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Tamerlan Tsarnaev often insulted wife Katherine Russell calling her a ‘slut’ and a ‘prostitute’

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It appears Tamerlan Tsarnaev displayed a disturbing pattern of verbal abuse and violence toward women that included fits of rage against his wife Katherine Russell and an arrest in 2009 for slapping ex-girlfriend Nadine Ascencao, according to police records and accounts from those who knew him.

Close friends of his wife Katherine Russell, 24, claimed today that Boston Marathon bomber Tamerlan Tsarnaev, 26, was combative, angry and controlling.

Katherine Russell Tsarnaev hasn’t spoken publicly about her husband since he was killed in a shootout with police in Watertown early Friday morning. But it appears she spoke to federal authorities for the first time on Tuesday, after she was spotted leaving her Rhode Island family home with her lawyer and three federal investigators. She returned home nearly four hours later with her mother.

Afterwards, Katherine Russell Tsarnaev’s lawyers released a statement at her request that claimed she has been “doing everything she can to assist with the investigation”.

“The injuries and loss of life – to people who came to celebrate a race and a holiday – has caused profound distress and sorrow to Katie and her family,” the statement read.

“The reports of involvement by her husband and brother-in-law came as an absolute shock to them all.”

Three of Katherine Russell’s friends told National Public Radio’s Laura Sullivan that Tamerlan Tsarnaev would often insult Katherine and call her names, such as “slut” and “prostitute”.

Tamerlan Tsarnaev was known to fly into fits of rage where he would throw objects, including furniture, friends said.

Katherine Russell Tsarnaev’s lawyer, Amato DeLuca, said she was a student at Suffolk University when she was introduced to Tamerlan Tsarnaev at a nightclub. He didn’t specify the exact date that they met, though it’s believed to be sometime during 2009.

Tamerlan Tsarnaev often insulted wife Katherine Russell calling her a slut and a prostitute
Tamerlan Tsarnaev often insulted wife Katherine Russell calling her a slut and a prostitute

Tamerlan Tsarnaev was seeing another woman at the time, he said.

“They went out for a while, and then they stopped and then they went out again,” Amato DeLuca said.

It’s possible the other woman that Tamerlan Tsarnaev was apparently dating was 25-year-old Nadine Ascencao of Brookline, Massachusetts.

Tamerlan Tsarnaev was arrested in July 2009 for allegedly slapping Nadine Ascencao, according to court records.

Nadine Ascencao was “crying hysterically” and called 911 to report that she was “beat up by her boyfriend”, Cambridge Police Officer Angela Pereira wrote in the arrest report.

Tamerlan Tsarnaev told Angela Pereira and another officer that his girlfriend “was yelling at him because of another girl”.

Asked whether he had hit Nadine Ascencao, Tamerlan Tsarnaev stated: “Yes, I slapped her.”

He specifically stated that he struck the left side of her face.

Eleven months later, Tamerlan Tsarnaev was apparently no longer dating Nadine Ascencao. He had persuaded Katherine Russell to convert from Christianity to Islam and the couple married on June 21, 2010.

Around the same time, Katherine Russell became pregnant with Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s baby.

Katherine Russell Tsarnaev dropped out of school in her senior year and reportedly began pulling away from her friends and family.

Mary Silberman, whose apartment backs up to Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s Cambridge home, said she often heard loud arguments late at night that mostly consisted of a woman’s voice yelling at a man.

“It wasn’t enough to call the police,” Mary Silberman told Reuters.

“It didn’t sound like anyone was in physical danger.”

But the shouting was often loud enough to keep her awake at night. Mary Silberman could also hear the couple’s daughter, Zahara, now 3-year-old, wailing at night and she often wondered why the mother wasn’t responding, she said.

As the girl grew into a toddler, Mary Silberman said she would see Zahara staring out the window.

Since Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s death, Katherine Russell has been staying with her family in North Kingstown, Rhode Island.

Her lawyer, Amato DeLuca, told CNN on Monday that the 24-year-old is “very distraught” and “cries a lot”.

Regarding the bomb plot, Amato DeLuca said: “She knew nothing about it at any time.”

“The whole family is a mess, to put it bluntly,” lawyer said.

“They’re very distraught. They’re upset. Their lives have been unalterably changed. They’re upset because of what happened, the people that were injured, that were killed. It’s an awful, terrible thing.”

Katherine Russell Tsarnaev works 70 to 80 hours a week as a home health aide, according to family members. Tamerlan Tsarnaev was unemployed.

Katherine Russell Tsarnaev first statement after Boston Marathon attack

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Katherine Russell Tsarnaev’s lawyers released this statement on Tuesday morning at Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s widow  request:

“As you know from news reports, Katie married her husband in June of 2010. Since then, she has been living in Cambridge, raising her child and working long hours, caring for people in their homes who are unable to care for themselves.

“Katie grew up in Rhode Island and has always remained close to her parents and sisters here, as well as her extended family.

Katherine Russell married Tamerlan Tsarnaev in June 2010
Katherine Russell married Tamerlan Tsarnaev in June 2010

“She is fortunate to have the support of her loving family now, as they, too, struggle to come to terms with these events and the deep sorrow we all feel following the events of last week.

“Meanwhile, she is doing everything she can to assist with the investigation.

“The injuries and loss of life – to people who came to celebrate a race and a holiday – has caused profound distress and sorrow to Katie and her family.

“The reports of involvement by her husband and brother-in-law came as an absolute shock to them all.

“As a mother, a sister, a daughter, a wife, Katie deeply mourns the pain and loss to innocent victims – students, law enforcement, families and our community. In the aftermath of this tragedy, she, her daughter and her family are trying to come to terms with these events.”

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Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux delay next month wedding

Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux have decided to delay their wedding for a few months – because they can’t agree on the size of the bash.

Jennifer Aniston, 44, wants a bigger do – while Justin Theroux, 41, wants a smaller, intimate affair and they are now set to tie the knot at the end of the summer, rather than at a spring-time ceremony.

The couple were reportedly getting ready to say “I do” next month, but Jennifer Aniston has been busy producing her upcoming movie Call Me Crazy: A Five Film and had been forced to put all planning for her nuptials on hold.

When asked if she had picked her gown at the premiere of her Lifetime movie at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood last week, Jennifer Aniston said: “No, no, no.”

Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux have decided to delay their wedding for a few months
Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux have decided to delay their wedding for a few months

“I don’t have a dress. I like to be very spontaneous.”

Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux were engaged last summer, and since then, fans have been waiting with bated breath to see her walk down the aisle.

Sources close to Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux said they are expecting the wedding to be at the end of the summer, just before Labor Day Weekend.

Although it has been taking up so much of her time, Jennifer Aniston is proud to have worked on Call Me Crazy – a compilation of five short films focusing on mental illness. The actress insists the project tackles a subject that suffers from a negative perception and stigma that needs to be addressed.

Jennifer Aniston said: “Mental illness seemed to be [a topic] that a lot of us felt was an important one and touched a lot of our lives, a lot of our families lives. That seemed like one that needed attention because all of the stigma around it and the sort of shame around it.”

Chaz Bono drops 60 lbs as he and mother Cher take a break from each other

Chaz Bono has lost 60 lbs after announcing his intention to drop 50 lbs in weight in November.

After his announcement, Chaz Bono showed off a slimmer physique in February on an episode of The Doctors with Dr. Travis Stork.

Chaz Bono started off weighing 250lbs.

He appeared to be keeping the weight off in a recent photo with his famous mother Cher.

Meanwhile new reports claim the two are barely speaking because Cher has had a hard time dealing with Chaz’s dramatic transformation from her shy, pigtailed girl to a muscular man.

Cher Chaz Bono, who was born daughter Chastity, have agreed to a take a “personal time-out”.

