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Top Gear Airs Final Episode with Jeremy Clarkson

Clyde K. Valle
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Top Gear Airs Final Episode with Jeremy Clarkson

The final episode of Top Gear hosted by Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond was screened on Sunday, June 28.

The 75-minute special was compiled from footage shot before Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond left Top Gear.

The BBC Two show made no reference to their departure, nor the circumstances.

Closing the show, James May said: “Thank you very much for watching and, well, goodbye.”

Richard Hammond also said goodbye and the credits then rolled in silence.

After the episode ended, Jeremy Clarkson took to Twitter to say: “Many many thanks for all your support and encouragement over the years. So sad and sorry it’s ended like this.”Top Gear final episode with Jeremy Clarkson

Richard Hammond also tweeted: “Can’t believe that one life has room to accommodate the first and the last steps of that incredible adventure. Thanks for your company.”

The show was a swansong for Jeremy Clarkson – whose contract was not renewed after he punched a producer – as well as James May and Richard Hammond, who both turned down the opportunity to return to the series.

The final show featured two separate films – in the second installment, Jeremy Clarkson is seen stranded in a river, declaring: “I hate working on Top Gear.”

At the beginning of the show James May welcomed viewers by saying: “Hello, and welcome to what’s left of Top Gear.”

The show format featured James May and Richard Hammond presenting in an empty studio, without Jeremy Clarkson or the usual live audience.

Also visible in the studio was the “elephant in the room”, a 10ft plastic replica elephant from a Hull design company which the show’s makers borrowed, called Jeremy.

The episode is predicted to become the highest-rated episode in Top Gear history, beating the audience of 8.35 million who tuned in to see Lewis Hamilton’s appearance in December 2007.

Jeremy Clarkson recorded a new voiceover for the show, although he was not paid. Richard Hammond and James May filmed new links, but without the traditional Top Gear studio audience.

Writing in the Sun, Jeremy Clarkson had said: “BBC Two is screening an edition of Top Gear cobbled together from two films that were made before I was fired.

“One of them is quite good.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b10xlDU7uNQ

Solar Impulse 2 Makes Second Pacific Crossing Bid

James J. Williams
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Solar Impulse 2 Makes Second Pacific Crossing Bid

Solar Impulse 2 is making its second bid at a record-breaking flight across the Pacific Ocean.

The solar-powered plane took off from Nagoya Airfield in Japan at 18:03 GMT on June 28 and is scheduled to land in Hawaii in approximately 120 hours.

Solar Impulse 2 said on its website that pilot Andre Borschberg had passed the point of no return.

The team has spent nearly two months waiting for a clear weather window to cross the Pacific.

“Andre Borschberg has passed the point of no return and must now see this 5 days 5 nights flight through to the end,” the Solar Impulse team said on its website.

Andre Borschberg now no longer has the option to turn around and return to Japan, if the weather forecast changes.

The first attempt to fly over the Pacific Ocean was cut short after a change in the forecast forced an unscheduled landing.

Another attempt to take off on June 23 was cancelled at the last moment because of concerns about the conditions.

This time, the team will not be widely publicizing the take-off until the plane is several hours into its flight, as it may need to turn back if the forecast changes.

However, if the pilot succeeds, it will be the longest-duration solo flight in aviation history, as well as the furthest distance flown by a craft that is powered only by the Sun.

The Pacific crossing is the eighth leg of Solar Impulse’s journey around the world.

But this stage has proven to be the most difficult, and has been hit by weeks of delays.Solar Impulse 2 makes second Pacific crossing bid

Swiss pilot and Solar Impulse co-founder Andre Borschberg, who is flying the experimental single-seater craft, was initially supposed to begin his journey to Hawaii from Nanjing in China.

He spent weeks there, with his ground-support team, waiting for the right flying conditions to present themselves.

Andre Borschberg finally took off on May 31, but a deterioration in the forecast a few hours into the mission meant that he had to divert to Japan.

The rainy season in Nagoya has meant another long wait there – but after the false start last week, meteorologists are now confident they have found a weather window to make the five-day, five-night crossing to Hawaii.

