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Chicago violence: At least 20 shot overnight

Chicago violence continued on Saturday with 21 people shot overnight, including three people wounded outside a Northwest Side pizza restaurant.

The shooting took place around 10 PM on Friday, July 11, in the 6000 block of West Fullerton Avenue when someone opened fire on three people outside Marco’s Pizza in the Belmont-Cragin neighborhood, according to authorities.

Police were combing through evidence during the evening hours and inspecting a delivery vehicle at the scene.

A 24-year-old man, believed to be a delivery driver, was shot in the back and a 54-year-old man suffered a graze wound to the head. Both were taken to Loyola University Medical Center for treatment. A 15-year-old boy was also wounded in the shooting and was taken to Lurie Children’s Hospital with a gunshot wound to the arm, police said.

Following a violent 4th of July weekend, violence in Chicago continued with 21 people shot on July 11
Following a violent 4th of July weekend, violence in Chicago continued with 21 people shot on July 11

At least two people were killed during the overnight shootings. Just after 8 PM, four people were shot, one of them fatally in the 5200 block of West Quincy Street. Police said a group of people were standing on the block when a dark-colored sedan drove by and someone inside opened fire.

A 32-year-old man was shot in the head and was pronounced dead at the scene. Another man, whose age was not immediately known, was shot in the arm and refused medical treatment. Police said the man was being uncooperative at the scene.

A 30-year-old woman injured in the shooting walked into Loretto Hospital with multiple gunshots wounds to the body. She was later transferred to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County in stable condition, according to Chicago Police News Affairs Officer Amina Greer.

A fourth victim walked into West Suburban Medical Center with a wound to the hand and was listed in good condition.

The shooting took place just steps away from a parking lot for the Friendship Baptist Church, where churchgoers were celebrating the 117th Church Anniversary, according to the church’s website.

In the weekend’s second homicide, a man was killed and his mother seriously wounded in a shooting in the city’s Chicago Lawn neighborhood.

Police said the shooting appeared to be a domestic incident. The two were involved in an argument with a man in the home in the 6200 block of South Rockwell Street, according to authorities. Police said the man left the residence after the argument and returned with a handgun, striking both victims in the chest.

A 27-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene and his 50-year-old mother was in serious condition at Mount Sinai Hospital.

At least 11 other people were wounded in shootings since 6 PM on July 11.

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Dave Legeno found dead in Death Valley

Harry Potter actor Dave Legeno has been found dead in a remote part of California’s Death Valley, authorities say.

Mixed martial arts fighter Dave Legeno, 50, was found by hikers on July 6 and his body was recovered by helicopter.

Dave Legeno has been found dead in a remote part of California's Death Valley
Dave Legeno has been found dead in a remote part of California’s Death Valley

There were no signs of foul play and it is believed the British actor died from the heat, an initial coroner’s examination found.

Dave Legeno appeared as werewolf Fenrir Greyback in three Harry Potter movies, including both Deathly Hallows films.

“It appears that Legeno died of heat-related issues, but the Inyo County coroner will determine the final cause of death,” the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office wrote in a statement.

Dave Legeno also appeared on TV and in movies including Snow White and the Huntsman and Batman Begins.

He was set to star in an upcoming film titled Sword of Vengeance prior to his death.

Dave Legeno is survived by a daughter, US media report.

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LeBron James returns to Cleveland Cavaliers

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LeBron James has announced his return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the team where he began his NBA career 11 years ago.

LeBron James, 29, made the announcement in an interview with Sports Illustrated on July 11.

The NBA star has been a free agent since July 1 after opting out of the final two years of his Miami Heat contract.

“I always believed I’d return to Cleveland and finish my career there,” LeBron James said.

LeBron James, named the NBA’s most valuable player on four occasions, quit his contract in Miami last month.

He would have earned $42.7 million in the two years left on his deal.

LeBron James’ decision sparked a scramble for the player, but he revealed a return to his home state of Ohio was always in his thoughts.

LeBron James has announced his return to the Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron James has announced his return to the Cleveland Cavaliers (photo AP)

“After last season, free agency wasn’t even a thought,” he said James.

“But I have two boys and my wife, Savannah, is pregnant with a girl. I started thinking about what it would be like to raise my family in my home town.

“I looked at other teams, but I wasn’t going to leave Miami for anywhere except Cleveland. The more time passed, the more it felt right. This is what makes me happy.”

After joining the Cavaliers as the first draft pick in 2003, LeBron James rose to superstardom over the next seven years before he was tempted to Miami in 2010, where he formed a devastating partnership with Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade.

His announcement on leaving for Miami was made during a staged ESPN television show called The Decision.

It led to a backlash from Cleveland fans who burned LeBron James jerseys in anger.

LeBron James, who would have earned $20 million next season, won NBA titles with Heat in 2012 and 2013. He also led Miami to the NBA Finals in 2011, when they lost to Dallas, and 2014, when they were heavily beaten by San Antonio.

News of LeBron James’ departure was announced over the loudspeaker at Cleveland airport and Cavaliers ticket phone lines crashed, reported ESPN.

In 2010, Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert wrote an open letter criticizing LeBron James and describing his departure as a “shocking act of disloyalty” and a “shameful display of selfishness and betrayal”.