Chaz Bono has lost 60 lbs after announcing his intention to drop 50 lbs in weight in November
Chaz Bono has lost 60 lbs after announcing his intention to drop 50 lbs in weight in November

“Cher loves Chaz to death, but she stopped talking to him because they just don’t see eye to eye on the very public way he’s continued to deal with his transformation,” a source told RadarOnline.

“She’s really at peace with the transgendered aspect it’s just that she still sees Chaz as her little girl and the dramatic physical changes are really hard on her.”

Cher even joked that Chaz was reminding her too much of her late husband Sonny Bono and their stormy romance.

Chaz is said to have agreed to the break.

There were no signs of friction between Chaz Bono and Cher in a photo that Chaz tweeted on April 7 showing them smiling side-by-side.

The simple tweet read: “Here is a recent photo of my mom and I.”

Cher and Sonny Bono starred in the popular mid-1970s show The Sonny & Cher Show on CBS and young daughter Chastity, now Chaz, made frequent appearances.

Nadine Ascencao: Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s ex-girlfriend describes him as a “bully” and a “little tough guy”

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Nadine Ascencao, Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s ex-girlfriend, has revealed the Boston bomber once slapped her and he always acted like a “bully” and a “tough guy” at high school but appeared harmless.

Nadine Ascencao, 25, has spoken out about her relationship with Tamerlan Tsarnaev, who allegedly planted two bombs at the Boston Marathon last week, killing three people and injuring more than 180.

Despite this heinous crime and a disturbing pattern of verbal and physical abuse towards women, Nadine Ascencao has claimed Tamerlan Tsarnaev she once lived with did not appear to be capable of “anything major”.

“He was a little tough guy, but I thought that was it,” Nadine Ascencao told the Wall Street Journal.

“In high school, everybody acts like that. Like a bully guy, you know?”

“He was just like a normal person that sometimes like wanted to scare kids in high school but that was it…. He was a little tough guy, but I thought that was it.”

Despite her claims, Nadine Ascencao was once allegedly the victim of Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s temper; police records show she was the woman who accused him of slapping her on July 28, 2009, The Journal reported.

Nadine Ascencao refused to speak to The Journal about the incident, but records show she told police Tamerlan Tsarnaev had slapped her in the face during an argument over another woman at his home in Cambridge.

Tamerlan Tsarnaev and his ex-girlfriend Nadine Ascencao
Tamerlan Tsarnaev and his ex-girlfriend Nadine Ascencao

She was “crying hysterically” and called 911 to report that she was “beat up by her boyfriend”, Cambridge Police Officer Angela Pereira wrote in the arrest report.

Tamerlan Tsarnaev admitted to slapping Nadine Ascencao and was arrested on charges of assault and battery, the complaint said. The charges were dismissed before trial.

While Nadine Ascencao would not say when she dated Tamerlan Tsarnaev or for how long, records also show they lived together for a short time at an apartment on Norfolk Street.

Nadine Ascencao added to The Journal that she was “disgusted” by his alleged part in the deadly bombings.

When she learned Tamerlan Tsarnaev had died: “I didn’t even cry or anything,” Nadine Ascencao said.

Nadine Ascencao’s neighbors said FBI agents visited her home early on Friday morning to clarify the relationship she had with him. The agents left three hours later and briefly returned in the afternoon.

Around 11 months after the alleged slapping incident, Tamerlan Tsarnaev married his wife, Katherine Russell.

Katherine Russell Tsarnaev has not spoken publicly since Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s death early Friday in a shootout with police.

But three of Katherine Russell’s friends told National Public Radio’s Laura Sullivan that Tamerlan Tsarnaev would often insult Katherine and call her names, such as “slut” and “prostitute”.

He was known to fly into into fits of rage where he would throw objects at Russell, including furniture, friends said.

Sometime around 2008, Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s erratic and violent behavior escalated as he stopped smoking and drinking and suddenly became heavily involved in Islam. Also around that time, he demanded that Katherine Russell, born a Christian, convert to Islam – and she complied.

Despite their tumultuous, on-again, off-again relationship, Tamerlan Tsarnaev and Katherine Russell married on June 21, 2010.

FBI faces questions from US Congress over Tamerlan Tsarnaev case

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The FBI is to face questions in the US Congress over whether they mishandled information about Boston bombing suspect Tamerlan Tsarnaev.

The security officials will brief the Senate Intelligence Committee in a closed hearing, after some lawmakers accused the FBI of failing to act on Russian concerns.

Boston bomber Tamerlan Tsarnaev was questioned in 2011 amid claims he had adopted radical Islam.

Tamerlan Tsarnaev was killed in a manhunt after the attack but his wounded brother Dzhokhar has been charged over the bombings.

Federal prosecutors charged Dzhokhar Tsarnaev in hospital with using a weapon of mass destruction and malicious destruction of property resulting in death. He could be sentenced to death if convicted on either count.

Anonymous officials have told US media that Dzhokhar Tsarnaev said he and his brother had planned the attack themselves without help from foreign militants.

The officials say his written answers from his hospital bed to investigators’ questions lead them to believe that the Tsarnaev brothers were motivated by jihadist ideology and that they devised the bombings using the internet.

However, the sources also said the interviews were preliminary and they must verify the defendant’s responses.

The FBI is to face questions in the US Congress over whether they mishandled information about Boston bombing suspect Tamerlan Tsarnaev
The FBI is to face questions in the US Congress over whether they mishandled information about Boston bombing suspect Tamerlan Tsarnaev

Both Tsarnaev brothers had origins in the troubled, predominantly Muslim republic of Chechnya in southern Russia. They had been living in the US for about a decade at the time of the attack.

The twin bombs which exploded near the finishing line of the Boston Marathon killed three people and injured more than 200.

Of those injured, 13 lost limbs. More than 50 people remain in hospital, three of them in a critical condition.

Members of Congress want to know why no further action was taken after Tamerlan Tsarnaev was investigated in 2011 at the request of the Russian government.

Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein, who chairs the intelligence committee, said that she and her colleagues would have to “sort it out” when they met FBI officials later on Tuesday.

The full Senate is expected to receive a briefing later in the week.

The FBI has defended itself, saying in a statement on Friday that it had run checks on the suspect but found no evidence of terrorist activity.

A request to Russia for further information to justify more rigorous checks went unanswered, and an interview by agents with Tamerlan Tsarnaev and his family also revealed nothing suspicious.

However, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham questioned why the FBI was unable to identify him as a threat based on his alleged links to radical websites.

He called for better co-operation with Russia and the amendment of privacy laws to allow closer scrutiny of suspects’ internet activity.

Senator Lindsey Graham added that the US authorities did not know Tamerlan Tsarnaev had gone to Russia in 2012 because his name was misspelled in travel documents.

The suspect spent six months in Dagestan, another mainly Muslim Russian republic bordering Chechnya. During the visit, he also reportedly spent two days in Chechnya itself.

Tamerlan Tsarnaev, 26, was killed during the police manhunt last Friday. Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, 19, was captured later that day and remains in hospital with serious injuries.

A 10-page criminal complaint was filed against Dzhokhar Tsarnaev on Monday during a court hearing held around his hospital bed.

According to a transcript of the hearing, he managed to speak once despite a gunshot wound to his throat sustained during his capture.

Dzhokhar Tsarnaev said the word “no” when asked if he could afford a lawyer. Otherwise he nodded in response to Judge Marianne Bowler’s questions from his bed at Boston’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

The next hearing in his case has been scheduled for the end of May.

The complaint seeks to locate both suspects at the scene of the bombing and then pieces together the operation to intercept them three days later, as they allegedly drove a hijacked car near the city, hours after images of their faces were broadcast by the media.

No mention is made of their possible reasons for attacking the marathon.

US Congress questions for the FBI:

  • Why was no further action taken after the 2011 investigation of Tamerlan Tsarnaev?
  • Why Tamerlan Tsarnaev was not identified as a threat based on links to radical websites?
  • Why were the authorities unaware of Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s visit to Russia in 2012?

