcohol.”

In a statement, Jon Stewart said: “I’m thrilled for the show and for Trevor.

“He’s a tremendous comic and talent that we’ve loved working with.”

Jon Stewart added he “may rejoin [The Daily Show] as a correspondent just to be a part of it!”

Under Jon Stewart’s guidance, The Daily Show has become one of the most important political programs on US television.

Even though Jon Stewart insists he is a comedian, not a journalist, his passionate monologues on politics, race and social justice exert a real influence on political debate in the United States.

Trevor Noah is a relative unknown in the US, but has hosted numerous television shows – including his own late night talk show – in South Africa.

Writing on Twitter, Trevor Noah said: “No-one can replace Jon Stewart. But together with the amazing team at The Daily Show, we will continue to make this the best damn news show!”

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Lil’ Chris death: Singer had mental health issues and depression

Sonia Pantiss
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Lil’ Chris death: Singer had mental health issues and depression

Lil’ Chris, who was found dead last week, had mental health issues and depression, his relatives said.

The 24-year-old singer, whose real name was Chris Hardman, was found in Lowestoft, Suffolk, on March 23.

A statement from his family said: “Chris had struggled with mental health issues and depression in recent years.

“He was committed to helping others find better ways of overcoming this illness and publicly said he wished to find a cure.”

Suffolk Police were called to a house on Union Road on Monday, March 23, to reports a man had died.Lil Chris dead

Fellow musicians and fans paid tribute on social media to Lil’ Chris, who rose to fame in Channel 4’s Rock School in 2006.

The statement said Lil’ Chris was a “huge personality who will be missed by everyone who knew him”.

“He was a hugely creative person who used this side of his personality to make others smile, to cheer people up and to make others feel better.

“A real people person, he would always take the time to stop and talk, no matter who or when and we are proud that he was so well thought of by all who knew him.

“So many commented on what a lovely, well brought up person he was, so polite and kind and a pleasure to know.”

The singer’s family said his funeral would be invitation-only and those attending would be asked to wear green, which was Lil’ Chris’ favorite color.

NSA shooting: One killed and two injured at Fort Meade

Diane A. Wade
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NSA shooting: One killed and two injured at Fort Meade

One person has been killed and at least two people are injured after a shooting at a gate to the National Security Agency (NSA) headquarters.

Gunfire broke out after a car tried to ram the gate to the sprawling military campus near Washington DC, an unnamed official told the Associated Press.

Aerial footage showed a police vehicle and another car with extensive damage.

Two people were taken to hospital.

Photo AP
Photo AP

Fuller details are not immediately available, and multiple requests for information sent to the NSA have not yet been returned. Calls to the NSA were answered, but no information was provided. Calls to spokespersons for the Army were not picked up.

Helicopter footage showed two cars – one a police vehicle and the other a black vehicle with no insignia – in a junction that had been roped off near the security gates leading to the NSA.

The cars appear to have collided and debris is strewn across the intersection. A white cloth appears to cover something beside the black vehicle.

The large Fort Meade campus, located in the suburbs of Washington, is home to about 40,000 military and civilian personnel, plus many members of employees’ family.

The facility houses the US Cyber Command, the US Defense Information School, in addition to the NSA.

Local emergency responders say that the NSA police force is handling the incident, and local agencies are providing support.

The NSA is a clandestine intelligence agency, charged with collecting and analyzing electronic signals for US intelligence and counterintelligence purposes. The agency rose to prominence after Edward Snowden leaked thousands of the agency’s documents in the Spring of 2013.

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Andreas Lubitz treated for suicidal tendencies

Diane A. Wade
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Andreas Lubitz treated for suicidal tendencies

Andreas Lubitz, the co-pilot of the crashed Germanwings plane, had received treatment for suicidal tendencies before getting his pilot license, investigators say, but not recently.

Andreas Lubitz, 27, is suspected of deliberately crashing Germanwings flight 4U 9525 in the French Alps, killing all 150 people on board.

Officials in Duesseldorf said the investigation to this point had revealed no clue to any motive.

So far, DNA strands of 80 of the victims have been found.

Duesseldorf public prosecutor Christoph Kumpa said that “several years” before Andreas Lubitz became a pilot he “had at that time been in treatment of a psychotherapist because of what is documented as being suicidal”.

The prosecutor added: “In the following period, and until recently, further doctor’s visits took place, resulting in sick notes without any suicidal tendencies or aggression against others being recorded.”