However, on Friday Dan Gilbert tweeted: “My eight-year-old: <<Daddy, does this mean I can finally wear my LeBron jersey, again?> Yes it does, son. Yes it does!”

In Miami, a mural featuring LeBron James was defaced – according to South Florida news station WPLG Local 10.

Heat owner Micky Arison tweeted: “I am shocked and disappointed in today’s news. However I will never forget what LeBron brought us for four years. Thanks for the memories.”

In addition to the Sports Illustrated interview, LeBron James posted a photo of himself in a Cavaliers uniform on Instagram with the phrase: “I’m coming home”.

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Lilit Avagyan’s ethnicity is Armenian

Like his former flame Kim Kardashian, Reggie Bush’s fiancée Lilit Avagyan has Armenian origins.

Lilit Avagyan, 26, spent most of her life studying dance, competing and performing. She started in a ballet academy from which launched her into her ballroom career.

Reggie Bush's fiancée Lilit Avagyan has Armenian origins
Reggie Bush’s fiancée Lilit Avagyan has Armenian origins (photo Getty Images)

For the last 15 years she has achieved many highs in her career.

Lilit Avagyan won the US national championships 2008 and was invited to represent America in the Latin American World Championships in Australia.

From television to live stage performances she has done a number of appearances on Dancing With The Stars and many theater shows with Louis Van Amstel’s Ballroom With The Twist.

When at home in Los Angeles, Lilit Avagyan choreographs and teaches and continues to study various forms of dance.

Chocolate-covered Twinkies are back

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Chocolate-covered Twinkies, also known as the Chocodile, are back with a vengeance, FoodBeast reported.

Previously only available on the West Coast since the late 1990s, the Chocodiles are now being released nationwide
Previously only available on the West Coast since the late 1990s, the Chocodiles are now being released nationwide

Hostess brand is set to release bit-sized versions of chocolate-encased goodness in variations with strawberry, banana, and original cream filling, giving the children in all of us a chance to celebrate.

Previously only available on the West Coast since the late 1990s, these miniature Boston Creams are now being released nationwide, the website said.

Harry Whittaker dies aged three

Child actor Harry Whittaker, who played Leo Dingle on soap opera Emmerdale, has died aged three, ITV has confirmed.

The broadcaster said Harry Whittaker died on July 1, although the cause of death has not yet been announced.

Harry Whittaker was honored at the end of Thursday’s episode with a message which read: “For Harry, with love”.

Mark Charnock, who played Leo Dingle’s on-screen father Marlon Dingle, called Harry “our superhero”, adding he “lit up our lives”.

Harry Whittaker played Leo Dingle on ITV’s soap opera Emmerdale
Harry Whittaker played Leo Dingle on ITV’s soap opera Emmerdale

“We were lucky to know you and hear you laugh,” he tweeted.

Harry Whittaker, who had Down’s syndrome, first appeared on the soap in May 2011, after a storyline in which his on-screen parents, Marlon and Rhona Goskirk, had to decide whether or not to keep a child diagnosed with the condition.

He was one of two child actors to play the character, alongside Theo Tasker.

An Emmerdale spokesperson said: “Very sadly we can confirm Harry Whittaker’s passing last Tuesday, 1 July.

“We will all miss him greatly and have offered our sincerest condolences to his family at this very sad time.”

Burberry investors rejects Christopher Bailey’s pay

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Burberry investors have voted against the company boss’s pay package at the annual general meeting in London.

52% of shareholders voted not to support Christopher Bailey’s pay package, in a rare stand against large salaries.

Christopher Bailey, who took over as chief executive in May, has a package worth up to £10 million ($16 million) a year.

Burberry admitted it was “a lot of money”, but said the amount was justified, to keep him in the business.

The company said the vote was “disappointing”.

Burberry investors have voted against the company boss's pay package
Burberry investors have voted against the company boss’s pay package

However, it is not binding, so the company will not be forced to change its policy.

Christopher Bailey, who was appointed chief executive in May, has an annual allowance of £440,000 ($705,000) on top of his £1.1 million ($ 1.8 million) salary.

On his appointment, he was also given 500,000 shares in the company, currently worth more than £7 million ($11.2 million).

Investors also expressed concerns about 1.35 million shares he was allocated before becoming chief executive, which had no performance criteria attached to them.

At today’s valuation, these shares would be worth £19.5 million ($31.2 million) when he is eventually allowed to sell them in several years’ time.

In the meantime, Burberry said he could earn more than £10 million ($16 million) a year over the next five years, if the retailer hits its performance targets.

Christopher Bailey retained his position as chief creative officer, when he took over from Angela Ahrendts as chief executive.

Earlier this week Burberry announced healthy sales growth, particularly in China.

Vladimir Putin begins Latin American tour in Cuba

President Vladimir Putin has begun his Latin American tour by visiting Cuba, in an apparent bid to seek allies to counter US and Western influence.

The Russian president’s choice of first stop, Cuba, is seen as an attempt to further boost friendly ties with the one-time Soviet ally.

Russia confirmed cancellation of 90% of Cuba’s debt two days before the visit.

Vladimir Putin will also travel to Argentina and Brazil, where he will attend the football World Cup final on Sunday as leader of the next host nation.

