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Pizzagate: Edgar Maddison Welch Sentenced to Four Years in Jail

Nancy Clayson
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Pizzagate: Edgar Maddison Welch Sentenced to Four Years in Jail

Edgar Maddison Welch, who opened fired in a Washington DC pizza restaurant because of an online conspiracy theory, has been sentenced to four years in jail.

The 28-year-old burst into Comet Ping Pong on December 4, 2016, armed with a rifle and pistol.

The gunman drove from North Carolina to pursue bogus claims that the restaurant was the nexus of a pedophile ring linked to Hillary Clinton’s inner circle.

No one was injured in what prosecutors described as an “armed invasion”.

Edgar Maddison Welch fired an assault rifle into a locked cabinet, believing that abused children were being kept there.

Image source Wikipedia

Online conspiracy theorists had circulated a rumor that hacked emails from Hillary Clinton’s campaign manager contained clues to a pedophile ring.

James Alefantis, who owns the restaurant, testified in court that Edgar Maddison Welch’s “physical terror” had “left lasting damage on the people I love”.

He added that he hopes that “one day in a more truthful time we will remember this day as an aberration” when “lies were seen as real and our social fabric had frayed”, the Washington Post reported.

Edgar Maddison Welch, who has two young daughters, pleaded guilty in March to assault and firearms charges.

In a letter to US District Judge Ketanji Jackson, Edgar Maddison Welch apologized for “endangering the safety” of the pizzeria customers, adding “it was never my intention to harm or frighten innocent lives, but I realize now just how foolish and reckless my decision was”.

Prosecutors had argued that a lengthy sentence was required to “deter other people from pursuing vigilante justice based only on their YouTube feed”.

The assistant US attorneys Demian Ahn and Sonali Patel wrote: “Beyond Pizzagate, the internet is full of wild conspiracy theories where people urge members of the public… to take action.”

Comet Ping Pong was forced to hire security and also unplugged their phone due to abusive callers, the court heard.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dgh0xLWgA0w

Mexico Wall: President Trump Talks Up Solar Panel Plan

Diane A. Wade
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Mexico Wall: President Trump Talks Up Solar Panel Plan

President Donald Trump has revealed that his proposed wall along the border with Mexico could have solar panels fixed to it.

Addressing a rally in Iowa, Donald Trump told supporters the panels would provide cheap energy and help to pay for the controversial wall.

The president suggested the plan was his own, saying: “Pretty good imagination, right? Good? My idea.”

However, solar panels have been included in designs for the wall submitted by companies.

During his campaign, Donald Trump pledged to build a wall along the Mexican border to stop illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

Image source Flickr

He insisted he would make Mexico foot the bill, but Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto has dismissed the idea.

President Trump told cheering supporters at a campaign-style rally in Cedar Rapids on June 21 that he would “give you an idea that nobody has heard about yet”.

He said: “We’re thinking of something that’s unique, we’re talking about the southern border, lots of sun, lots of heat. We’re thinking about building the wall as a solar wall, so it creates energy and pays for itself. And this way, Mexico will have to pay much less money, and that’s good, right?”

The president added: “Solar wall, panels, beautiful. I mean actually think of it, the higher it goes the more valuable it is. Pretty good imagination right? Good? My idea.”

More than 200 companies have reportedly responded to an invitation from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to submit designs for the Mexican wall.

Among them was one from Gleason Partners in Las Vegas that proposed a wall of steel, cement and solar panels.

In April, media reported that President Trump had raised the idea with Republican Congressional leaders in talks at the White House.

In an article for the Wall Street Journal in March, two academics also suggested the idea of a solar paneled wall.

Boris Becker Declared Bankrupt

Clyde K. Valle
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Boris Becker Declared Bankrupt

Boris Becker has been declared bankrupt by a London bankruptcy court.

Boris Becker, 49, owed a company of private bankers a large sum and the court registrar said there was not enough credible evidence that he could pay.

His lawyers asked for a final chance to pay with the funds from remortgaging a property in Majorca.

The three-time Wimbledon tennis champion, now a coach and TV pundit for the BBC and other media, was not at the hearing in London.

The bankruptcy application was made by Arbuthnot Latham in connection with a debt owed to them for nearly two years.

In a statement, Boris Becker said he was “surprised and disappointed” that Arbuthnot Latham had chosen to bring the proceedings against him.

Image source Wikipedia

“This order relates to one disputed loan which I was due to repay in full in one month’s time,” he said.

“It is disappointing that my request for today’s hearing to be postponed until this time was refused. My earnings are well publicized and it is clear that I have the means to repay this debt.

“The value of the asset in question far exceeds the debt owed to Arbuthnot Latham.”

Boris Becker’s lawyers had asked for another 28-day adjournment after saying that they expected the Majorca property deal to be completed in a month’s time.

However, the registrar rejected the plea and said: “It is not often the case that a professional person has a judgment (debt) outstanding against them since October 2015. This is a historic debt.

“One has the impression of a man with his head in the sand.”

Boris Becker’s advocate, John Briggs, said: “He is not a sophisticated individual when it comes to finances. I am asking for a real last chance for Mr. Becker to come good. It has just taken longer than anticipated.”

Since retiring from tennis, Boris Becker has worked in business and the media and he also coached former world No 1 Novak Djokovic for three years from 2013.

The Best European Cities to Visit This Summer

Sonia Pantiss
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The Best European Cities to Visit This Summer

Europe has a lot to offer travellers, whether you’re going on a month long inter-rail tour or for a weekend away. Every city has something unique to experience, from culture to landscapes, so we’ve shortlisted the five best to visit this summer. Before you travel make sure you are protected against any health costs by filling out your EHIC Application Form.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam offers a mix of historical culture (a visit to the famous Anne Frank house is essential) and diverse nightlife. There are over 300 festivals every year and most of these take place in the summer. There is sure to be something happening every weekend, from dance music to food and beer festivals. Although it might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a trip to Amsterdam, there are beaches just half an hour outside of the city by train. Alternatively, you can spend the day exploring along the canals by bike, which is the most popular mode of transport in the city.