A spokesperson said that the plane would be heading straight out across the Pacific.

The experimental craft – which has 17,000 solar cells – is powered only by the Sun.

Once over the ocean, if it fails to soak up enough rays to fully charge its batteries and make it through the night, the pilot could be forced to bail out.

Andre Borschberg has been trained for that eventuality.

He has a dinghy and enough supplies for several days while he waits for the team to identify a vessel to go pick him up.

But, of course, the team hopes none of this will be necessary.

Andre Borschberg’s will spend the duration of the flight strapped into his seat in a cockpit that is about the same size as a telephone booth.

He will only be allowed to take 20-minute cat-naps, but says he will use yoga and meditation to make his journey more comfortable.

If this flight succeeds, the plane will continue its journey around the world, with Bertrand Piccard taking the controls for the next Pacific crossing from Hawaii to the US mainland.

Solar Impulse 2 will then continue across North America, before attempting to fly over the Atlantic.

However, the build-up of delays could impact on the later stages. Ideally, the plane needs to cross the Atlantic before August, when the hurricane season reaches its peak.

David Sweat Caught: Second New York Escapee Shot and Captured near Canadian Border

Diane A. Wade
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David Sweat Caught: Second New York Escapee Shot and Captured near Canadian Border

Second New York escapee David Sweat has been captured near the Canadian border, officials say.

David Sweat, 35, is now in custody after being shot by police.

His prison-break partner, Richard Matt, 49, was killed by police on June 26.

The two convicted murderers escaped three weeks ago from the maximum security Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora through the sewer system after using power tools to break out of their cell.

The spectacular escape set off a massive manhunt.

David Sweat was shot and seized in the town of Constable on June 28, Franklin County Sheriff Kevin Mulverhill was quoted as saying by the Associated Press news agency.

Sheriff Kevin Mulverhill said the prisoner is now in hospital.

David Sweat was reportedly shot twice. The Buffalo News quoted a source who said that the convict’s wounds were “life-threatening” and he was bleeding badly.

He was spotted by state police and shot when he tried to run away, reports say.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives wrote on its Twitter page: “#DavidSweat of the #PrisonBreakNY captured. Sleep peacefully New York.”

Richard Matt was shot dead near the town of Malone.

David Sweat and Richard Matt had been making their way through rugged forests in upstate New York, stealing food and guns from woodland cabins along the way.

US officials have charged prison worker Joyce Mitchell with aiding the two inmates in their escapeDavid Sweat captured

Prosecutors allege that Joyce Mitchell gave the men power tools that allowed them to saw through a steel cell wall before bashing a hole through a brick wall and crawling through.

Joyce Mitchell denies the charges.

Clinton correction officer Gene Palmer is also accused of aiding the convicts.

Officials allege that Gene Palmer gave David Sweat and Richard Matt the frozen hamburger meat Joyce Mitchell had used to hide hacksaw blades and a screwdriver.

Gene Palmer’s attorney said his client had no knowledge that the meat contained the escape tools.

Richard Matt was serving a prison sentence of 25 years to life for the killing of his former boss.

David Sweat was serving a life sentence for murdering a sheriff’s deputy.

Greece Default: Banks Remained Closed as Capital Controls Will Be Imposed

Clyde K. Valle
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Greece Default: Banks Remained Closed as Capital Controls Will Be Imposed

Greece’s PM Alexis Tsipras has announced that the Greek banks are to remain closed and capital controls will be imposed.

Speaking after the European Central Bank (ECB) said it was not increasing emergency funding to Greek banks, Alexis Tsipras said Greek deposits were safe.

Greece is due to make a €1.6 billion payment to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on June 30 – the same day that its current bailout expires.

The country risks default and moving closer to a possible exit from the eurozone.

Greeks have been queuing to withdraw money from cash machines over the weekend, and the Bank of Greece said it was making “huge efforts” to keep the machines stocked.

Greek banks are expected to stay shut until July 7, two days after Greece’s planned referendum on the terms it had been offered by international creditors for receiving fresh bailout money.