No specific dates were given. Andreas Lubitz enrolled in training with Lufthansa in 2008 and became a pilot in 2013. He was diagnosed with a serious depressive episode in 2009 and received treatment for a year and a half, media reports say.Andreas Lubitz suicidal tendencies

Christoph Kumpa added: “There still is no evidence that the co-pilot said beforehand that he would do what we have to assume was done and we haven’t found a letter or anything like that that contains a confession.

“We have not found anything in his surrounding [environment] – be it personal or his family or his professional surrounding – that is giving us any hints that enable us to say anything about his motivation.”

There had been some media reports that Andreas Lubitz had problems with his vision, possibly a detached retina.

Christoph Kumpa said there was no documentation on any eyesight problems that were caused by an “organic illness”.

There has also been widespread speculation about Andreas Lubitz’s romantic life.

One unconfirmed report has suggested his long-term girlfriend was pregnant, while an ex-girlfriend revealed that he vowed last year to do something memorable.

“One day I’m going to do something that will change the whole system, and everyone will know my name and remember,” she quoted him as saying.

The Germanwings plane crashed near the French Alpine village of Le Vernet on Marchm 24, flying from Barcelona to Duesseldorf.

The cockpit voice recorder suggested Andreas Lubitz crashed the plane deliberately after locking Captain Patrick Sondenheimer out of the cockpit.

Patrick Sondenheimer is heard banging on the door, screaming: “Open the damn door!”

The data recorder, which tracks the plane’s altitude, speed and direction, has not yet been found.

Lufthansa board chairman Kay Kratky on March 30 warned it may have been too badly damaged and may not be sending signals.

Bad weather has halted helicopter flights to the site, forcing investigators to get there on foot.

An access road to the remote site is being dug by a bulldozer to provide all-terrain vehicles with access to the area and could be completed by Monday evening.

A support centre for victims’ families has been opened at a hotel in Marseille, from where Germanwings plans to provide counseling and visits to the crash site.

In Germany, a 100-strong task force is investigating the crash. While 50 police work on the murder inquiry, the others are obtaining DNA samples to help identify victims’ remains.

An official memorial service for those onboard flight 4U 9525 from Barcelona to Duesseldorf will be held on April 17 in Germany’s most famous church – Cologne Cathedral – in the presence of President Joachim Gauck and Chancellor Angela Merkel.

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Amanda Knox’s ex-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito speaks for first time since acquittal

Nancy Clayson
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Amanda Knox’s ex-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito speaks for first time since acquittal

Amanda Knox’s ex-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito has said being acquitted of the murder of British student Meredith Kercher by Italy’s highest court was like “being born again”.

Speaking for the first time since a final ruling exonerated him and Amanda Knox, Raffaele Sollecito said he had been “branded a killer”.

Meredith Kercher, 21, was stabbed to death in 2008 in the Perugia flat she shared with Seattle native Amanda Knox.

Raffaele Sollecito spent four years in prison in Italy after being convicted in 2009.

He was freed along with Amanda Knox in 2011 after the convictions were overturned and Knox returned to the US. Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito were found guilty again by another court in 2014.

Italy’s Court of Appeal ruling on March 27 will be the last in the case and so brings to a close a seven-and-a-half-year ordeal for Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito.

Speaking at a news conference in Rome, Raffaele Sollecito described the years since his arrest as a “dreadful kind of pain without an end”.Raffaele Sollecito speaks after acquittal

“It is time I will never be able to recoup. My mind and my soul will be marked for life, and the wound will never stop bleeding, it will never heal.”

He said he was informed of the decision over the phone late on Friday night, by his sister.

“The most beautiful moment without a doubt was the one that put an end to the nightmare, the call from my sister after the reading of the sentence and the total acquittal from the High Court,” Raffaele Sollecito said.

He added that his relationship with Amanda Knox had been distorted by the press, describing it as “simply affection between two young adolescents”.

“Neither of us could have envisaged this absurd and never-ending story.”

Both Rafafele Sollecito and Amanda Knox always denied being involved in the crime, with the American claiming that an early confession was obtained under duress.

Asked about the victim, Raffaele Sollecito said he “hardly knew” Meredith Kercher.

“I am very sorry that Meredith’s family is disappointed about this verdict. The verdict reflects the truth. It reflects what really happened. I have nothing to do with this crime. I hardly knew Meredith. I just said hello to her a few times and I had no reason to hate her or to be a part of this heinous crime.”

Arline Kercher, Meredith’s mother, said she was “shocked” by the decision.

Amanda Knox said she was “full of joy” after being acquitted.

The reasoning behind the acquittal will be made public in 90 days.

Rudy Guede, from the Ivory Coast, was convicted of Meredith Kercher’s murder in 2008 and is serving a 16-year prison sentence in Italy.

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