Photos of Tsarnaev brothers shootout with police in Watertown street taken by eyewitness Andrew Kitzenberg

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New photographs taken by an eyewitness reveal the dramatic gun battle which broke out between police and the Tsarnaev brothers in a residential street of Watertown, leaving Tamerlan Tsarnaev dead.

The images, taken by Andrew Kitzenberg, a resident of the Watertown street, in the early hours of Friday, show the Tsarnaev brothers sheltering behind a vehicle and clearly taking aim at police officers.

Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, 19, and his brother Tamerlan, 26, are seen running to a car for more supplies before hauling out a pressure cooker bomb they then detonated, filling the street with smoke.

The photographs, taken on the eyewitness’ phone from a third-floor bedroom overlooking the harrowing scene, are the first images giving insight into the fraught battle that left one brother dead.

They come as Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, who is recovering from a gunshot wound to the neck in hospital, told investigators that his brother Tamerlan was the ringleader in the attacks.

Andrew Kitzenberg, who snapped the photographs as he sought refuge in his home, shared the dramatic images and details on his blog.

“I was in my living room working on my computer when I heard multiple <<pops>> coming from outside,” he recalled.

“At that point, I had no idea that I was about to become an eye witness to the biggest news story in the country.

The images, taken by Andrew Kitzenberg, a resident of the Watertown street, in the early hours of Friday, show the Tsarnaev brothers sheltering behind a vehicle and clearly taking aim at police officers
The images, taken by Andrew Kitzenberg, a resident of the Watertown street, in the early hours of Friday, show the Tsarnaev brothers sheltering behind a vehicle and clearly taking aim at police officers

“When I looked outside my window, I could clearly see two people [the Tsarnaev brothers] taking cover behind an SUV and engaging in gunfire.”

Andrew Kitzenberg ran to the third floor of the home to seek shelter from the gunfire.

“As I ran into my room, overwhelmed by shock, adrenaline, and curiosity, I jumped onto my bed to stay below the windows but also have a clear view at the shooters and photograph the event,” he said.

He described seeing the men jump out of a green sedan, which they returned to for supplies – “assumingly, more ammunition and explosives”.

In another picture, he highlights a dark object that he identifies as a pressure cooker bomb.

“The use of this explosive created an enormous cloud of smoke that covered the entire street,” he wrote.

“While the street was still cloudy with smoke one of the brothers started running down the street towards the officers, while still engaging them in gunshots.

“As he got closer to the officers, within 10 -15 yards of them he was taken down.”

Andrew Kitzenberg added he had been unable to see whether police knocked him to the ground or shot him.

His brother then jumped in their car and barreled towards the police cars barricading the end of the street. Authorities said Dzhokhar Tsarnaev ran over his brother, who was later pronounced dead.

The images reveal the moment Dzhokhar Tsarnaev headed for the police cars – dodging between two.

“The SUV side swiped both cars taking out doors and windows and ultimately broke through the vehicle barricade and continued driving west on Laurel St.,” Andrew Kitzenberg wrote on his blog.

“This was the last I saw of the black SUV.”

The battle took place after the FBI released the Tsarnaev brothers’ photographs on Thursday – four days after they allegedly detonated two bombs at the Boston marathon, killing three and injuring 180.

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Reddit apologizes for including Sunil Tripathi and Salah Barhoun in Find Boston Bombers thread

Reddit has issued a public apology for its coverage of the Boston bombings.

Reddit’s Find Boston Bombers thread – known as a subreddit – named specific people standing near the scene as suspects.

The social news site included innocent people such as 17-year-old Salah Barhoun and missing 22-year-old Sunil Tripathi.

Reddit has admitted that it helped to fuel “online witch hunts”. The debacle has fuelled debate about how far such speculation should go in future.

“We all need to look at what happened and make sure that in the future we do everything we can to help and not hinder crisis situations,” the apology read.

“Though started with noble intentions, some of the activity on Reddit fuelled online witch hunts and dangerous speculation which spiraled into very negative consequences for innocent parties.”

It went on to apologize to the family of Sunil Tripathi.

Reddit has issued a public apology for its coverage of the Boston bombings
Reddit has issued a public apology for its coverage of the Boston bombings

The family had to suspend the Facebook page they had created to find him because of the amount of negative comments they received. Sunil Tripathi’s name trended on Twitter and numerous news sites.

“We were very worried about Sunil and about each other because of how fast completely unsubstantiated claims were spreading,” said Sunil’s sister Sangeeta Tripathi.

“Our entire neighborhood and our house were surrounded by media trucks. On my personal cellphone I got 72 phone calls between 3 a.m. and 4.30 in the morning.

“We just really hope that something like what happened to our family – and it’s happened to a few other people in the same media frenzy
around Boston – doesn’t keep happening and that we are conscious of how powerful some of our platforms are.”

The tragedy in Boston created a huge amount of traffic on Reddit, peaking at about 272,000 users according to Google Analytics.

As well as attempting to solve the mystery of who the suspects were, Redditors – as contributors to the site are known – also organized housing for people stranded in Boston, sent pizza deliveries to police and hospitals, and organized “dog therapy” in local parks for traumatized residents.

The apology concludes: “After this week, which showed the best and worst of Reddit’s potential, we hope that Boston will also be where Reddit learns to be sensitive of its own power.”

Japan warns China of using force over disputed islands landing

Japan’s PM Shinzo Abe has warned China that his country will respond with force if any attempt is made to land on disputed island.

The Japanese prime minister’s comments came as eight Chinese government ships sailed near East China Sea islands that both nations claim.

A flotilla of 10 fishing boats carrying Japanese activists was also reported to be in the area, as well as the Japanese coastguard.

Shinzo Abe was speaking in parliament hours after dozens of lawmakers visited a controversial war-linked shrine.

A total of 168 lawmakers paid their respects at the Yasukuni Shrine, which commemorates Japan’s war dead, including war criminals, in a move likely to anger regional neighbors who say the shrine is a reminder of Japan’s military past.

The warning from the Japanese prime minister was the most explicit to China since Shinzo Abe took power in December.

Asked in parliament what he would do if Chinese ships tried to land on the disputed islands, Shinzo Abe said they would be expelled by force.

Japan’s PM Shinzo Abe has warned China that his country will respond with force if any attempt is made to land on disputed island
Japan’s PM Shinzo Abe has warned China that his country will respond with force if any attempt is made to land on disputed island

“Since it has become the Abe government, we have made sure that if there is an instance where there is an intrusion into our territory or it seems that there could be landing on the islands then we will deal will it strongly,” he said.

The warning came as eight Chinese ships sailed around the islands – called Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China.

The Japanese coast guard said it was the highest number of Chinese boats in the area since Tokyo nationalized part of the island chain in September 2012.

China said its ships had been monitoring Japanese vessels. The State Oceanic Administration issued a statement saying three of its ships had “found” several Japanese ships around the islands and “immediately ordered another five ships in the East China Sea to meet the three ships”.

Ten Japanese boats carrying around 80 activists arrived in the area early on Tuesday, Reuters news agency reported, monitored by Japanese Coast Guard vessels. Public broadcaster NHK said the boats were carrying “regional lawmakers and members of the foreign media”.

Japan’s top government spokesman said the “intrusion into territorial waters” was “extremely regrettable”. Japan also summoned the Chinese ambassador to protest, reports said.

The territorial row has been rumbling for years but was reignited last year when Japan bought three of the islands from their private Japanese owner.

China claims the island chain, which is controlled by Japan. Taiwan also claims the islands, which offer rich fishing grounds and lie in a strategically important area.

The dispute has led to serious diplomatic tension between China and Japan, most recently in January when Japan said a Chinese frigate locked weapons-controlling radar on one of its navy ships near the islands – something China disputes.