The Athens stock exchange will also be closed on June 29.Greek banks closed 2015

Eurozone finance ministers blamed Greece for breaking off the talks, and the European Commission took the unusual step on Sunday of publishing proposals by European creditors that it said were on the table at the time.

Greece described creditors’ terms as “not viable”, and asked for an extension of its current deal until after the vote was completed.

“[Rejection] of the Greek government’s request for a short extension of the program was an unprecedented act by European standards, questioning the right of a sovereign people to decide,” Alexis Tsipras on June 28 said in a televised address.

“This decision led the ECB today to limit the liquidity available to Greek banks and forced the Greek central bank to suggest a bank holiday and restrictions on bank withdrawals.”

Alexis Tsipras said he had sent a new request for an extension to the bailout.

“I am awaiting their immediate response to a fundamental request of democracy,” he said.

Following the news from Greece the euro fell by nearly two US cents against the dollar in early Asia Pacific trade, Reuters reported.

The announcement comes after a particularly turbulent few days for Greece.

The current ceiling for the ECB’s emergency funding – Emergency Liquidity Assistance (ELA) – is €89 billion. It is thought that virtually all that money has been disbursed.

SpaceX Falcon-9 Explodes Minutes After Cape Canaveral Launch

James J. Williams
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SpaceX Falcon-9 Explodes Minutes After Cape Canaveral Launch

Unmanned SpaceX rocket Falcon-9 has exploded minutes after lifting off from Cape Canaveral in Florida.

Rocket debris tumbled out of the sky into the Atlantic Ocean.

Falcon-9, which had 18 straight successes prior to Sunday’s flight, was in the process of sending a cargo ship to the International Space Station (ISS).

NASA says important supplies have been lost but the orbiting lab’s crew is secure.

Even now, the three astronauts have sufficient stores of food, water and equipment to operate until late October, and there should be visits from Russian and Japanese freighters before then.

The problem occurred 139 seconds into the flight, just before the first-stage of the rocket was about to separate from the upper-stage, or top segment of the Falcon-9.

“The vehicle has broken up,” said NASA commentator George Diller, as TV images showed the white rocket falling to pieces.SpaceX Falcon 9 explosion June 2015

“We appear to have had a launch vehicle failure,” he added.

“There was an overpressure event in the upper-stage liquid oxygen tank,” tweeted SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.

“Data suggests counterintuitive cause. That’s all we can say with confidence right now. Will have more to say following a thorough fault tree analysis.”

SpaceX will now lead an investigation, overseen by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and NASA, which contracts the California company commercially to resupply the station.

This means there will be no further Falcon-9 launches in the immediate future.

SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell said: “Once we identify the issues we will submit that documentation to the FAA and it will be considered prior to the next flight.”

“I don’t have a timeline for that right now. It certainly isn’t going to be a year – (more likely) a month or so.”

NASA had loaded SpaceX’s Dragon freighter on the top of the Falcon with just over two tonnes of supplies.

These included a new docking mechanism that will be needed when future astronaut vehicles – one of them based on the robotic Dragon itself – come into service later this decade.

The agency has a second mechanism that it will be sending up shortly, but it will now also have to build a third to replace the one lost in the Atlantic.

NASA’s associate administrator for human spaceflight, Bill Gerstenmaier, said:“I think this points out the challenges and difficulties we face in spaceflight.

“We are operating systems at the edge of their ability. This is a very demanding environment that requires tremendous precision and tremendous amounts of engineering skill – for hardware to perform exactly as it should.”

Laremy Tunsil Arrested for Domestic Violence Against Stepfather

Clyde K. Valle
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Laremy Tunsil Arrested for Domestic Violence Against Stepfather

Ole Miss Rebels offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil was arrested on June 25 in Oxford for domestic violence against his stepfather, coach Hugh Freeze confirmed on June 27.

Laremy Tunsil, 20, turned himself into authorities, Hugh Freeze said, after he allegedly assaulted his stepfather, Lindsey Miller, in defense of his mother, Desiree Tunsil.

Hugh Freeze said that Laremy Tunsil and his mother have pressed charges against Lindsey Miller.