Later he will attend a summit of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, Chinas and South Africa) emerging economies in the Brazilian city of Fortaleza.

Vladimir Putin has begun his Latin American tour by visiting Cuba,
Vladimir Putin has begun his Latin American tour by visiting Cuba (photo picture-alliance/dpa)

In an interview on the eve of the trip, Vladimir Putin said Brazil was one of a group of emerging countries who should play a greater role on the world stage.

“This powerful and fast-developing country is destined to play an important role in the emerging polycentric world order,” he said, adding that Russia would back Brazil’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

Analysts say Vladimir Putin is trying to encourage Latin American countries to challenge Western dominance in the world at a time when Russia is isolated by sanctions over Ukraine and relations with the West are at their lowest since the Cold War.

In Cuba, Vladimir Putin is expected to meet President Raul Castro and his predecessor and brother Fidel.

They will be expected to discuss the progress of an agreement signed last year which cancels 90% of Cuba’s $35.2 million Soviet-era debt to Russia and channels the remaining 10% into joint investment projects in the country.

The deal was ratified by the upper house of the Russian parliament on Wednesday.

Relations between Cuba and Russia declined after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 but have improved in recent years.

Russia is involved in oil exploration offshore and began drilling a development well last year.

Vladimir Putin said Russian companies were interested in investing in reinforced plastic products, car parts and heavy equipment for the railway industry.

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Zohra Sehgal dies in Delhi aged 102

Celebrated Indian actress and choreographer Zohra Sehgal has died in Delhi on July 10 at the age of 102.

Zohra Sehgal had been ill for several days and suffered a heart attack at a city hospital on Thursday evening.

In a career spanning more than seven decades, Zohra Sehgal entertained millions of people through her performances in films and on stage.

Zohra Sehgal began her career with well-known dancer Uday Shankar in 1935 and later performed in the theater.

Her roles in Bollywood films like Cheeni Kum received extensive praise.

Zohra Sehgal was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second highest civilian award, in 2010 for her work.

In a career spanning more than seven decades, Zohra Sehgal entertained millions of people through her performances in films and on stage
In a career spanning more than seven decades, Zohra Sehgal entertained millions of people through her performances in films and on stage

Indian PM Narendra Modi led tributes to the actress on Twitter.

“Zohra Sehgal made a mark through her acting, which is admired across generations. Saddened on her demise,” he wrote.

Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan tweeted: “What a journey and what an immensely loveable co-star! Prayers for her blessed soul!!”

At 94, Zohra Sehgal played Amitabh Bachchan’s mother in hit Hindi film, Cheeni Kum, and critics said the chemistry between the two worked very well.

Zohra Sehgal was born in 1912 in the town of Saharanpur in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.

She stepped into the world of acting by joining left-wing political theater group Indian Peoples’ Theatre Association (IPTA), which dominated the Indian cultural scene in the 1940s.

She was associated with the doyen of Indian theatre, Prithviraj Kapoor, for more than a decade.

In 1962, Zohra Sehgal went to London on a drama scholarship and worked in several English films and popular television productions like My Beautiful Launderette, Tandoori Nights and The Jewel in the Crown.

Zohra Sehgal returned to India in the 1990s at the age of 80 and continued acting until the age of 95.

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Vanessa-Mae ski qualifying scandal erupts

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According to the Slovenia Ski Association (SAS), there are “serious doubts” over the validity of a 2014 Winter Olympic qualifier that saw violinist Vanessa-Mae Vanakorn Nicholson secure her place at Sochi.

Vanessa-Mae, 35, qualified days before the deadline after competing in the hastily-staged races in Slovenia.

Four Slovenian ski officials have been suspended but SAS director Yuri Zurej said no athletes are facing an inquiry.

There are serious doubts over the validity of a 2014 Winter Olympic qualifier that saw violinist Vanessa-Mae Vanakorn Nicholson secure her place at Sochi
There are serious doubts over the validity of a 2014 Winter Olympic qualifier that saw violinist Vanessa-Mae Vanakorn Nicholson secure her place at Sochi

Yuri Zurej said irregularities they had discovered included the SAS being incorrectly named as co-organizer of the event, while one competitor was recorded as finishing fourth, despite not actually being present.

The Singaporean-born British violinist and alpine skier competed at Sochi for Thailand under her father’s name Vanakorn.

Vanessa-Mae finished last of 67 competitors in the giant slalom, 50 seconds adrift of winner Tina Maze.

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Gaza death toll in Israeli air strikes reaches 100

According to Palestinian sources, the death toll from Israeli air strikes on Gaza has risen to 100.

The latest deaths were of two people in a car in the Bureij area on Friday, they said.

Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes since launching its operation on Tuesday to stop rocket fire from Gaza. Militants there continue to fire on Israel, causing damage and injuries.

The US earlier offered to help with a truce in a call to Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu.

Egypt and Turkey have both criticized Israel’s use of force.

The Palestinian health ministry says in addition to those killed, 675 people – mainly civilians – have been injured in Israel’s Operation Protective Edge.

Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes since launching its operation to stop rocket fire from Gaza
Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes since launching its operation to stop rocket fire from Gaza

Israel says “dozens of terrorists” are among the dead.

Overnight in Gaza, an Israeli air strike on a house in Rafah killed five people – three men and two women – the health ministry said.