The visit to the Yasukuni Shrine on Tuesday by lawmakers marking the spring festival is also likely to hit ties between Beijing and Tokyo.

Two cabinet ministers, including Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso, visited the shrine on Sunday. PM Shinzo Abe did not visit but made a ritual offering.

South Korea subsequently cancelled a proposed visit by its foreign minister, while China lodged “solemn representations” in response to the ministers’ visit.

“Only when Japan faces up to its aggressive past can it embrace the future and develop friendly relations with its Asian neighbors,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on Monday.

But Japanese lawmaker Hidehisa Otsujji said it was “natural” for “lawmakers to worship at a shrine for people who died for the nation”.

“Every nation does this. I don’t understand why we get a backlash,” he said.

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Kristen Stewart getting into Rupert Sanders car? Are lovers secretly meeting again?

It would appear Kristen Stewart has been spending time with her former lover Rupert Sanders once again, with new photographs showing her getting into a car with a man who bears an uncanny resemblance to the director.

Last year, Kristen Stewart’s secret affair with married director Rupert Sanders came to light in July causing one of the biggest celebrity shocks of 2012.

This time, Kristen Stewart, who first met Rupert Sanders when they worked on Snow White And The Huntsman together in 2011, was seen climbing into the passenger seat of a dark car after a night out with friends at Mexican restaurant Malo Taqueria in Silver Lake, California, on Sunday.

In addition to Kristen Stewart’s mystery male companion looking suspiciously like her former lover, the vehicle in question appeared to be a black Acura – the same model as the one owned by Rupert Sanders.

It would appear the incident took place on the same day Kristen Stewart’s Twilight co-star boyfriend, Robert Pattinson, jetted out of Los Angeles.

Kristen Stewart, 23, had been enjoying an evening out with a group at girlfriends at the Mexican eatery, the same location where Robert Pattinson – who she briefly split from when details of her affair with Rupert Sanders, 42, came to light last year – threw her a romantic birthday party last week.

Kristen Stewart has been seen getting into a car with man who appears to be her former lover Rupert Sanders
Kristen Stewart has been seen getting into a car with man who appears to be her former lover Rupert Sanders

Details of Kristen Stewart and Rupert Sanders’s affair came to light when they were pictured cuddling and kissing in July 2012.

The actress immediately issued a groveling public apology to her long-time love, Robert Pattinson, with the pair briefly splitting, before briefly reconciling their romance.

Kristen Stewart said at the time: “This momentary indiscretion has jeopardized the most important thing in my life, the person I love and respect the most, Rob. I love him, I love him, I’m so sorry.”

Meanwhile, Rupert Sanders issued an equally gushing apology to his wife, Liberty Ross, 34, and their two children, Skyla, 8, and 6-year-old son Tennyson.

He said: “I am utterly distraught about the pain I have caused my family. My beautiful wife and heavenly children are all I have in this world. I love them with all my heart. I am praying that we can get through this together.”

While Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson managed to get their relationship back on track, British model Liberty Ross – who played Kristen’s mother in the Snow White film – filed for divorce from Rupert Sanders in January, citing “irreconcilable differences” as the reason behind the marital split.

Liberty Ross petitioned for joint physical and legal custody of the couple’s two children.

According to reports, Liberty Ross couldn’t move on from Rupert Sanders’s infidelity with Kristen Stewart, although the couple are understood to have attended counseling sessions late last year.

A friend said: “Liberty tried for a reconciliation but it was impossible. The mistrust went too deep. The decision to divorce was hers.”

In her only public comments about the affair – in an interview at the end of last year – Liberty Ross said: “I believe that we’re all on journeys and we are all given lessons at certain times in our lives.

“Sometimes, when things seem really bad, you have to be able to see the good and learn from it and move forward as graciously as possible.”

Kristen Stewart is set to reprise her leading role in the Snow White And The Huntsman sequel later this year, but Rupert Sanders has been dropped from the project.

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Chaz Bono 60 lb weight loss revealed as he lands in New Orleans

Chaz Bono looked much leaner touching down in New Orleans over the weekend as he is now down a total of 60 lbs.

Chaz Bono, 44, is still slowly losing weight as he told People magazine last week.

Chaz Bono looked much leaner touching down in New Orleans over the weekend as he is now down a total of 60 lbs
Chaz Bono looked much leaner touching down in New Orleans over the weekend as he is now down a total of 60 lbs

The only child of star Cher still takes dance classes and has added martial arts training to his exercise regime.

He has transformed his diet too, saying: “I’ve just changed the way I eat. Diets don’t work. You just have to change what you eat, and I have.”

Chaz Bono initially used Freshology delivered-meal but now prepares food himself, saying: “I cook a lot of different stuff.

“I really avoid grains and starches, so meats and vegetables and fruits are my diet. I make them all different ways to keep it interesting.”

Chaz Bono is thought to be still single after calling off his engagement with fiancée, Jennifer Elia, after 12 years together in December 2011.

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Dzhokhar Tsarnaev arresting officers detail capture

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Boston SWAT officers who handcuffed Dzhokhar Tsarnaev say that they didn’t “have time to be afraid” as they inched toward his hiding spot on Friday.

The SWAT officers from the MBTA held a press conference on Monday, as they were officially recognized for their efforts in taking down Boston Marathon suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev after an all-day manhunt in Watertown.

Watertown was gripped with fear as the sun went down on Friday, when pops of gunfire and the booms of flash grenades were heard – all focused on a boat parked in a Franklin Street driveway.

The well-trained SWAT team then approached David Henneberry’s boat, not knowing whether Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was armed or had rigged the vessel with the same bombs he allegedly used in the attack at the marathon days prior.

SWAT Officer Jeff Campbell – who pulled Dzhokhar Tsarnaev off the boat – noted how the officers had proceeded carefully, saying: “We had no idea if the boat was rigged with explosives. He could have done anything.”

The officers admitted that they were sitting ducks – out in the open in the backyard as they moved in.

Jeff Campbell told former FBI assistant director John Miller in a CBS interview airing on Tuesday: “As we’re approaching what we call the danger zone… That’s the danger zone because there’s no cover for us except that ballistic shield.”

But as they got closer, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev suddenly stood up in the boat, acknowledging that he was ready to surrender.

Officer Jeff Campbell noted that the suspect “looked weak” and was “shaky”.

Boston SWAT officers who handcuffed Dzhokhar Tsarnaev at his hiding spot on Friday
Boston SWAT officers who handcuffed Dzhokhar Tsarnaev at his hiding spot on Friday

He told John Miller: “[Dzhokhar Tsarnaev] appeared to be losing consciousness and did have some wounds to his body. You could see the blood on his body.”

Once the suspect was off the boat, Officer Saro Thompson said: “Officer [Kenny] Tran helped me secure the suspect along with other people from different teams that we do not know the names of.”

Sgt. Sean Reynolds, who is also part of the team, told reporters: “You don’t really have time to be afraid.”

Officer Saro Thompson added: “At a time like that, training kicks in. We don’t have emotion going into something like that.

“We ended up putting him in cuffs and we turned him over to the medics after we moved him away from the boat.”

When asked if Dzhokhar Tsarnaev spoke as he was arrested, Saro Thompson said: “I don’t think he had the energy to say anything. Once we got him on the ground, he was compliant and was going in and out of consciousness.”

One of their colleagues, transit police officer Richard H. Donahue, 33, was seriously injured during the wild shootout with the Tsarnaev brothers early on Friday morning.

Officer Saro Thompson said that when he visited Richard H. Donahue in the hospital on Monday, he proudly informed him: “We got him.”

Dzhokhar Tsarnaev’s older brother Tamerlan died in a hospital after that confrontation, likely from injuries sustained when he was run over by a stolen vehicle driven by Dzhokhar.