 

Budapest

Night view of The Széchenyi Chain Bridge from Buda Castle in Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is great for travellers on a budget, with food, drink and accommodation being inexpensive. The picturesque city is a great place to soak up the sun, with plenty of parks to explore and its famous thermal baths to relax in. A river cruise on the Danube is the perfect way to spend a day seeing all the sights, including the Royal Palace and Buda Castle.

 

Venice

A collage of Venice: at the top left is the Piazza San Marco, followed by a view of the city, then the Grand Canal, and (smaller) the interior of La Fenice and, finally, the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore.
A collage of Venice: at the top left is the Piazza San Marco, followed by a view of the city, then the Grand Canal, and (smaller) the interior of La Fenice and, finally, the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore.

The canals of Venice have long been a favourite of travellers in Europe. Although the summer months may be the busiest, it is the best time to explore the waterways by gondola or water taxi. You’re never far from a secluded spot or a hidden pathway in the historic city. A highlight in the summer is stopping to enjoy some gelato in the scenic Saint Mark’s Square.

 

Paris

Courtyard of the Museum of Louvre, and its pyramid.
Courtyard of the Museum of Louvre, and its pyramid.

The city of culture may be an all-year-round attraction but the summer months are the best time to explore. Not only can you experience the clearest view from the top of the Eiffel Tower, you can also enjoy the park beneath it. Although it is worth arriving early in the morning to avoid long queues and make the most of your day! A cruise on the river Seine will take you through the heart of the city with its distinct architecture. Alfresco dining in Paris is unmissable, so plan to visit between July-August.

Berlin

Bikini-Haus, Berlin. In the background: Gedaechtniskirche, Upper West and Zoofenster
Bikini-Haus, Berlin. In the background: Gedaechtniskirche, Upper West and Zoofenster

Berlin comes alive in the summer, people can be found eating and drinking in bars and restaurants outside all day. The historical sites such as Checkpoint Charlie and the Berlin Wall are a great way to spend a sunny day. Afterwards, you can unwind in one of the many beautiful parks around the city. Day trips are easily accessible from the city if you’re looking to get the most out of your visit, Potsdam is just half an hour away and is home to Schloss Sanssouci the largest World Heritage Site in Germany.

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Must-Visit Places of New York, Sorted by Atmosphere

Sonia Pantiss
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Must-Visit Places of New York, Sorted by Atmosphere

First-time visitors start planning their trip to “The Big Apple” from a kind of confusion, the feeling perfectly described by PJ Harvey and Thom Yorke as “this mess we’re in”. The city is huge, full of all kinds of things from tempting to scary. Where to even start when you are here for the first time?

It’s no use sorting the locations by rating or distance. Let’s start from something simpler, like basic emotions and conditions. In this short guide, the most popular tourist spots of the city are sorted by the mood they evoke.

1. Relaxing places

Just arrived from another city nearby? Recovering from a terrible jetlag caused by one of those Kiev New York cheap flights; then, opt for something like the High Line or Central Park. Located 8 ft below the surface of the city, this is a perfect place to take long quiet walks amid beautifully designed gardens. No noise, no fees at all. Another good choice is a running path by the ocean, like the one on the West Side Highway.

2.  Extrovert’s heaven

Start missing people? Hurry up to the Times Square, crowded as ever. The place is your best shot for experiencing the mix of shiny billboards, sounds, and conversations. You will find many places to sit, stop with children, even watch broadcasted TV programmes. Also, take a subway ride, even if you didn’t plan it. No jokes, traveling underground is initial part of the so-called “real NY” tours. If you’re fond of nightlife and dancing, try Output, C’mon Everybody and the like.

3. Places to know more

Don’t miss such destinations of intellectuals as Guggenheim museum, MoMA, and The Metropolitan Museaum of Art. All these locations need quite a lot of attention and energy; this is a plan for no less than a day or two. If you’re interested in history, pay a visit to the September, 11 Memorial or the museum of the NYC history.

4. Weird places

Everybody loves feeling entertained, but how about feeling funny or weird? Here is just a couple of the places to go with this twist of mood. The first is Dream House, a neon-walled media installation that responds to every move you make with sound and visuals. The second is Obscura Store in East Village, full of skeletons and medical instruments, often creepy and old-fashioned.

5. Landmarks

By speaking about not-to-miss places, most people mean iconic objects which you have seen a hundred times, but only online. It’s time to explore how they feel (and, let’s just admit it, take selfies). Take a tour to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, enjoy the view from Empire State Building, cross the Brooklyn Bridge, enjoy the brightness of Coney Island — opportunities are endless.

 

 

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King Salaman of Saudi Arabia Replaces Crown Prince

Roy Siemens
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King Salaman of Saudi Arabia Replaces Crown Prince

King Salman of Saudi Arabia has appointed his son Mohammed bin Salman as crown prince – replacing his nephew, Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, as first in line to the throne.

His decree also means Prince Mohammed bin Salman, 31, will become deputy prime minister while continuing as defense minister.

According to state media, Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, 57, has been removed from his role as head of domestic security.

Prince Mohammed bin Nayef has pledged allegiance to the new crown prince, news agency SPA reports.

Saudi Arabia has typically been ruled by kings in their 70s or 80s.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s rapid ascent is seen by the younger generation as a sign that things are changing.

Before his latest promotion, Prince Mohammed bin Salman was responsible for leading Saudi Arabia’s war in Yemen, overseeing the kingdom’s energy policy and economic reform.

His father King Salman is 81 and reportedly not in the best of health.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman could lead Saudi Arabia for decades, heralding a long period of internal stability.

However, Mohammed bin Salman is close to President Donald Trump, and could ratchet up pressure against Iran – which would raise tensions in the region.

The founder of Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz (known as Ibn Saud), had dozens of sons, and there are as many as 15,000 princes and princesses in the royal family.

In 2006, a decree was passed setting up a committee responsible for electing the king and crown prince. The committee is made up of senior princes of the Al Saud royal family and is known as the Allegiance Council.

Mohammed bin Salman’s new promotion to crown prince was approved by 31 out of 34 members of the council.