A second strike, it added, killed a girl in Rafah, while one militant was killed when his motorcycle was hit north of Gaza City.

In Israel, one person was seriously injured when a rocket hit a petrol station in Ashdod on Friday morning, Israeli officials say.

Three rockets were also shot down by Israel’s Iron Dome anti-missile system over Tel Aviv, the Israeli military said.

Lebanon’s military also confirmed that militants in the south of the country had fired three rockets into northern Israel in the early hours of Friday and that Israel had shelled the area in response. No injuries were reported.

One Israeli soldier was injured by mortar fire in Eshkol on Thursday.

In his telephone conversation with PM Benjamin Netanyahu, President Barack Obama said: “The United States remains prepared to facilitate a cessation of hostilities, including a return to the November 2012 ceasefire agreement.”

Condemning rocket fire by Hamas, Barack Obama also “expressed concern about the risk of further escalation and emphasized the need for all sides to do everything they can to protect the lives of civilians and restore calm”.

Middle East peace envoy Tony Blair said on Friday it was necessary to tackle the “longer-term questions at the heart of this violence and conflict”.

“Without that long-term solution in place I think it’s going to be very difficult to create any short-term peace,” he said.

Some 20,000 Israeli army reservists have been mobilized amid speculation of a ground offensive into Gaza.

Israel says its targets in Gaza have been militant fighters and facilities, but the Palestinian health ministry says many women and children have been killed.

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Barack Obama’s Austin speech interrupted by Hispanic hecklers

President Barack Obama was interrupted by two people while delivering a speech on the economy on Thursday at the Paramount Theater in Austin, Texas.

The two Hispanic hecklers interrupted the president’s speech with shouts about illegal immigration.

“I’m sorry, what are you yelling about now?” Barack Obama said amid the sudden yelling.

“Sit down, guys. I’m almost done.

Barack Obama was interrupted by two people while delivering a speech on the economy at the Paramount Theater in Austin
Barack Obama was interrupted by two people while delivering a speech on the economy at the Paramount Theater in Austin (photo Daily Texas)

“Come on, sit down. I’ll talk to you afterwards, I promise. I’ll bring you back. I’m wrapping things up here.”

The White House’s transcript of Barack Obama’s remarks in Austin omits what the protesters said, but the president replied: “I understand. See, everybody is going to start – I’m on your side, man. Sit down, guys, we’ll talk about it later, I promise.”

They were invited after the event to meet with Barack Obama about their concerns on immigration reform.

According to a White House press pool report, its staff escorted the protesters behind the stage immediately after Barack Obama’s speech was over and he “began glad-handing with folks in front”.

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John Kerry plays guitar during Beijing visit

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US Secretary of State John Kerry played a musician’s guitar following a lunch at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China.

John Kerry played a musician's guitar following a lunch at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing
John Kerry played a musician’s guitar following a lunch at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing (photo tumblr)

John Kerry and Chinese Vice-PM Liu Yandong co-chaired the fifth annual US-China High-Level Consultation on People-to-People Exchange (CPE).

The CPE aims to enhance and strengthen ties between the citizens of the United States and China and has done so over the past four years in the areas of culture, education, science and technology, sports, and women’s issues. This year, the two sides agreed to add a sixth area of people-to-people exchange: health.

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Afghanistan elections 2014: Ashraf Ghani calls for vote audit

Afghan presidential candidate Ashraf Ghani has called for an “extensive audit” of votes.

Ashraf Ghani made the appeal before meeting US Secretary of State John Kerry, who arrived in Kabul to try to resolve a growing political crisis.

John Kerry is also meeting Ashraf Ghani’s rival Abdullah Abdullah.

Ashraf Ghani came out ahead in preliminary results from the second round, but both candidates allege fraud.

The audit would help ensure the “integrity and the legitimacy that the people of Afghanistan and the world will believe in,” Ashraf Ghani said.

The announcement was welcomed by John Kerry, who arrived in Afghanistan on Friday in a hastily arranged visit.

Ashraf Ghani came out ahead in preliminary results from the second round of Afghanistan’s presidential election
Ashraf Ghani came out ahead in preliminary results from the second round of Afghanistan’s presidential election (photo CNN)

“No one is declaring victory at this time. The results have yet to be finalized and so those questions have to be resolved and I’m very appreciative that Dr. Ghani respects that” he said.

Current President Hamid Karzai, who took power after the US-led overthrow of the Taliban, is stepping down after more than 10 years.

The US has been concerned at reports that Abdullah Abdullah, who preliminary results suggest lost the election, is planning a “parallel government”.

Results announced by Afghanistan’s election officials give Ashraf Ghani 56.44% of votes in the June 14 run-off, with Abdullah Abdullah gaining 43.45%.

The results were markedly different from those achieved in the first round of voting, held in April.

In that round, Abdullah Abdullah fell just short of an outright majority, with 44.9%, with Ashraf Ghani second at 31.5%.

Votes are already being re-checked at more than 7,000 polling stations – nearly a third of the total number.

Correspondents say recounts could significantly alter the final result, due on July 22.

The UN Assistance Mission to Afghanistan has warned it will be “premature” for either side to claim victory.

There are also concerns about a further deterioration in the security situation.