The interview with the SWAT officers came after Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was read his Miranda Rights on Monday as he was charged with using weapons of mass destruction during an arraignment while he laid in his hospital bed.

During the proceedings in his Boston hospital bed, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev only uttered the word “no” when asked if he could afford a defense attorney.

Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, 19, was arraigned in his hospital bed at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center on Monday by a magistrate judge, court officials said.

A probable cause hearing in the case was then set for May 30.

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Internet sales tax bill endorsed by US Senate

The United States could force Internet retailers to collect sales taxes under a bill that overwhelmingly passed a test vote in the Senate Monday.

Under current law, states can only require stores to collect sales taxes if the store has a physical presence in the state. As a result, many online sales are essentially tax-free, giving Internet retailers a big advantage over brick-and-mortar stores.

The bill would allow states to require online retailers to collect state and local sales taxes for purchases made over the Internet. The sales taxes would be sent to the states where shoppers live.

The Senate voted 74 to 20 to begin debating the bill. If that level of support continues, the Senate could pass the bill as early as this week.

Supporters say the bill is about fairness for businesses and lost revenue for states.

Opponents say it would impose complicated regulations on retailers and doesn’t have enough protections for small businesses. Businesses with less than $1 million a year in online sales would be exempt.

“I believe it is important to level the playing field for all retailers,” said Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., the bill’s main sponsor.

 “We should not be subsidizing some taxpayers at the expense of others.”

The United States could force Internet retailers to collect sales taxes under a bill that overwhelmingly passed a test vote in the Senate
The United States could force Internet retailers to collect sales taxes under a bill that overwhelmingly passed a test vote in the Senate

In many states, shoppers are required to pay unpaid sales tax when they file their state income tax returns. However, states complain that few people comply.

“I do know about three people that comply with that,” Mike Enzi said.

President Barack Obama supports the bill, but its fate is uncertain in the House, where some Republicans regard it as a tax increase.

Heritage Action for America, the activist arm of the conservative Heritage Foundation, opposes the bill and will count the vote in its legislative scorecard.

Many of the nation’s governors – Republicans and Democrats – have been lobbying the federal government for years for the authority to collect sales taxes from online sales, said Dan Crippen, executive director of the National Governors Association.

Those efforts intensified when state tax revenues took hit from the recession and the slow economic recovery.

“It’s a matter of equity for businesses,” Dan Crippen said.

“It’s a matter of revenue for states.”

The bill pits brick-and-mortar stores like Wal-Mart against online services such as eBay.

The National Retail federation supports it. And Amazon.com, which initially fought efforts in some states to make it collect sales taxes, supports it, too.

“Amazon.com has long supported a simplified nationwide approach that is evenhandedly applied and applicable to all but the smallest volume sellers,” Paul Misener, Amazon’s vice president of global public policy said in a recent letter to senators.

On the other side, eBay has been rallying customers to oppose the bill.

“I hope you agree that imposing unnecessary tax burdens on small online businesses is a bad idea,” eBay president and CEO John Donahoe said in a letter to customers.

“Join us in letting your Members of Congress know they should protect small online businesses, not potentially put them out of business.”

The bill is also opposed by senators from states that have no sales tax, including Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., and Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H.

“Supporters of this online sales tax bill are trying to muscle it through before senators find out how disastrous it would be for businesses in their states,” Kelly Ayotte said.

“I will fight this power grab every step of the way to protect small online businesses in New Hampshire and across the nation.”

Max Baucus said the bill would require relatively small Internet retailers to comply with sales tax laws in thousands of jurisdictions.

“This legislation doesn’t help businesses expand and grow and hire more employees,” he said.

“Instead, it forces small businesses to hire expensive lawyers and accountants to deal with the burdensome paperwork and added complexity of tax rules and filings across multiple states.”

But Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said the bill requires participating states to make it relatively easy for Internet retailers to comply.

States must provide free computer software to help retailers calculate sales taxes, based on where shoppers live.

States must also establish a single entity to receive Internet sales tax revenue, so retailers don’t have to send them to individual counties or cities.

“We’re way beyond the quilt pen and ledger days,” Dick Durbin said.

“Thanks to computers and thanks to software it is not that complex.”

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Dzhokhar Tsarnaev arraignment and charging documents

Boston bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev has been read his Miranda Rights as he was charged with using weapons of mass destruction during an arraignment while he laid in his hospital bed.

During the proceedings at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, 19, only uttered the word “no” when asked if he could afford a defense attorney.

The teenager was officially read his Miranda Rights at the time was he was arraigned on Monday by a magistrate judge, court officials said.

Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was also asked several questions in which he nodded his head to respond.

The hearing began with a doctor being asked whether Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is alert.

“You can rouse him,” the doctor said, according to a transcript of the hearing obtained by The New York Times.

Dzhokar Tsarnaev then nods his head when asked how he’s feeling.

At the end of the hearing, Judge Marianne B. Bowler said: “At this time, at the conclusion of the initial appearance, I find that the defendant is alert, mentally competent and lucid.

“He is aware of the nature of the proceedings.”

A probable cause hearing in the case was then set for May 30.

Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is specifically charged with one count of using and conspiring to use a weapon of mass destruction – namely, an improvised explosive device or IED – against persons and property within the US resulting in death, and one count of malicious destruction of property by means of an explosive device resulting in death, according to the criminal complaint.

If he is convicted, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev faces the death penalty or life imprisonment. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000.

Regardless of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev’s sentence if found guilty, rocker Ted Nugent has weighed in on the case, arguing that his punishment be much more severe, and as America’s “Founding Fathers” intended.

In a column for World Net Daily entitled, “Time to Stretch Neck of Jihadist Punk”, Ted Nugent wrote: “Imagine if this jihadist punk had basically committed the same crimes 150 years ago. He would have been swinging from an oak tree in Boston Common no longer than 60 days from the date of his arrest. That would be justice.”

The charging documents reveal dramatic new details of the investigation and events following the bombings, including a list of items obtained from Dzhokhar Tsarnaev’s college dorm room and claims that during a carjacking at least one suspect was advertising his role in the marathon bombings.

“Although our investigation is ongoing, today’s charges bring a successful end to a tragic week for the city of Boston, and for our country,” US Attorney General Eric Holder said in a statement.

Dzhokhar Tsarnaev will not be tried as an enemy combatant because he is a naturalized US citizen and under federal law, citizens cannot be tried in military commissions, the White House said Monday. Instead, he will be tried in the US justice system.

Dzhokhar Tsarnaev has been read his Miranda Rights as he was charged with using weapons of mass destruction
Dzhokhar Tsarnaev has been read his Miranda Rights as he was charged with using weapons of mass destruction

CARJACKING

The charging papers allege that Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev carjacked a man around midnight on Thursday and that older brother, Tamerlan, told the car’s owner that he had carried out the Boston Marathon bombings.

“The victim stated that while he was sitting in his car on a road in Cambridge, a man approached and tapped on his passenger-side window,” according to the charges.

“When the victim rolled down the window, the man reached in, opened the door, and entered the victim’s vehicle. The man pointed a firearm at the victim and stated, <<Did you hear about the Boston explosion?>> and <<I did that>>.”

The gunman, identified by the FBI as Tamerlan Tsarnaev, removed the magazine from his firearm to show the victim that it was loaded, then re-inserted it and said: “I am serious.”

Tamerlan Tsarnaev then allegedly forced the victim to drive to a location where they picked up Dzhokhar.

One of the suspects then got behind the wheel of the car and demanded money and an ATM card from the victim. The suspects drove to a gas station and got out of the car to withdraw money, at which point the victim managed to escape.

FIREFIGHT

The stolen vehicle with the two suspects inside was located by authorities a short time later in Watertown, Massachusetts. As police cruisers descended on the scene, the men threw at least two small IEDs from the car windows, sparking a firefight.