An Oxford Police Department spokesperson could not confirm if Laremy Tunsil and his mother have indeed filed charges.

In a statement, Coach Hugh Freeze said: “Laremy realizes he could have handled it differently.

“I am proud of him for standing up for his mother and protecting his family.”Laremy Tunsil arrested for domestic violence

Lindsey Miller told The Clarion-Ledger that he denies the report and alleges the incident occurred after an argument with Laremy Tunsil on Thursday afternoon.

He claims he never pushed Laremy Tunsil’s mother and that Tunsil instigated the fight.

Lindsey Miller also said Laremy Tunsil struck him six to seven times.

An Oxford Police Department spokesperson said Laremy Tunsil’s arrest report would not be made available until June 29.

According to a report from ESPN, Laremy Tunsil was at his mother’s home when the incident occurred. Lindsey Miller shoved Laremy Tunsil’s mother and in response Tunsil punched his stepfather, a source told Brett McMurphy.

“As we gather more facts, we will act and make a decision accordingly,” Hugh Freeze said.

The 6-foot-5, 305-pound junior is one of the nation’s top offensive linemen and is a likely top five pick in next year’s NFL draft. ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. projected Laremy Tunsil as the second overall selection in his first “big board” for 2016.

An unnamed NFC scout told NFL.com that Laremy Tunsil’s situation would be met with understanding by NFL clubs, “if it checks out”.

This summer, Laremy Tunsil has been tabbed a preseason All-American by a host of media outlets. He was an All-SEC selection last season.

Laremy Tunsil is currently rehabbing a broken leg and dislocated ankle, an injury he suffered in December during Ole Miss’ loss to TCU in the Peach Bowl.

Tunisia Attack: Sousse March to Denounce Terror

Roy Siemens
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Tunisia Attack: Sousse March to Denounce Terror

A march has been held in the Tunisian resort town of Sousse to denounce the attack in which at least 38 people – mostly tourists – were killed by a gunman on a nearby beach on June 26.

The crowds gathered late on June 27 at a hotel also targeted by the attacker.

They marched through the town expressing sympathy with relatives of the victims, 15 of whom were British.

Tunisia’s PM Habib Essid announced a security clampdown after the attack claimed by Islamic State (ISIS).Tunisia attack Sousse protest

Habib Essid said army reservists would be deployed to tourist sites. About 80 mosques accused of inciting violence would be closed within a week.

Friday’s attack was the deadliest in Tunisia’s recent history.

In March, militants killed 22 people, mainly foreigners, at the Bardo museum in the capital Tunis.

The demonstrators marched after dark on the streets of Sousse, with many holding candles to mourn the victims of Friday’s attack.

“Sousse will never die!” the crowds chanted.

A separate rally was held in Tunis.

One Belgian and one German have so far been identified among the dead, the Tunisian health ministry said. One citizen of the Irish Republic is also confirmed dead. There were also thought to be Tunisians killed in the attack.

At least 36 people were injured, some seriously.

Many of the tourists in hotels targeted in the attack have left the country or are waiting for specially arranged flights, but correspondents noted a few were back by the hotel pool on Saturday, vowing they would continue their holidays as scheduled.

Tunisia’s economy relies on tourism, and there are fears that the recent attacks will deal a major blow to the industry.

Security officials said the attacker, who posed as a swimmer but was carrying a rifle under a parasol, started shooting on the beach before entering the Hotel Imperial Marhaba, continuing to shoot.

Officials later identified the gunman as 23-year-old student Seifeddine Rezgui. They said they had no inkling of what he had been planning.

Tunisia has recently seen militant Islamists gain strength since the overthrow of long-serving ruler Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali in in 2011.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wntzZwg9K9M

Greece Parliament Backs Bailout Referendum

Clyde K. Valle
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Greece Parliament Backs Bailout Referendum

The Greek lawmakers have backed plans for a referendum on international creditors’ terms for a new bailout.

The July 5 referendum was called by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, who opposes further budget cuts. He urged voters to deliver a “resounding <<No>>” to the package.

Eurozone partners have criticized Greece’s referendum announcement, and rejected its request to extend the bailout program beyond June 30.