Taliban militants have been testing the limits of the Afghan army in recent weeks, with a major offensive in the southern province of Helmand.

The withdrawal of foreign troops by the end of this year will be the litmus test of whether more than a decade of training and investment in building up Afghanistan’s own security forces has paid off, correspondents say.

President Barack Obama has said the US remained committed to Afghanistan provided the incoming president signed a security agreement.

Both Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani have said they are committed to signing the deal with the US that would allow a small force to stay on.

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Rosemary Murphy dies from esophageal cancer aged 89

German-born actress Rosemary Murphy has died aged 89.

Rosemary Murphy passed away on July 5 at her home in New York after a battle with esophageal cancer, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

She made her Broadway debut in 1950 play The Tower Beyond Tragedy, and went on to star in 15 more productions on the Great White Way.

Rosemary Murphy made her Broadway debut in 1950 play The Tower Beyond Tragedy
Rosemary Murphy made her Broadway debut in 1950 play The Tower Beyond Tragedy

Rosemary Murphy stared in the Oscar-winning film adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird, as well as That Night and Julia.

She won an Emmy Award in 1976 for playing President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s mother, Sara, in the TV movie Eleanor and Franklin.

Rosemary Murphy was nominated for another Emmy for the sequel the following year.

Emmy Nominations 2014: Full List

Drama series:

Breaking Bad
Downton Abbey
Game of Thrones
House of Cards
Mad Men
True Detective

Comedy series:
The Big Bang Theory
Louie
Modern Family
Orange Is the New Black
Silicon Valley
Veep

Actor, drama series:
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad
Jeff Daniels, The Newsroom
Jon Hamm, Mad Men
Woody Harrelson, True Detective
Matthew McConaughey, True Detective’
Kevin Spacey, ‘House of Cards’

Actress, drama series:
Lizzy Caplan, Masters of Sex
Claire Danes, Homeland
Michelle Dockery, Downton Abbey
Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife
Kerry Washington, Scandal
Robin Wright, House of Cards

Actor, comedy series:
Louis C.K., Louie
Don Cheadle, House of Lies
Ricky Gervais, Derek
Matt LeBlanc, Episodes
William H. Macy, Shameless
Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory

Emmy 2014 winners will be announced in a ceremony in Los Angeles on August 25
Emmy 2014 winners will be announced in a ceremony in Los Angeles on August 25

Actress, comedy series:
Lena Dunham, Girls
Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep
Melissa McCarthy, Mike & Molly
Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation
Taylor Schilling, Orange Is the New Black

Supporting actor, drama series:
Aaron Paul, Breaking Bad
Jim Carter, Downton Abbey
Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones
Mandy Patinkin, Homeland
Jon Voight, Ray Donovan
Josh Charles, The Good Wife

Supporting actress, drama series:
Anna Gunn, Breaking Bad (AMC)
Dame Maggie Smith, Downton Abbey
Joanna Froggatt, Downton Abbey
Lena Headey, Game of Thrones
Christina Hendricks, Mad Men
Christine Baranski, The Good Wife

Supporting actor, comedy series:
Andre Braugher, Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Adam Driver, Girls
Ty Burrell, Modern Family
Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Modern Family
Fred Armisen, Portlandia
Tony Hale, Veep

Supporting actress, comedy:
Julie Bowen, Modern Family
Allison Janney, Mom
Kate Mulgrew, Orange Is the New Black
Kate McKinnon, Saturday Night Live
Mayim Bialik, The Big Bang Theory
Anna Chlumsky, Veep

Actor, miniseries or movie:
Benedict Cumberbatch, Sherlock: His Last Vow

Chiwetel Ejiofor, Dancing on the Edge
Idris Elba, Luther
Martin Freeman, Fargo
Mark Ruffalo, The Normal Heart
Billy Bob Thornton, Fargo

Actress, miniseries or movie:
Helena Bonham Carter, Burton and Taylor
Minnie Driver, Return to Zero
Jessica Lange, American Horror Story: Coven
Sarah Paulson, American Horror Story: Coven
Cicely Tyson, The Trip to Bountiful
Kristen Wiig, Spoils of Babylon

Variety:
The Colbert Report
The Daily Show
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Saturday Night Live
Real Time With Bill Maher
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

Reality competition:
The Amazing Race
Dancing With the Stars
Project Runway
So You Think You Can Dance
Top Chef
The Voice

Miniseries:
American Horror Story: Coven
Fargo
Luther
Bonnie & Clyde
Treme
The White Queen

Movie:
Killing Kennedy
Muhammad Ali’s Greatest Fight
The Normal Heart
Sherlock: His Last Vow
Trip to Bountiful

Guest actor, drama series:
Paul Giamatti, Downton Abbey
Reg E. Cathey, House of Cards
Robert Morse, Mad Men
Beau Bridges, Masters of Sex
Joe Morton, Scandal
Dylan Baker, The Good Wife

Guest actress, drama series:
Dianna Rigg, Game of Thrones
Kate Mara, House of Cards
Allison Janney, Masters of Sex
Kate Burton, Scandal
Margo Martindale, The Americans
Jane Fonda, The Newsroom

Guest actor, comedy series:
Nathan Lane, Modern Family
Steve Buscemi, Portlandia
Jimmy Fallon, Saturday Night Live
Louis C.K., Saturday Night Live
Bob Newhart, The Big Bang Theory
Gary Cole, Veep

Guest actress, comedy series:
Uzo Aduba, Orange Is the New Black
Laverne Cox, Orange Is the New Black
Natasha Lyonne, Orange Is the New Black
Tina Fey, Saturday Night Live
Melissa McCarthy, Saturday Night Live
Joan Cusack, Shameless
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Amazon sued by FTC over child in-app purchases

Amazon has been sued by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for allowing millions of dollars of unauthorized purchases by children in its mobile app store.