Analysts say those in power tend to appoint their sons to roles that will enhance their chances of being promoted – so when monarchs and crown princes change, sons can come into and out of favor.

King Salman acceded to the throne in January 2015 after the death of his half-brother Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz.

He launched his first major cabinet reshuffle a few months later, promoting Mohammed bin Nayef to crown prince and Mohammed bin Salman, who was relatively unknown at that time, to deputy crown prince.

Experts say the second reshuffle has reduced uncertainty over the line of succession, and means the king has averted a potential power struggle between his son and his nephew.

The decree promoting Prince Mohammed bin Salman includes a clause preventing him from appointing one of his sons as his heir.

Saudi Arabia is the most influential Arab country – and a key ally of Western powers including the US and the UK.

The kingdom is also the world’s leading oil producer – and the Saudi royal family is thought to be one of the richest ruling families in the world.

Saudi Arabia is guardian of the two most holy sites in Islam, and regards itself as leader of the Sunni community worldwide.

The kingdom is a key player in Sunni attempts to block Shia Iranian influence in the Middle East.

It has launched air strikes on Yemen to fight Houthi rebels, who Saudi Arabia believes are backed by Iran. However, the campaign has been criticized for human rights violations – including the killing many civilians.

Recently, Saudi Arabia also joined efforts to impose a blockade on Qatar.

Prince Mohammed bin Nayef was the kingdom’s security chief for many years and was known for his strong stance against jihadist militants.

As deputy prime minister and interior minister, Prince Mohammed bin Nayef headed up the counter-terrorism portfolio, and also had good relations with Saudi Arabia’s Western allies.

State media broadcast footage showing Mohammed bin Nayef meeting Mohammed bin Salman after the succession was announced.

The former crown prince said: “I am content” and “I am going to rest now. May God help you”, while the new heir replied: “May God help you. I will never do without your advice.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Gyko6AXOxo

Travis Kalanick Resigns as Uber CEO

Clyde K. Valle
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Travis Kalanick Resigns as Uber CEO

Uber founder and CEO Travis Kalanick has resigned after pressure from shareholders.

Travis Kalanick’s resignation comes after a review of practices at the company and scandals including complaints of harassment.

Last week Travis Kalanick said he was taking an indefinite leave of absence following the sudden death of his mother in a boating accident.

He will remain on Uber board.

Five major Uber investors demanded Travis Kalanick’s immediate resignation as chief executive, the New York Times reported.

Travis Kalanick reportedly said: “I love Uber more than anything in the world and at this difficult moment in my personal life I have accepted the investors request to step aside so that Uber can go back to building rather than be distracted with another fight.”

Uber‘s board said in a statement: “Travis has always put Uber first. This is a bold decision and a sign of his devotion and love for Uber.

“By stepping away, he’s taking the time to heal from his personal tragedy while giving the company room to fully embrace this new chapter in Uber’s history. We look forward to continuing to serve with him on the board.”

Dan Primack, business editor of the Axios news service, was one of the first to report the investor demands for Travis Kalanick to go.

The editor said a group of investors, but particularly Bill Gurley of venture capitalist company Benchmark, had put pressure on Travis Kalanick to resign.

“It’s important to note: Travis controlled the board in terms of votes, so really, it was a vey big uphill climb for [Bill] Gurley and the other investors to get this done,” Dan Primack said.

Uber’s future prospects were now “pretty bright”, Dan Primack added.

Uber has been searching for a chief operating officer, but now can seek out Fortune 500 chief executives to take over the top spot, he said.

The ride-hailing company has had a series of recent controversies, including the departure of other high-level executives.

Eric Alexander, the former head of Uber’s Asia-Pacific business, left after a report that he had obtained the medical records of a woman who was raped by an Uber driver in 2014.

Eric Alexander reportedly shared them with Travis Kalanick, senior vice-president Emil Michael and others.

Eric Alexander was fired earlier this month, and Emil Michael later left Uber.

Board member David Bonderman made a sexist remark at a meeting about workplace practice recommendations last week and then resigned as a director.

In February, the company said it was investigating “abhorrent” harassment claims made by former Uber engineer Susan Fowler.

This month Uber said it had fired more than 20 staff and had taken action against others following a review of more than 200 HR complaints that included harassment and bullying.

There has also been a lawsuit from Google’s parent company, Alphabet, over alleged theft of trade secrets related to driverless cars.

Republicans Win Georgia and South Carolina Elections

Diane A. Wade
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Republicans Win Georgia and South Carolina Elections

Republicans have won a closely contested congressional election in Georgia.

The election is seen by many as a referendum on Donald Trump’s presidency.

Karen Handel retained the Atlanta seat with 53% of the vote, against 47% for her Democratic rival Jon Ossoff.

The vacancy arose when Tom Price left to become health secretary.

Tom Price had won the seat with a 23 point lead.

In South Carolina, Republican Ralph Norman beat Democrat Archie Parnell in a solidly conservative area.

President Donald Trump congratulated both candidates.

On the victory in suburban Atlanta, the president tweeted: “Congratulations to Karen Handel on her big win in Georgia 6th. Fantastic job, we are all very proud of you!”

Image source karenhandel.com

Georgia’s sixth district is a traditionally safe Republican seat but Democrats had hoped to capitalize on Donald Trump’s low approval ratings.

Spending on candidates was put at $56 million, making it the costliest congressional election in US history.

Democrats have already suffered narrow defeats in Kansas and Montana this year.

Addressing jubilant supporters, Karen Handel thanked key Republican figures, including President Trump.

She said: “I need to also thank Speaker Ryan and the House leadership and so many of the members across this country. And a special thanks to the President of the United States of America.”

Jon Ossoff told his supporters they had provided “a beacon of hope for people here in Georgia, for people across the country, and for people around the world”.

He also said they should celebrate having turned a conservative stronghold into a competitive district.

“We showed the world that in places where no-one thought it was even possible we could fight,” he said.

In April, Jon Ossoff narrowly failed to win the 50% needed to secure outright victory in a first round, forcing the run-off against Karen Handel.