During the exchange of fire Tamerlan Tsarnaev got out of the car and was shot several times. Meanwhile, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev managed to escape in the car – but not without first running over Tamerlan’s body.

Tamerlan Tsarnaev was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead, and authorities launched a manhunt for Dzhokhar, who apparently abandoned the carjacked vehicle shortly after making his getaway.

CACHE OF EXPLOSIVES

From the scene of the shootout, the FBI recovered two unexploded IEDs, as well as the remnants of numerous exploded devices. Another in-tact device was found inside the abandoned vehicle.

A preliminary examination of the explosive devices that were used at the Boston Marathon revealed that they were low-grade explosives housed inside pressure cookers with metallic BBs and nails. Many of the BBs were contained within an adhesive material, authorities said.

Investigators discovered the exact same type of explosives at the scene of the firefight and inside the abandoned getaway car.

MANHUNT

Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was on the run for nearly a full day when authorities located him hiding in David Henneberry’s boat parked outside his home in Watertown.

The bomber engaged in a firefight with police from inside the boat before he was eventually coaxed out of the vessel, authorities said.

Dzhokhar Tsarnaev had visible injuries, including apparent gunshot wounds to the head, neck, legs, and hand. He was searched and authorities found several means of identification in his pockets, including credit cards and a Dartmouth student ID.

“At the end they were just making demands of him: Show your hands, lift your shirt. And eventually that’s what he did,” Watertown Police Chief Edward Deveau told ABC News.

“He was very slow and lethargic in every move that he made and they could see that there was no device on his chest. They kept creeping closer to him and then they felt it safe enough to pull him away from the boat.”

Authorities initially said they couldn’t question the terror suspect because of his severe throat wound.

Authorities conducted a search at Dzhokhar Tsarnaev’s Dartmouth dorm, where they found a pyrotechnic as well as a white hat and black jacket like the ones he is pictured wearing in surveillance footage from the scene of the marathon bombings.

MARATHON BOMBINGS

The charging documents also contain new details about the marathon bombings and allege that at least one of the suspects was using a cell phone shortly before the explosions.

The documents state that at approximately 2:41 p.m. – about 8 minutes before the explosions – both bombing suspects were standing together about a half-block from the Forum Restaurant on Boylston Street near the finish line, according to footage from surveillance cameras.

About one minute later, one suspect – believed to be Tamerlan Tsarnaev – appears to break away from the crowd and begin walking east on Boylston street toward the finish line.

At 2:45 p.m. Dzhokhar Tsarnaev – referred to in the charging documents as “Bomber Two” – walks in the same direction but stops short of the finish line, directly in front of Forum Restaurant.

“He appears to have the thumb of his right hand hooked under the strap of his knapsack and a cell phone in his left hand,” FBI special agent Daniel R. Genck wrote in the documents.

About 15 seconds later, “Bomber Two” appears to drop his knapsack to the ground.

The suspect stays in that position for about four minutes, occasionally looking at his cell phone and once appearing to snap a picture with it.

“At some point he appears to look at his phone, which is held at approximately waist level, and may be manipulating the phone,” the charging papers state. “Approximately 30 seconds before the first explosion, he lifts his phone to his ear as if he is speaking on his cell phone, and keeps it there for approximately 18 seconds.

“A few seconds after he finishes the call, the large crowd of people around him can be seen reacting to the first explosion.”

As others are reacting to the explosion, “Bomber Two” “calmly but rapidly” begins moving away from the finish line – without his backpack, which he had left on the ground.

About 10 seconds later, an explosion occurs in the location of the discarded knapsack.

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Two al-Qaeda suspects arrested in Spain

Two North African suspects thought to be linked to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) have been arrested in Spain, according to police.

An Algerian identified as Nou Mediouni was arrested in Zaragoza, northern Spain, the interior ministry said.

The other suspect, a Moroccan named Hassan El Jaaouani, was arrested in Murcia in the south.

Two North African suspects thought to be linked to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb have been arrested in Spain
Two North African suspects thought to be linked to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb have been arrested in Spain

They have “a similar profile to the two suspects who carried out the Boston attacks”, the ministry said. French police had helped to track them down.

AQIM is among several Islamist groups fighting French and West African troops in Mali.

It has its roots in the bitter Algerian civil war of the early 1990s, but in 2007 it emerged as an international jihadist group linked to Osama Bin Laden’s network. AQIM says its aim is to spread Islamic law and it is known for kidnapping Westerners and extracting ransoms.

It is not clear whether the men arrested in Spain are suspected of planning any attacks. Their similarity to the Boston marathon bombers was not explained in the ministry statement.

Moroccan Islamists linked to al-Qaeda were found guilty of the 2004 Madrid train bombings which killed nearly 200 people and injured more than 1,800.

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Libya: Explosion at French embassy in Tripoli

A car bomb has exploded outside the French embassy in the Libyan capital Tripoli, wounding two guards and causing extensive damage.

The blast completely destroyed the embassy’s reception area and parts of neighboring homes.

One official told Reuters news agency: “We think it was a booby-trapped car.”

An investigation is under way into what French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius called an “odious act”.

A car bomb has exploded outside the French embassy in the Libyan capital Tripoli, wounding two guards and causing extensive damage
A car bomb has exploded outside the French embassy in the Libyan capital Tripoli, wounding two guards and causing extensive damage

Laurent Fabius said French officials were working with the Libyan authorities to identify those responsible.

The explosion happened shortly after 07:00 in a smart, residential area of Tripoli.

The blast took place in a small side street, causing extensive damage to the buildings and parked cars.

Diplomatic missions in Libya have been attacked in the past, the most notable being the US consulate in the eastern city of Benghazi in September 2012 that led to the death of its ambassador Christopher Stevens and three Americans.

This is the first major attack on a foreign embassy in the Libyan capital, observers say.

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Woman in foul-mouthed racist rant towards fellow passenger on London eastbound District line train

London police is haunting a woman who launched a tirade of foul-mouthed racist abuse towards another passenger on an eastbound District line train.

The unidentified woman swore repeatedly repeating “If your country is so good, f*** off back there” at a man sitting next to her on the train.

Another passenger filmed the three-minute rant and posted it on YouTube which prompted British Transport Police to launch an investigation into the shocking alleged incident.

While it is unclear what provoked the attack or what the victim says during the video, the woman repeatedly swears, makes rude gestures and stands threateningly over the man

The woman screamed: “You come in this country you f***ing mother f***ers c***. You want everything on a plate f***ing c*** and expect us to take this.

London police is haunting a woman who launched a tirade of foul-mouthed racist abuse towards another passenger on an eastbound District line train
London police is haunting a woman who launched a tirade of foul-mouthed racist abuse towards another passenger on an eastbound District line train

“You are all racist c***s, you want to take over the world.

“You’re so thick you don’t even get it.”

On April 22, the police released an image of the woman. They said the date and time of the alleged attack is unclear. The video was posted on April 11.

Detective Constable Lawrence Murphy said: “We have isolated images of a woman we believe may be able to help us with our investigation into the incident.

“We believe the footage was filmed on an eastbound District line train, which passed through Stepney Green Tube station and Mile End station.

“At this stage, we urge anyone who witnessed this incident, or who recognizes the woman, to get in touch and help us build up a full picture of exactly what took place.

“We treat all allegations of racism very seriously and urge anyone with information about this incident to contact us.”

Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

In 2012, Jacqueline Williams, 47, was charged with a racially aggravated public order offence after she was filmed hurling racist abuse at train passengers. After the video, which shows a woman taunting a group of black passengers, was posted on YouTube she was arrested.

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Giuliana Rancic weight loss sparks concern at E! 2013 Upfront in New York

Giuliana Rancic appears to have lost even more weight sparking concern at the E! 2013 Upfront event held at the Manhattan Center in New York on Monday.

Giuliana Rancic, 38, chose a slinky black dress which did little to hide her shrinking frame and sinewy limbs.