The FTC is seeking refunds for parents who were charged.

Amazon resisted a settlement offer from the FTC, and wrote in a letter to the regulator earlier this month that it would not accept tighter controls.

In January, Apple settled with the FTC over similar charges.

Amazon has been sued by the FTC for allowing millions of dollars of unauthorized purchases by children in its mobile app store
Amazon has been sued by the FTC for allowing millions of dollars of unauthorized purchases by children in its mobile app store

“Amazon’s in-app system allowed children to incur unlimited charges on their parents’ accounts without permission,” said FTC chair Edith Ramirez in a statement.

“Even Amazon’s own employees recognized the serious problem its process created,” she added.

In response to the allegations, an Amazon spokesperson cited a letter the company sent to the FTC on July 1 in which it wrote it was “deeply disappointed” by the FTC’s demands.

“The [FTC]’s unwillingness to depart from the precedent it set with Apple despite our very different facts leaves us no choice but to defend our approach in court,” wrote Amazon.

In its complaint, the FTC used the example of an app called “Ice Age Village”, a game designed for children.

The FTC alleged the game “blurred the lines between what costs virtual currency and what costs real money”, with “acorns” and “coins” both serving a purpose within the game as well as being available for purchase. The largest quantity purchase available in the app would cost $99.99.

In its complaint, the FTC also alleges that Amazon employees had warned in December 2011 that “allowing unlimited in-app charges without any password was <<…clearly causing problems for a large percentage of our customers>>, adding that the situation was a <<near house on fire>>”.

In January, Apple offered refunds of up to $32.5 million to parents who had been impacted by unauthorized charges and said it would change its billing practices to prevent future unauthorized charges.

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Patrice Hyvert: Frozen climber found in French Alps after 32 years

The frozen body of a young climber who disappeared 32 years ago in the French Alps has been discovered by mountain climbers, French media reports say.

Patrice Hyvert was last seen alive on March 1, 1982, when he took a solitary climb in the Mont Blanc mountain range on the French-Italian border.

The 23-year-old did not return after the weather took a bad turn.

Patrice Hyvert was last seen alive on March 1, 1982, when he took a solitary climb in the Mont Blanc mountain range on the French-Italian border
Patrice Hyvert was last seen alive on March 1, 1982, when he took a solitary climb in the Mont Blanc mountain range on the French-Italian border

Rescue officials say the mountaineer’s frozen body was found with his ID and all of his ski equipment still on him.

His body was found by two climbers on July 3 on the Talefre glacier at an altitude of 2,687 metres, local newspaper Dauphine Libere reported.

Patrice Hyvert’s father, Gerard, told RTL radio that he had given up hope of finding his son’s body.

“I’m a mountain man, and I would have preferred him to stay up there…He was better on a mountain than in a coffin. He was in his element,” he said.

Donald Sterling calls wife a pig during heated exchanges in Clippers sale court case

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Donald Sterling has said he will never sell LA Clippers basketball team during heated exchanges in court.

Donald Sterling, 80, is contesting in court his wife Shelly’s decision to sell the basketball team franchise to ex-Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.

Steve Ballmer wants the judge to confirm she can do so.

The NBA said it wanted to force Donald Sterling to sell after he was recorded making racist remarks in April.

The court case in Los Angeles deals with allegations that Shelly Sterling used medical tests of his mental capacity to remove him as a trustee and deceive him into selling.

In May, Shelly Sterling told her husband to seek an evaluation by two doctors, who declared him “mentally incapacitated” and unfit to administer his duties as trustee of the Sterling Family Trust.

This in effect handed her control of the Clippers.

Donald Sterling is contesting in court his wife Shelly's decision to sell the basketball team franchise to ex-Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer
Donald Sterling is contesting in court his wife Shelly’s decision to sell the basketball team franchise to ex-Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer (photo AP)

Shelly Sterling told the court she had sent her husband for medical tests after seeing “frightening changes”.

She was eventually told he had early signs of Alzheimer’s, she said.

There were sharp exchanges in court as Donald Sterling insulted his estranged wife.

“Get away from me, you pig,” he said, adding: “Shelly, how could you lie?”

From the witness box Donald Sterling then shouted: “I will never ever sell this team, and until I die I will be suing the NBA for this terrible violation.”

Donald Sterling argues he could raise more money than Steve Ballmer’s $2 billion offer by selling TV rights and winning an anti-trust lawsuit against the NBA.

If the judge in Los Angeles rules Shelly Sterling acted unlawfully, the deal with Steve Ballmer could be invalidated and the sale of the franchise revoked.

The racism allegations led to the NBA fining Donald Sterling $2.5 million and banning him from basketball for life.