Karen Handel had come a distant second in the first round, but the Republican vote had been split among 11 candidates.

Republicans believed the run-off would favor them in an affluent seat they have held since 1979.

They also believed that last week’s shooting of Republicans on a Virginia baseball field would count in their favor at the polls.

The suspected gunman was a Democratic supporter and a Republican advert that sought to politicize the attack was condemned by Karen Handel.

The South Carolina fifth-district seat, vacated when Mick Mulvaney became President Trump’s budget director, had been expected to be an easy win for Republicans.

The Republicans have so far staved off defeats by the Democrats this year.

In April they narrowly defended a deeply conservative Kansas seat vacated when President Trump appointed Congressman Mike Pompeo to lead the CIA.

Last month, Republican Greg Gianforte won a special congressional election in Montana, despite being charged with assaulting a UK reporter.

Is It Time You Looked For Another Job?

Dana R
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Is It Time You Looked For Another Job?

For some people, a job is a means of earning money to pay bills and put food on the table. For others, there’s an element of satisfaction involved. If your current job is serving solely to give you an income, it may be time to change tack. If you’re considering a career move, here are some signs that it’s time to look for a new job.

Image from https://pixabay.com/en/hand-congratulations-presentation-648448/

You find your job boring

Did you know that on average, we spend more than 1,900 hours at work per year? This is a lot of time to waste on doing something that you find dull. It may not be possible to find a job that provides you with never-ending excitement or unbridled joy, but don’t settle for something that bores you.

You have aspirations to do something else

Do you spend your days wishing you were somewhere else? If you have a dream job in mind, don’t give up on it, just because you’ve been knocked down before or you haven’t quite got the qualifications you need. Get some experience, find out about courses and training programs, and start taking steps to make yourself a better candidate for that ideal role.

You’re unhappy with your working conditions

Do you feel like you’ve been treated unfairly at work? Are you unhappy with the hours you work or have you been injured as a result of your working environment? All employers have a duty of care to their workforce, and if you feel that your employer is shirking their responsibilities, you can find out more about your legal rights on this home page. It’s a good idea to raise issues with your boss before you take further action, as they may be unaware of your fears or concerns.

You want more

Are you envious of people who love their job? Do you wish you could leave work every day feeling like you’d made a difference or you’d learned something new? If this is the case, it’s never too late to take a different path. When you devote so much time to working, it’s natural to want to get something out of your job. There’s no harm in looking for openings and vacancies that look more inspiring and appealing. You may also want to think about moving if you’ve been at the same level for a long time. Some companies are much more progressive than others, and if you want more money and more responsibility, it may be worth applying for roles at a different organization.

You don’t get on with your colleagues

If you work with others, building relationships is really important. The ties you have with other people can make or break the working day. If you’re close to your colleagues, you’re likely to find work much more enjoyable. If you have problems with them or you just don’t really click, this may make you more inclined to consider looking for a new job.

Image credit https://pixabay.com/en/colleagues-meeting-time-agreement-1697899/

Are you bored of your job or do you wish you had a job that offered you more? We spend too much time working to do something that doesn’t give us any enjoyment or motivation. If the signs above are familiar to you, maybe it’s time to start a new job hunt.

Otto Warmbier Death: Family Declines Post-Mortem Examination

Diane A. Wade
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Otto Warmbier Death: Family Declines Post-Mortem Examination

Otto Warmbier’s family has declined a post-mortem examination, according to the Hamilton County coroner.

The 22-year-old student died on June 19, shortly after being freed from North Korea.

Otto Warmbier was detained in North Korea for more than 15 months.

The coroner said only an external exam was performed on Otto Warmbier, who arrived home in a coma.

North Korea claims Otto Warmbier’s coma was due to botulism and a sleeping pill, but his family and doctors disagree.

Otto Warmbier was sentenced to 15 years’ hard labor in March 2016 after being tried for attempting to steal a propaganda sign from a hotel.

The coroner’s office in Cincinnati, Ohio, said in a statement: “No conclusions about the cause and manner of Mr. Warmbier’s death have been drawn at this time as there are additional medical records and imaging to review and people to interview.

“Our deepest sympathies are with the family and friends of Mr. Warmbier at this time of their tragic loss.”

Doctors at the Cincinnati Medical Center, where Otto Warmbier was treated following his return to the US on June 13, determined he suffered from “unresponsive wakefulness”, also known as persistent vegetative state, due to “severe neurological injury”.

However, it remains unclear exactly what happened to the student while in North Korea detention. His family and doctors dispute North Korea’s version of events.

A funeral is to take place on June 21 at a high school in Wyoming, Ohio, that Otto Warmbier attended before enrolling at the University of Virginia.

“All those that wish to join his family in celebrating his life are cordially invited,” the announcement states.

President Donald Trump said on June 19 that a “lot of bad things happened” to Otto Warmbier at the hands of the “brutal regime”.

On June 20, the president tweeted that the US once again condemned North Korea “as we mourn its latest victim”.

Jose Mourinho Denies Spanish Tax Fraud

Clyde K. Valle
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Jose Mourinho Denies Spanish Tax Fraud

José Mourinho has denied tax fraud in Spain, saying the government had ratified his tax affairs.

The Manchester United manager was accused by prosecutors of defrauding Spain of €3.3 million ($3.6 million) in taxes while he was Real Madrid coach from 2011 to 2012.

A prosecutor said José Mourinho, 54, did not declare income from image rights in order to get an “illicit benefit”.

A statement released on José Mourinho’s behalf said he “has not received any notification”.

Photo Getty Images

It added: “To this date, neither the Spanish tax authorities, nor the public prosecutor have contacted Jose Mourinho or his advisers who were hired for the inspection process.”

The statement also said José Mourinho “paid more than €26 million in taxes, with an average tax rate of over 41%” during the three years until May 2013 and that he “entered into a settlement agreement” with the Spanish tax authorities after a change of rules in 2015.

José Mourinho has been accused of two counts of tax fraud – €1.6 million in 2011 and €1.7 million in 2012. The Madrid prosecutor said the case was presented to a local court.