When the Fashion Police host turned to the side to pose for cameras, her waist looked miniscule.

Giuliana Rancic appears to have lost even more weight sparking concern at the E! 2013 Upfront event held at the Manhattan Center in New York
Giuliana Rancic appears to have lost even more weight sparking concern at the E! 2013 Upfront event held at the Manhattan Center in New York (Photo Startraks)

Giuliana Rancic paired the long-sleeved frock with matching patent court shoes, a statement white necklace and lots of vampish red lipstick.

It is certainly not the first time Giuliana Rancic’s thin figure has caused worry and she famously was involved in a “skinny war” with LeAnn Rimes back in 2011.

Giuliana Rancic was also forced to defend reports that her infertility was caused from her being skinny.

Her fellow Fashion Police host Kelly Osbourne was also in attendance, dressed in a matronly navy dress with white ruffled collar.

A slew of other E! stars were in attendance, including Chelsea Handler, Ryan Lochte, Kevin Jonas and, of course, the Kardashians.

Krystle Campbell Funeral: Firefighters honor guard salute Boston attack victim’s casket at St. Joseph Church

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Thousands of well-wishers witnessed an honor guard of firefighters standing to attention to salute pallbearers carrying Boston Marathon attack victim Krystle Campbell’s casket into church today.

The line outside St. Joseph Church on Monday for the 11 a.m. funeral of 29-year-old Krystle Campbell stretched down the block as 23 officers on motorbikes joined the procession.

Krystle Campbell was one of three people killed near the Boston marathon finish line on April 15. The restaurant manager had gone to watch a friend finish the race.

In addition to the mourners, union members and a local motorcycle club showed up to stop a church group from disrupting the funeral.

Teamsters Local 25 President Sean O’Brien says the union members planned to stand in front of protesters to block them from the Campbell family’s view.

The Westboro Baptist Church, whose members are known for protesting outside soldiers’ funerals with anti-gay messages, issued a statement on Saturday vowing to protest Krystle Campbell’s funeral.

Mourners made up a quarter-mile long parade to say goodbye to Krystle Campbell – who was killed as a result of the deadly Boston bombings.

Different pictures of Krystle Campbell, some of her wearing a Red Sox shirt, some of her at her high school graduation and some as a child at her communion were pleaded on a slide-show loop.

The Lumineers’ hit Ho Hey was played as mourners, family and friends walked past her open brown casket.

Firefighters honor guard salute as pallbearers carry the casket of Boston Marathon bomb victim Krystle Campbell into St Joseph's Church for her funeral in Medford
Firefighters honor guard salute as pallbearers carry the casket of Boston Marathon bomb victim Krystle Campbell into St Joseph’s Church for her funeral in Medford

Krystal Campbell’s heartbroken mother Patty Campbell, who memorably declared: “It doesn’t make sense” after learning of her daughter’s death, bravely attended the service today.

Speaking to and hugging as many mourners as she could meet, Patty Campbell drove away from the church in tears.

Krystle Campbell’s parents were too upset to speak at any point during the funeral, so pastor Chip Hines spoke for them during the service, saying: “Krystle was always there for people.”

Cardinal O’Malley said the final prayer, said parishoner Phyllis Patten.

The hour long funeral service ended with a choir singing a proud version of God Bless America.

Some in the crowd outside St. Joseph’s Church in Medford said they had driven as far as 100 miles to attend the funeral, where officials including Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick were in attendance.

As she waited for the funeral, Renee Arsenault, a 28-year-old hairdresser, said she had gone to middle school with Krystle Campbell.

“I am so happy this many people showed up in her honor,” Renee Arsenault said.

The hearse carrying Krystle Campbell’s red-tinted casket was escorted by about 20 police motorcycles and an honor guard of uniformed law enforcement officers stood in front of the church as pallbearers carried the casket in.

A wake for Krystle Campbell was held on Sunday at a funeral home in Medford, where the 29-year-old restaurant manager was raised and graduated from high school in 2001.

After the funeral Mass in St Joseph’s Church on Monday, Krystle Campbell was then buried in Medford’s Oak Grove Cemetery.

Krystle Campbell’s funeral was the first of the memorial events planned for the day. Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino had called for the public to observe a moment of silence at 2:50 p.m., to mark one week since the bombing. Boston University scheduled a 7 p.m. memorial service for graduate student Lu Lingzi, who also died in the blast.

The governors of nearby states including Connecticut, New Hampshire and Maine also said they would observe the moment of silence.

No public funeral has yet been scheduled for the bombing’s youngest victim, Martin Richard, or for Sean Collier, a member of the MIT police who the two suspected bombers gunned down on Thursday night.

Suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, 19, was in custody at a Boston hospital on Monday after being apprehended on Friday night. He was badly injured in a gun battle with police that led to the death of his older brother Tamerlan Tsarnaev, 26.

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Ann Curry husband is software executive Brian Ross

NBC News Ann Curry is married to Brian Ross, whom she met in college, since 1989.

Ann Curry’s husband  is software executive Brian Ross, and not American TV journalist Brian Ross.

Ann Curry, 56, and Brian Ross have a daughter, McKenzie, and a son, William Walker Curry Ross.

The family lives in New Canaan, Connecticut.

Ann Curry is married to Brian Ross, whom she met in college
Ann Curry is married to Brian Ross, whom she met in college

Porsha Stewart of Real Housewives of Atlanta reveals she found out Kordell Stewart filed for divorce via Twitter

Real Housewives of Atlanta star Porsha Stewart says her divorce was such a surprise that she found out about it on Twitter even though she was still living with her estranged husband, Kordell Stewart.

After watching herself defend Kordell Stewart on part three of The Real Housewives of Atlanta reunion, Porsha took the chair on Watch What Happens Live to dish all about the breakdown on the marriage.

Porsha Stewart revealed that they’re still living together but horribly, they no longer speak at all.

“I’m blessed. I’m good. I’m here, I’m standing and I’m just being strong right now,” Porsha Stewart said positively as she began her chat.

The reality star then recalled the first moment she knew she was getting divorced after said she got a phone call from her sister, telling her to check Twitter.

“I thought, <<this is just a crazy joke!>>” Porsha Stewart, who had thought that the couple were working it through, said.

“I asked my husband … had he filed, and just a long story short, I felt very disappointed and let down,” the reality star told presenter Andy Cohen.

“When I got married, I meant it for life. … I was heartbroken,” Porsha Stewart added before explaining that she still lives with Kordell.

Porsha Stewart says her divorce was such a surprise that she found out about it on Twitter even though she was still living with her estranged husband, Kordell Stewart
Porsha Stewart says her divorce was such a surprise that she found out about it on Twitter even though she was still living with her estranged husband, Kordell Stewart

But it doesn’t sound like much of a choice, as she added: “It’s a difficult situation right now. It’s something I did not want at all.”

“What you saw on the reunion was a wife trying her last try,” Porsha Stewart said.

“When you’ve made a vow to that man and that child in your home, you owe him that. … It was a betrayal I suffered from, and that’s something I’ll have to move on with.”

Former NFL quarterback Kordell Stewart, 40, lodged legal papers at Fulton County Superior Court in Georgia on March 22, TMZ reports.

Just three months ago Real Housewives Of Atlanta Porsha Stewart, the granddaughter of civil-rights leader Hosea Williams, defended her husband during a radio interview when asked about rumors he was gay.

Power 105 FM’s Breakfast Club host Charlemagne Tha God asked Porsha Stewart in the December exchange: “You know there were a lot of gay rumors about Kordell at one point. He [allegedly] got caught in the park in Pittsburgh and the police didn’t want to turn him in because he was a star quarterback.”

Porsha Stewart responded: “I don’t know any details of all that. There’s lies out there on the Internet about all kinds of celebrities.