In a 10-minute audio recording published on celebrity website TMZ in April, Donald Sterling was heard telling a woman, subsequently identified as his girlfriend V Stiviano, not to associate in public with black people nor bring them to Clippers games.

The remarks drew widespread condemnation from fans, retired basketball stars and President Barack Obama.

Donald Sterling is suing the NBA, alleging it violated his constitutional rights by relying on information from an “illegal” recording.

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Houston shooting: Ronald Lee Haskell charged with murder of six family members

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Ronald Lee Haskell, who is accused of shooting dead a family of six, including four children, near Houston, Texas, has been charged with multiple counts of murder.

Ronald Lee Haskell, 33, gave himself up to police late Wednesday following a chase and a three-hour stand-off.

A 15-year-old girl is also in a critical condition after being shot in the head, but was able to direct police to him.

Police earlier identified Ronald Lee Haskell as the father of the children, but have corrected that report.

Harris County Constable Ron Hickman said the adults killed were the children’s parents and Roland Lee Haskell was estranged from a woman related to the couple.

“I have not personally in 40 years seen a tragedy in one family that is this horrific,” he said.

Ronald Lee Haskell is accused of shooting dead a family of six near Houston
Ronald Lee Haskell is accused of shooting dead a family of six near Houston (photo KNXV TV)

Police had been called to a house about 6 PM and found three children and two adults dead, a Harris County Sheriff’s Office statement said.

A fourth child died in hospital. Those killed were two boys ages 4 and 14, two girls 7 and 9 and their parents. They have not yet been identified.

Ron Hickman said Roland Lee Haskell had allegedly persuaded the children he was a FedEx parcel delivery man to gain access to their home in Spring, Texas. He was wearing a shirt with the company’s logo.

He then “gathered up the children that were here and awaited the arrival of the parents”, Ron Hickman told reporters.

In a statement, the parcel firm said Roland Lee Haskell “formerly provided service” for the company, but had not done so since January.

The injured 15-year-old daughter of the couple then called police, telling them the gunman was en route to shoot other members of their family.

She was in a critical condition in hospital on Thursday.

Police earlier described the shooting suspect as a man in his 30s with a beard who was “cool as a cucumber”.

When approached by officers he was “just sitting in his car looking out at us,” said Sgt. Thomas Gilliland.

There followed “hours of constant talking with a man armed with a pistol to his head and who had just killed six people”, he added.

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Womad 2014: Sinead O’Connor to replace Bobby Womack

Sinead O’Connor will replace late soul legend Bobby Womack as the closing act at this year’s Womad festival in Wiltshire, UK.

Bobby Womack died aged 70 two weeks ago.

Sinead O’Connor achieved worldwide success in 1990 with her version of Prince’s song Nothing Compares 2 U. She more recently made headlines after she publicly criticized Miley Cyrus on Twitter.

Sinead O'Connor will replace late soul legend Bobby Womack as the closing act at this year's Womad festival
Sinead O’Connor will replace late soul legend Bobby Womack as the closing act at this year’s Womad festival

Youssou N’Dour, Manu Dibango and Richard Thompson also headline.

Up to 40,000 people are expected to attend each of the festival’s four days, from July 24.

A festival spokesman said: “Just when you thought that no more remarkable names could be squeezed on to this year’s cracking line-up… another one comes along, the compulsive and uncompromising performer Sinead O’Connor.”

The full Womad Festival line-up features about 100 artists from 40 countries, on the Charlton Park Estate near Malmesbury.

HIV reappears in cured Mississippi baby

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A Mississippi girl born with HIV and believed cured after very early treatment has now been found to still harbor the virus.

Tests last week on the 4-year-old child indicate she is no longer in remission, say doctors.

She had appeared free of HIV as recently as March, without receiving treatment for nearly two years.

The news represents a setback for hopes that very early treatment of drugs may reverse permanent infection.

The Mississippi girl had appeared free of HIV as recently as March, without receiving treatment for nearly two years
The Mississippi girl had appeared free of HIV as recently as March, without receiving treatment for nearly two years

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told US media the new results were “obviously disappointing” and had possible implications on an upcoming federal HIV study.

“We’re going to take a good hard look at the study and see if it needs any modifications,” he said.

The Mississippi baby did not receive any pre-natal HIV care prior to birth.

Because of a greater risk of infection, she was started on a powerful HIV treatment just hours after labor.

She continued to receive treatment until 18 months old, when doctors could not locate her. When she returned 10 months later, no sign of infection was evident though her mother had not given her HIV medication in the interim.

Repeated tests showed no detectable HIV virus until last week. Doctors do not yet know why the virus re-emerged.

A second child with HIV was given early treatment just hours after birth in Los Angeles in April 2013.

Subsequent tests indicate she completely cleared the virus, but that child also received ongoing treatment.

Only one adult is currently believed to have been cured of HIV.

In 2007, Timothy Ray Brown received a bone marrow transplant from a donor with a rare genetic mutation that resists HIV. He has shown no signs of infection for more than five years.

Bowe Bergdahl captivity photo emerges to media

A picture of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl appearing to pose with a Taliban leader during his captivity in Afghanistan has been dismissed as “propaganda” by the US.

After being held for five years, Bowe Bergdahl was released in May in a swap for five Guantanamo detainees.