Other prominent soccer figures have been accused of tax fraud in Spain in recent months.

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who played under José Mourinho Mourinho and shares the same agent, is accused of defrauding tax authorities of €14.7 million, by also hiding his income from image rights.

Cristiano Ronaldo denies the accusations and is threatening to leave Spain. The Portuguese is set to give evidence in his case on July 31.

Vitamin Supplements: Sorting Fact From Fiction

Dana R
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Vitamin Supplements: Sorting Fact From Fiction

It’s no secret that as we start to get older, our bodies start slowing down. As much as you’d like to deny it, you’re no spring chicken anymore and you’re probably starting to feel the effects. Vitamin and mineral supplements are everywhere nowadays and all of the retailers boast of the benefits of their various products. In a world full of pseudoscience and fake news, it’s a nightmare to try to work out what is actually going to be good for you and what is just nonsense. We’ve put together a list to make sure your body is getting what it needs and you aren’t wasting your time and money on supplements that do absolutely nothing for you.

health

Pixabay

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is important in your later years because it helps to combat a lot of the problems that develop once you reach the other side of forty. Your risk of diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer is massively increased if you have a Vitamin D deficiency. The best way of getting Vitamin D is from sunlight but most people don’t spend enough time outside for that. Taking Vitamin D supplements is a good way to top up your levels to make sure you lower your risk of age-related diseases. D3 supplements are best because that form is most similar to the vitamins that you get from sunlight.

Calcium

Most people know that Calcium is good for you whatever age you are, but it becomes more important as you get older. The main benefit of Calcium is that it can help to increase bone strength which is important as your joints start to get weaker. Osteoporosis is a big problem in older people and increased Calcium levels can go some way to reducing the risk. In the past, Calcium supplements have been derived from rock but there are side effects that come with this. It is better to take other forms because AlgaeCal plant calcium side effects are pretty much non-existent. Studies have shown that it is safe for pregnant women and it has no toxic effects at all.

Vitamin C

Vitamin B12

If you want to maintain good brain function in your later years, you need to make sure you have a good level of Vitamin B12. In younger people, Vitamin B12 isn’t so much of an issue because you absorb most of it from food sources. When you start to get a bit older your body gets worse at absorbing it so your levels drop a bit. Taking supplements is a great way to make sure that your brain stays healthy.

Magnesium

High blood pressure is a very common health complaint amongst the older generation so trying to fight it is very important; Magnesium is brilliant for this. It also helps your body to better absorb Calcium so combining the two is the most beneficial for you.

Before you start taking any new supplements you should consult your doctor first to make sure that you aren’t going to cause yourself further problems.

Otto Warmbier Dies One Week After Release from North Korea

Diane A. Wade
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Otto Warmbier Dies One Week After Release from North Korea

President Donald Trump has condemned North Korea’s “brutal regime” after the death of American student Otto Warmbier who had been jailed there for more than 15 months.

North Korea returned the 22-year-old student to the US last week, saying he had been in a coma for a year and that it was acting on humanitarian grounds.

Otto Warmbier’s parents said he had been subjected to “awful torturous mistreatment”.

Fred and Cindy Warmbier said in a statement that their son had died at 14:20 local time on June 19 at the Cincinnati hospital where he had been receiving treatment.

They said he had “completed his journey home”.

Fred and Cindy Warmbier wrote: “When Otto returned to Cincinnati late on June 13, he was unable to speak, unable to see and unable to react to verbal commands.

“He looked very uncomfortable – almost anguished. Although we would never hear his voice again, within a day, the countenance of his face changed – he was at peace. He was home, and we believe he could sense that.”

They also said: “The awful torturous mistreatment our son received at the hands of the North Koreans ensured that no other outcome was possible beyond the sad one we experienced today.”

Otto Warmbier, who was jailed in North Korea for trying to steal a propaganda sign from a hotel, did not regain consciousness.

President Trump said that a “lot of bad things happened” to Otto Warmbier, but added: “At least we got him home to be with his parents, where they were so happy to see him, even though he was in very tough condition.”

The president said Otto Warmbier’s death had deepened his administration’s resolve “to prevent such tragedies from befalling innocent people at the hands of regimes that do not respect the rule of law or basic human decency”.

“The United States once again condemns the brutality of the North Korean regime as we mourn its latest victim.”

The company Otto Warmbier traveled with, Chinese company Young Pioneer Tours, has announced it will no longer take visitors from the US to North Korea.

North Korea said Otto Warmbier had contracted botulism, a rare illness that causes paralysis, soon after his trial in March 2016. He was given a sleeping pill and had been in a coma ever since.

However, a team of doctors assessing Otto Warmbier in Cincinnati said they had found “no sign of botulism”.

Otto Warmbier had suffered a “severe neurological injury” of unknown cause, the doctors said, leading to an extensive loss of brain tissue.

He could open his eyes but showed no sign of response to communication.

Doctors said the most likely cause, given Otto Warmbier’s young age, was cardiopulmonary arrest that had cut the blood supply to the brain.

It is not known when Otto Warmbier had fallen into his coma and there is a suspicion it was quite recently, as the US was only told at the beginning of this month about his health situation.

The North Koreans may have realized there was the possibility of an American citizen dying on their hands.

Former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, who has helped free other Americans in North Korea, said he had met North Korean envoys 20 times during Otto Warmbier’s incarceration and on no occasion was his health mentioned.

Bill Richardson called for the release of the three US citizens still held in North Korea:

  • Kim Dong-chul, a 62-year-old naturalized US citizen born in South Korea, who was sentenced to ten years hard labor in April 2016 for spying;
  • Korean-American professor Kim Sang-duk (known as Tony Kim), who was detained in April 2017. The reasons for his arrest are not yet clear;
  • Kim Hak-song, like Kim Sang-duk, worked at the Pyongyang University of Science and Technology (PUST) and was detained in May 2017 on suspicion of “hostile acts” against the state.

President Donald Trump was criticized in May when he said he would be “honored” to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at the “appropriate” time.