“One thing I do [know] is my husband loves me, and he puts it down and I will be with him forever. He’s more man to me than I have ever met.”

Porsha and Kordell Stewart married on May 21, 2011. Early in 2012 Porsha suffered a miscarriage due to uterine fibroids.

In the divorce documents, Kordell Stewart says the marriage is “irretrievably broken” and that they separated, according to TMZ.

He also says there are no marital assets to be divided, suggesting a prenuptial was signed, writing: “[She’s] an able-bodied person, earning income and is capable of supporting herself.”

Kordell Stewart, who is now a radio sports talkshow co-host with Atlanta’s WZGC 92.9 The Game, has a son Syre from a previous relationship with Tania Richardson.

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Ann Curry cuts her hair without informing NBC executives

Ann Curry debuted a new, shorter hairstyle on NBC News on Friday – without informing the networks executives – in what has been called an act of defiance.

Amidst criticism over Ann Curry’s physical appearance by her former Today bosses, the 56-year-old “just decided to cut it”, according to RadarOnline.com.

“Ann was always told by her bosses that her hair had to be long, and she just didn’t like to wear it at that length,” a source revealed.

“She is a no-fuss gal, and doesn’t want to spend a ton of time styling her hair. About a week ago, she just decided to cut it.”

They continued: “It’s a much shorter style, and doesn’t take as long to do. Ann didn’t tell her bosses she was going to do it beforehand.”

Ann Curry debuted a new, shorter hairstyle on NBC News on Friday without informing the networks executives
Ann Curry debuted a new, shorter hairstyle on NBC News on Friday without informing the networks executives

Like many other networks, any NBC on air talent is required to notify management before changes are made to their physical appearance.

But Ann Curry was often the victim of jokes at the hands of Today show executive producer Jim Bell, according to New York Times reporter Brian Selter‘s new book, Top Of The Morning: Inside the Cutthroat World of Morning TV.

Brian Stelter reported that Jim Bell was an instigator to “a general meanness on set” toward the former Today co-host.

In the months leading up to her teary-eyed departure from the morning show last summer, Ann Curry is said to have been “tortured”.

In one instance, a yellow dress Ann Curry wore on air was pictured next to Big Bird, and was captioned: “Who Wore It Best?

Ann Curry’s live report on NBC News was her first appearance on air in nine months, where she was covering the capture of Boston marathon bomber, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, on Friday evening.

Richie Havens dead: Legend of 1969 Woodstock rock festival dies of heart attack at 72

Richie Havens, the famous folk singer who opened the legendary 1969 Woodstock rock festival, has died of a heart attack at the age of 72.

First reports, quoting family in New York and his agency in Los Angeles, did not say where Richie Havens had died.

Richie Havens has died of a heart attack at the age of 72
Richie Havens has died of a heart attack at the age of 72

Brooklyn-born Richie Havens was famous for his distinctive guitar and singing style.

Recalling Woodstock, Richie Havens once said: “Everything in my life, and so many others’, is attached to that train.”

Richie Havens “was gifted with one of the most recognizable voices in popular music”, the agency said, quoted by AFP news agency.

“His fiery, poignant, soulful singing style has remained unique and ageless.”

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Canada thwarts al-Qaeda inspired attack on passenger train

Canadian authorities have arrested and charged two people with conspiring to carry out an “al-Qaeda inspired” attack on a passenger train in Toronto.

At a news conference, the authorities said the suspects Chiheb Esseghaier, 30, and Raed Jaser, 35, were arrested in Montreal and Toronto on Monday.

They allegedly planned to derail a VIA passenger train in the greater Toronto area. It was not clear when.

The suspects will now appear in court on Tuesday for a bail hearing.

Canadian authorities have arrested and charged two people with conspiring to carry out an "al-Qaeda inspired" attack on a passenger train in Toronto
Canadian authorities have arrested and charged two people with conspiring to carry out an “al-Qaeda inspired” attack on a passenger train in Toronto

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said the surveillance operation leading to the arrests of the two suspects was “a result of extensive collaborative efforts”.

They said the two men were not Canadian citizens and were supported by “al-Qaeda elements in Iran” but there was no evidence of state sponsorship.

Their plan was to derail a train and “kill and hurt people”.

Chief Spt. Jennifer Strachan said the two men had sought to target “a specific route, but not necessarily a specific train”.

VIA operates passenger rail services across Canada.

At the same time, the RCMP said they believed the plot was in the planning stage and “there was no imminent threat to the general public”.

“Each and every terrorist arrest the RCMP makes sends a message and illustrates our strong resolve to root out terrorist threats and keep Canadians and our allies safe,” Assistant Commissioner James Malizia said.

The RCMP also said that FBI agents from the US were involved in the operation to foil the attack.

There was no connection between the plot and last week’s Boston Marathon bombings, a US justice department official was quoted as saying by the Associated Press news agency.

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David Henneberry’s boat photo shows dozens of bullet holes and bloodied port side

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A newly released photo of David Henneberry’s boat, where Boston bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was discovered, shows a bloodied, bullet-ridden port side.

The damage has undoubtedly devastated 66-year-old David Henneberry, whose adoration for the rare 21-foot Seahawk boat is widely known among family and friends.

Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, 19, who was pulled from the boat after a two-hour standoff with police, was shot in his head, neck, legs and hand, according to federal authorities. He’s now in serious condition in Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, where on Monday he was charged in the twin Boston Marathon bombings that killed three people and injured more than 180.

David Henneberry, meanwhile, has been deemed a hero by local and national authorities after he inadvertently discovered Dzhokhar Tsarnaev Friday evening.

During the standoff, David Henneberry and his wife fled to the home of his neighbor, George Pizzuto, while officers fired on his beloved boat and helicopters swarmed overhead, using infrared lights to peer through the tarp and locate the suspect’s body.

A newly released photo of David Henneberry’s boat, where Boston bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was discovered, shows a bloodied, bullet-ridden port side
A newly released photo of David Henneberry’s boat, where Boston bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was discovered, shows a bloodied, bullet-ridden port side

Several hours later, following a brief exchange of fire and some negotiating, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was taken into custody.

It is unknown whether Dzhokhar Tsarnaev sustained all of his injuries during Friday night’s standoff or during the running gun battle with police early that morning. His brother and suspected accomplice in the bombings, Tamerlan Tsarnaev, 26, was killed in the Friday morning gun battle.

Dzhokhar Tsarnaev’s neck wound is reportedly self-inflicted. He is believed to have put his pistol in his mouth and fired, but he survived because the bullet passed through his throat instead of his brain.

Officers believe he sustained at least one of the leg wounds on Friday morning.

Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was charged on Monday with one count of using and conspiring to use a weapon of mass destruction – namely, an improvised explosive device or IED – against persons and property within the US resulting in death, and one count of malicious destruction of property by means of an explosive device resulting in death, according to a criminal complaint.

If he is convicted, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev could face a penalty of death or imprisonment for life.

Since the standoff that centered around his beloved boat, David Henneberry has tried to stay out of the media spotlight.

He stayed with relatives over the weekend to avoid reporters swarming outside his home and he declined Watertown officials’ invitation to be honored at Saturday’s Boston Bruins hockey game.

But David Henneberry’s stepson, Robert Duffy, has gladly shared the story of his stepfather’s courage and quick thinking with a number of television networks and newspapers.

His neighbor, George Pizutto, said David Henneberry would be “heartbroken” by the damage to his boat.

“That boat’s his baby. He takes care of it like you wouldn’t believe. And they told him it’s all shot up,” George Pizzuto told ABC affiliate WHAM-13.

“He’s going to be heartbroken.”

George Pizzuto later told reporters that David Henneberry feels overwhelmed by all the attention and that he isn’t ready to talk about what happened or his role in finding the suspect.

A fund set up online to help David Henneberry buy a new boat has raised $256 with a goal of raising $50,000.