A Pentagon spokesman said the US had no reason to believe the photo, which appeared on social media and has not been verified, was not authentic.

Bowe Bergdahl is shown with Badruddin Haqqani, a militant commander killed in 2012.

He has been undergoing what the US military calls a “reintegration process” in Texas since his return.

Bowe Bergdahl is shown with Badruddin Haqqani, Taliban commander killed in 2012
Bowe Bergdahl is shown with Badruddin Haqqani, Taliban commander killed in 2012

The photo appeared on a Taliban-supporting Facebook page and Twitter account, but was undated.

Bowe Bergdahl was held captive, reportedly by both the Taliban and the affiliated Haqqani network, since 2009.

Defense department spokesman Colonel Steven Warren told reporters on Thursday any photos released by the Taliban or Badruddin Haqqani network “are 100% propaganda and should be viewed that way”.

Bowe Bergdahl has not spoken about his ordeal publicly since his release on May 31.

The move to release five Guantanamo detainees after Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl was transferred to US special forces sparked a heated political row in the US.

Fellow soldiers have also argued Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl knowingly wandered away from his unit while deployed in Afghanistan in June 2009.

The US has opened an investigation into his disappearance, but has said they will not interview Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl until he is finished with the reintegration process.

Cooling babies with birth asphyxia stops brain damage

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A new research suggests that cooling babies deprived of oxygen at birth improves their chances of growing up without disabilities such as cerebral palsy.

The study, published in New England Journal of Medicine, showed newborns given the treatment were more likely to have higher IQs at school age.

Babies were placed on a special mat and cooled at 33C for three days to help reduce brain injury.

Experts say the study confirms the therapy has long-lasting effects.

It can set off a cascade of processes in the body resulting in the gradual death of brain cells, leaving babies at risk of brain damage and even death.

Until recently there has been no approved treatment to help reduce the aftershocks of low oxygen at birth.

Cooling babies deprived of oxygen at birth improves their chances of growing up without disabilities such as cerebral palsy
Cooling babies deprived of oxygen at birth improves their chances of growing up without disabilities such as cerebral palsy

However, a 2009 study of more than 300 newborns showed cooling treatment – known as therapeutic hypothermia – could help reduce brain damage at 18 months.

Researchers think the therapy works by slowing the production of harmful substances in the brain and the rate of brain cell death. But how long these improvements may last has been unclear.

Led by the National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit at the University of Oxford and Imperial College London, a team of scientists revisited these children at six or seven years of age.

They examined the children’s:

  • IQ scores
  • memory power
  • attention spans
  • signs of disability

Children who had been cooled as babies were less likely than those who had received standard treatment to have neurological abnormalities and performed better in tests of manual ability.

About 45% of cooled children had no brain abnormalities, compared with 28% of those who had had standard treatment

And some 21% in the cooling group had cerebral palsy, compared with 36% in the control group.

Babies in the hypothermia group were also more likely to have IQ scores above 85.

The simple and relatively inexpensive treatment has been adopted in many countries across the globe.

The cooling treatment showed no influence on survival rates though – a similar proportion (about 30%) of babies in both groups did not survive to school age.

Researchers say the next steps will be to look at therapies that can work in conjunction with therapeutic hypothermia and increase the chances of normal survival.

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Luis Suarez bite: FIFA rejects appeal against four-month ban

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Soccer’s global governing body FIFA has rejected Luis Suarez’s appeal against a four-month ban from all football-related activities for biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini.

Uruguay’s Luis Suarez was also banned for nine international matches after the incident at the World Cup in Brazil.

The Uruguayan FA had described FIFA’s ruling as an “excessive decision” for which “there was not enough evidence”.

Luis Suarez can now make a further appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

FIFA also imposed a fine of 100,000 Swiss Francs ($105,000) on Luis Suarez, who has apologized for his behavior.

FIFA rejects Luis Suarez's appeal against bite ban
FIFA rejects Luis Suarez’s appeal against bite ban

Under the terms of the suspension, Luis Suarez cannot train with his club and is prohibited from entering the confines of any stadium, although players’ union FIFpro argue the details “lack clarity”.

Should Luis Suarez and the Uruguayan FA decide to appeal further, ordinarily the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) would sit and hear the matter while the player adheres to the terms of his ban.

However, as the World Cup is still ongoing, they could apply to the CAS “ad-hoc” division, which exists for the duration of the tournament to hear matters such as this.

The ad-hoc division could suspend the sanctions pending a full hearing later in the year, allowing Suarez to play and take part in “football related activities” in the meantime.

Since Luis Suarez was suspended, Liverpool has been in transfer negotiations with Spanish giants Barcelona, who have told the Anfield club they are willing to meet a buy-out clause of $120 million to sign the 27-year-old.

He has now been found guilty of biting three opponents in his career.

Luis Suarez was banned for 10 games for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic during a Premier League match in 2013 and was also suspended for seven games for biting PSV Eindhoven’s Otman Bakkal while playing for Ajax in 2010.

Including this latest punishment, Luis Suarez will have missed 32 games through four separate bans since arriving at Liverpool in 2011.

The ban is the biggest in World Cup history, beating the eight games given to Italy’s Mauro Tassotti for elbowing Spain’s Luis Enrique in 1994.