Barry Gibb Reveals A Man Tried to Molest Him

Sonia Pantiss
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Barry Gibb Reveals A Man Tried to Molest Him

Barry Gibb has revealed a man tried to molest him when he was a child, saying the memory was still “vivid”.

The Bee Gees star told Radio Times he had “never said this before”, adding: “Should I be saying it now?”

He explained: “A man tried to molest me when I was about four-years-old.

“He didn’t touch me, but other things happened and happened to other kids. And eventually they came and arrested him, and woke me up during the night.”

The singer added: “Four years old and a policeman on your bed at four in the morning interviewing you. If that doesn’t teach you about life, nothing does. But it’s vivid for me still. I’ve never told anyone.”

Image source Flickr

Barry Gibb was living with his family in the Isle of Man at the time.

He was speaking ahead of his performance on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury on June 25, 16:00 local time.

Barry Gibb is following in the footsteps of the likes of Johnny Cash, James Brown and Dolly Parton in the legends slot.

In 2016, Barry Gibb joined Coldplay, who were headlining Sunday night, performing renditions of To Love Somebody and Stayin’ Alive.

Olaparib: New Blood Test Helps Target Treatment for Prostate Cancer

Kathryn R. Bown
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Olaparib: New Blood Test Helps Target Treatment for Prostate Cancer

A blood test that could pick out which men with advanced prostate cancer would benefit from new drug treatment olaparib has been developed.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men.

The new test detects cancer DNA in the blood, helping doctors check whether precision drugs are working.

However, larger studies involving more men needed to take place to confirm if doctors could rely on the test.

Blood samples from 49 men with advanced prostate cancer were collected by researchers, as part of the phase II clinical trial of olaparib.

This type of precision drug is seen as the future of cancer medicine but because it is a targeted treatment, the drug does not work for everyone.

Researchers from The Institute of Cancer Research and the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust said the test could help target treatment better and also reduce its side effects.

They used the test to identify men who were not responding to the treatment in 4 to 8 weeks and also to pick up signs that the cancer was evolving and becoming resistant to the drugs.

Prof. Johann de Bono, consultant medical oncologist at the two organizations, said: “From these findings, we were able to develop a powerful, three-in-one test that could in future be used to help doctors select treatment, check whether it is working and monitor the cancer in the longer term.”

“Not only could the test have a major impact on treatment of prostate cancer, but it could also be adapted to open up the possibility of precision medicine to patients with other types of cancer,” he added.

London Mosque Attack: One Person Dies as Van Hits Muslim Worshippers

Roy Siemens
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London Mosque Attack: One Person Dies as Van Hits Muslim Worshippers

At least one man has died and 10 people have been injured after a man drove a van into worshippers near a north London mosque.

According to police, eight people were taken to hospital and several were seriously injured in the “terrorist attack”.

The van hit people just after midnight who were attending to a man who had collapsed in the street. He later died, but his cause of death is unclear.

Police said all the victims were Muslim and that a 48-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

The van driver was arrested after being detained by members of the public at the scene following the collision.

Police said there were no reports of anyone suffering from knife injuries after speculation at the scene the driver was armed with a knife.

Image source Reuters

Video posted online of the aftermath showed a scene of chaos as people tried to help the injured.

One man could be seen giving CPR to a victim in the street while another man’s head injury was treated with a makeshift dressing.

Metropolitan Police’s deputy assistant commissioner Neil Basu said the “terrorist attack” began when the van was driven into a man who was already being given first aid by the public on the pavement.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said that extra police are being deployed to reassure communities, especially those observing Ramadan.

The mayor also said his “thoughts and prayers” were with those affected by the “horrific terrorist attack on innocent people”.

“While this appears to be an attack on a particular community, like the terrible attacks in Manchester, Westminster and London Bridge it is also an assault on all our shared values of tolerance, freedom and respect,” he said.

Forensics officers are examining a white van which has Pontyclun Van Hire on it – a company from Rhondda Cynon Taff in Wales.

Many of the victims are believed to have just left evening prayers at the Muslim Welfare House after breaking the Ramadan fast.

PM Theresa May will chair a meeting of the emergency Cobra committee later.

She described it as a “terrible incident”, adding: “All my thoughts are with those who have been injured, their loved ones and the emergency services on the scene.”

If confirmed as a terror attack it would be the fourth such incident in the UK in four months, after attacks in Westminster, Manchester and on London Bridge.

France Elections 2017: La Republique en Marche Wins Clear Majority

Diane A. Wade
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France Elections 2017: La Republique en Marche Wins Clear Majority

La Republique en Marche, the party of French President Emmanuel Macron, has won a clear parliamentary majority, weeks after his own presidential victory.

With nearly all votes counted, La République en Marche, alongside its MoDem allies, won more than 300 seats in the 577-seat National Assembly.

The winning margin is lower than some expected, with turnout down from 2012.

La Republique en Marche was formed just over a year ago, and half of its candidates have little or no political experience.

The result has swept aside all of the mainstream parties and gives President Macron a strong mandate in parliament to pursue his pro-EU, business-friendly reform plans.

The second round of the parliamentary election was marked by weak voter turnout, estimated to be a record low of about 42%, down sharply on five years ago.

Correspondents say opponents of the 39-year-old president may simply have not bothered to turn out.

PM Edouard Philippe acknowledged the low turnout, promising his party would act for France as a whole.

The comfortable majority of La République en Marche (Republic on the Move or LREM) and MoDem – surpassing the 289-seat threshold required to control the National Assembly – will be a big blow to traditional parties on both the left and right.

The conservative Republicans and their allies could form a large opposition block, with 125-131 seats. But this figure is down from 200 seats in the last parliament.

The Socialists, who were in power for the past five years, alongside their partners, looked set to get only 41-49 seats – their lowest tally ever.

Socialist leader Jean-Claude Cambadélis announced his retirement from the post, and urged the left “to change everything, its form and its substance, its ideas and its organization”.

Marine Le Pen’s National Front (FN) party won eight seats, but it had set its sights on 15.

The 48-year-old leader has won a seat in parliament for the first time, representing Henin-Beaumont, a depressed former mining town in the north. However, two of her top aides, including her deputy leader, were eliminated.

Marine Le Pen said President Macron may have got a large parliamentary majority, but “he must know that his ideas are not of the majority in the country and that the French will not support a project that weakens our nation”.

North Korea Accuses US of Mugging Its Diplomats at JFK Airport

Diane A. Wade
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North Korea Accuses US of Mugging Its Diplomats at JFK Airport

The US authorities have been accused by North Korea of “literally mugging” its diplomats at a New York airport.

A spokesman for North Korea said the country’s officials had been “robbed” of a diplomatic package at John F. Kennedy Airport on June 16.

According to North Korea’s state news agency KCNA, the incident proved the US was a “lawless gangster state”.

The White House – which considers “solving” the North Korea crisis a priority – has yet to comment.

Image source Wikimedia

The North Korean diplomats were reportedly returning from a UN conference on disability rights when the incident – branded by KCNA as an “illegal and heinous act of provocation” – took place.

The news agency said: “The international community needs to seriously reconsider whether or not New York, where such an outrageous mugging is rampant, is fit to serve as the venue for international meetings.”

This alleged incident marks the latest addition to a catalogue of increasingly strained tensions between the two countries.

Last week, North Korea released American student Otto Warmbier, more than a year after he had been sentenced to 15 years’ hard labor.

Otto Warmbier was in a coma, showed no understanding of language, and had extensive brain tissue loss.

North Korea said Otto Warmbier’s coma was caused by botulism and a sleeping pill he took after his trial last year.

However, US doctors disputed this, while Otto Warmbier’s father said: “Even if you believe their explanation of botulism and a sleeping pill causing the coma – and we don’t – there’s no excuse for a civilized nation to have kept his condition secret and to have denied him top notch medical care.”

North Korea had accused Otto Warmbier – who had been on a tour of North Korea – of stealing a propaganda sign, claims disputed by those who were with him on the trip.

France Elections 2017: Emmanuel Macron Seeking to Obtain Strong Mandate in Second Parliamentary Round

Diane A. Wade
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France Elections 2017: Emmanuel Macron Seeking to Obtain Strong Mandate in Second Parliamentary Round

French voters go to polls in the second round of parliamentary elections on June 18, in a run-off between the top candidates from June 11 first round.

President Emmanuel Macron, 39, is seeking to obtain a strong mandate in parliament to help him pursue his reform plans.

His La République en Marche (Republic on the Move or LREM) with its MoDem allies is expected to win most seats.

Traditional parties are urging voters to back Emmanuel Macron’s rivals to stop a monopolization of power.

Emmanuel Macron formed his party just over a year ago, and half of its candidates have little or no political experience.

They include a retired bullfighter, a Rwandan refugee and a mathematician.

Image source Flickr

A party needs 289 seats to control the 577-seat National Assembly. LREM is predicted to win more than 400.

In the first round, Emmanuel Macron’s LREM and MoDem won 32.3% of the vote.

The center-right Republicans had 21.5%, while Marine Le Pen’s National Front (FN) had 13.2%, followed by the far-left La France Insoumise (France Unbowed) on just over 11%.

The Socialists, previously France’s ruling party, and their allies won just 9.5%.

However, the turnout was low, despite claims that President Emmanuel Macron had re-energized the voting public.

Analysts said it reflected a sense of resignation among his opponents.

Only four seats were settled in the first round.

The second round will see the two top-placed contenders for each seat facing each other, along with any other candidate who won the support of at least 12.5% of registered voters in the district.

Emmanuel Macron defeated Marine Le Pen in the presidential run-off in May.

The president needs a majority to push through the changes that he promised in his campaign, which include budget savings of €60 billion ($65 billion) in the next five years, cutting the number of public servants by 120,000, reforming the labor market and generous state pension schemes, bringing them into line with private schemes.

Beyonce Reportedly Gives Birth to Twins

Lisa.Felice
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Beyonce Reportedly Gives Birth to Twins

According to recent reports, Beyonce has given birth to twins, but the date of birth and gender of the babies are not yet publicly known.

Us Weekly, Entertainment Weekly and People magazines confirmed the news.

Beyonce announced her pregnancy in an Instagram photo in February – the most-liked post in history on the network.

Image source Wikipedia

The singer and her husband, Jay-Z, already have a daughter, Blue Ivy, aged 5.

There has been no official confirmation of the birth from Beyonce and Jay-Z themselves.

Other photos Beyonce posted after her pregnancy announcement showed her swimming under water, reclining on a bed of roses and sitting on a floral throne.

Speculation about the twins’ birth had grown in recent days after a woman was photographed entering a Los Angeles hospital on June 16 holding a card that read “B + J”.

Beyonce is the most-nominated star in the history of the Grammy awards, and her album Lemonade was the world’s best-selling record of 2016.

The singer had been due to headline the Coachella music festival in California in April, but pulled out on her doctor’s advice.

Rhode Island Teacher of the Year Waves Lace Fan While Posing with President Trump and First Lady

Nancy Clayson
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Rhode Island Teacher of the Year Waves Lace Fan While Posing with President Trump and First Lady

Rhode Island teacher Nikos Giannopoulos used a black lace fan during an official photo with President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the White House.

Thanks to the fan the photo of the special education teacher, the president and the first lady has gone viral.

Nikos Giannopoulos, 29, had traveled to Washington from his home after being named Rhode Island Teacher of the Year.

Along with teachers from every state, Nikos Giannopoulos was invited to the White House to meet President Trump – and he made very specific decisions about what to wear.

Image source The White House

In a Facebook post, Nikos Giannopoulos revealed he wore a rainbow pin, in “gratitude to the LGBTQ community”, a blue jacket and black fan to “celebrate the joy and freedom of gender nonconformity”, and an anchor necklace in honor of the Rhode Island.

The black lace fan, which belonged to Nikos Giannopoulos’s partner, was the thing that really stole the show.

Nikos Giannopoulos told NPR that, despite the president’s immediate appreciation for the fan, which he praised as “stylish”, he was told by White House staff to put it away for the official picture.

However, Nikos Giannopoulos decided to quietly keep it by his side until it came time for the photo.

“I just asked the president, <<Do you mind if I use the fan for the photo?>>. He said, <<Absolutely go for it>>. So I popped my fan and did my pose.”

Cuba Reacts to President Trump’s Decision to Roll Back on Policy Changes

Diane A. Wade
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Cuba Reacts to President Trump’s Decision to Roll Back on Policy Changes

Cuban government has denounced President Donald Trump’s decision to roll back on policy changes towards Cuba.

However, Cuba says it will still co-operate with its larger neighbor.

Speaking earlier in Miami, Florida, President Trump said he was re-imposing certain travel and trade restrictions eased by the Obama administration, condemning a “completely one-sided deal”.

However, President Trump is not reversing key diplomatic and commercial ties.

Cuban state TV said: “The government of Cuba denounces the new measures toughening the embargo.”

However, Cuba also reiterated “its willingness to continue the respectful dialogue and cooperation”.

Former President Barack Obama attempted to thaw relations by loosening trade and tourism bans.

President Donald Trump says his new policy will tighten rules on travel and on sending funds to Cuba.

Announcing the changes on June 16, President Trump cited human rights concerns, saying doing a deal with the “brutal” Castro government was “terrible” and “misguided”.

Later that night, Cuban state news said: “Any strategy aimed at changing the political, economic and social system in Cuba – whether by pressure or imposition or through more subtle means – is destined to fail.”

However, President Donald Trump is not rowing back on all parts of Barack Obama’s deal.

President Trump will not close the US embassy in Havana, commercial flights from the US will continue, and Americans will still be able to return home with Cuban goods.

Carrie Fisher Cause of Death: Star Wars Actress Died from Sleep Apnea and Other Factors

Sonia Pantiss
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Carrie Fisher Cause of Death: Star Wars Actress Died from Sleep Apnea and Other Factors

Carrie Fisher, best known for her Star Wars role as Princess Leia, died from sleep apnea and “other factors”, the Los Angeles County coroner says.

The 60-year-old’ death certificate said in January that she had suffered a cardiac arrest.

However, in a statement the LA coroner said the exact cause was unknown.

Photo Flickr

Sleep apnea is a common condition in which a person stops breathing during sleep, either for a few seconds or minutes.

As well as listing sleep apnea as a cause of death, the coroner’s statement cited other factors, including heart disease and drug use.

Carrie Fisher’s manner of death would be listed as undetermined, it said.

She had been on tour promoting her book The Princess Diarist when she was taken ill on a flight from London to Los Angeles on December 23.

Carrie Fisher never regained consciousness and died on December 27 at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Centre.

Her mother, actress Debbie Reynolds, died the following day.

Helmut Kohl Dies Aged 87

Diane A. Wade
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Helmut Kohl Dies Aged 87

Former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl has died at the age of 87.

He was the architect of Germany’s reunification in 1990.

Helmut Kohl led Germany from 1982 to 1998. He is credited with bringing East and West Germany together after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Together with his French ally President Francois Mitterrand, Helmut Kohl was responsible for the introduction of the euro.

European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker has ordered flags at EU institutions to be flown at half-mast.

Jean-Claude Juncker said in a tweet: “Helmut’s death hurts me deeply.

“My mentor, my friend, the very essence of Europe, he will be greatly, greatly missed.”

Image source Wikimedia

Former President George H.W. Bush paid tribute to the man he knew while in office from 1989 to 1993 as a “true friend of freedom” and “one of the greatest leaders in post-war Europe”.

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel paid tribute to a “great German statesman and above all a great European”.

Helmut Kohl suffered a bad fall in 2008 and had been using a wheelchair.

According to Bild newspaper, Helmut Kohl died at his house in Ludwigshafen, in the western state of Rhineland-Palatinate.

Helmut Kohl, who led the center-right Christian Democrats, was the longest-serving chancellor of the 20th Century.

A passionate believer in European integration, he persuaded Germans to give up their cherished deutschmark in favor of euro.

Helmut Kohl fell from grace when a funding scandal under his leadership of the Christian Democrats came to light after he left office in 1998.

Current Chancellor Angela Merkel was once Helmut Kohl’s protégée, first entering government under his rule in 1991.

Angela Merkel publicly denounced Helmut Kohl and called for his resignation when it was revealed the party had received millions of dollars worth of illegal donations using secret bank accounts.

In 2011, in a series of interviews and statements, Helmut Kohl spoke out against Angela Merkel’s policy of strict austerity to deal with the European debt crisis.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rRC0Z_Axz4

Amazon Buys Whole Foods in $13.7 Billion Deal

Clyde K. Valle
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Amazon Buys Whole Foods in $13.7 Billion Deal

Amazon has announced that it is buying Whole Foods in a $13.7 billion deal that marks its biggest push into traditional retailing yet.

The online retail giant, which has been experimenting with grocery offerings, will buy the upscale supermarket for $42 a share.

Founded in 1978 in Texas, Whole Foods was a pioneer of the move towards natural and organic foods.

Whole Foodshas grown to more than 460 stores in the US, Canada and the UK, and employs about 87,000 people globally.

Image source Wikimedia

Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos said: “Millions of people love Whole Foods Market because they offer the best natural and organic foods, and they make it fun to eat healthy.

“Whole Foods Market has been satisfying, delighting and nourishing customers for nearly four decades – they’re doing an amazing job and we want that to continue.”

Whole Foods has been under pressure from investors amid declining same-store sales. Last month, the company named a new chief financial officer and new board members.

In April, activist investor Jana Partners called Whole Foods’ shares undervalued, noting “chronic underperformance”.

The price being paid by Amazon marks a 27% premium to the level Whole Foods’ shares closed at on June 15.

The takeover deal is expected to be completed in the second half of the year.

Whole Foods CEO John Mackey said: “This partnership presents an opportunity to maximize value for Whole Foods Market’s shareholders, while at the same time extending our mission and bringing the highest quality, experience, convenience and innovation to our customers.”

John Mackey is expected to stay on as chief executive.

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