Greece could default on a €1.6 billion repayment to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) due on that day.Greece parliament backs bailout referendum

There are fears the country may leave the euro and that its economy may collapse without new bailout funds.

Alexis Tsipras’ motion on a referendum easily won backing in the 300-member strong parliament, with at least 179 lawmakers voting in favor of it in the early hours of Sunday, June 28.

Speaking just before the vote, Alexis Tsipras described the creditors’ proposal as “an insulting ultimatum” and said an emphatic “No” vote on July 5 would strengthen Greece’s negotiating position.

His government had earlier rejected the creditors’ offer of a five-month extension to Greece’s bailout program in exchange for reforms.

On June 28, eurozone finance ministers rejected the Greek proposal for the bailout extension beyond Tuesday’s deadline. A Eurogroup statement said Greece had broken off negotiations over a new bailout deal “unilaterally”.

Eurogroup head Jeroen Dijsselbloem said it would now be up to the European Central Bank (ECB) to decide whether to continue providing emergency liquidity funding to the Greek banking system.

Meanwhile, queues have formed in Greece outside banks in the past few days amid concerns that the central bank might start restricting withdrawals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUTW1WvLQLk

Taiwan: 519 People Injured in Formosa Water Park Explosion

Nancy Clayson
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Taiwan: 519 People Injured in Formosa Water Park Explosion

Hundreds of people were injured when fire ripped through crowds at a party at Formosa Water Park outside Taiwan’s capital Taipei.

Saturday’s incident at the Formosa Water Park is believed to have happened when a colored powder ignited after being discharged onto the crowd.

Footage showed people panicking and screaming. Inflatable water toys were shown being used as stretchers.

According to authorities, More than 500 people were injured with 190 being seriously hurt – 182 are in intensive care.

Some of them breathed in the powder, causing respiratory problems.Taipei Formosa Water Park explosion

Local media said organizers of the Color Play Asia event had been taken in for questioning by prosecutors.

Footage of the incident shows a party in full swing when suddenly fire erupts.

The fire was quickly brought under control, but the cause of the incident is still under investigation.

The authorities believe something that caught fire caused the colored powder spray or dust – used to create a party atmosphere – to explode.

The substance is also used in other countries. It is made of dried corn and can be highly flammable.

The 519 victims were sent to 41 hospitals, and 413 are still in hospital, say municipal authorities.

The incident occurred about 20:30 local time. More than 1,000 people were near the stage at the time.

The fire department said: “Our initial understanding is this explosion and fire… was caused by the powder spray. It could have been due to the heat of the lights on the stage.”

Many people flocked to water parks on June 27 as temperatures reached 98F in Taipei and as high as 100F in other parts of Taiwan.

New Taipei City’s mayor, Eric Chu, ordered an immediate shutdown of the water park pending an investigation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcKBkNx7sBI

Glastonbury 2015: Kanye West’s Performance Interrupted by Lee Nelson

Sonia Pantiss
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Glastonbury 2015: Kanye West’s Performance Interrupted by Lee Nelson

Kanye West has performed at this year’s Glastonbury festival, telling fans he is “the greatest living rock star on the planet”.

The rapper’s headline booking had caused some controversy and his performance divided opinion among the crowd on site.

Kanye West opened with number one hit Stronger and performed on a largely bare stage with a bank of white lights above.

His set was briefly interrupted by a stage invasion by British comedian and prankster Lee Nelson.

The prankster, real name Simon Brodkin, wrote on Twitter: “Some people were saying Kanye shouldn’t headline Glastonbury so I thought I’d give him a hand.”

Lee Nelson was swiftly bundled off stage by a security guard and Kanye West resumed his song Black Skinhead.

At one point, Kanye West left the stage to travel above the heads of the crowd in the cradle of a cherry picker for the songs Touch the Sky and All of the Lights.

His performance came after more than 134,000 people signed a petition objecting to his booking, and Glastonbury organizer Emily Eavis had death threats on Twitter from a disgruntled fan.

Kanye West’s appearance was one of the weekend’s biggest talking points.

The rapper is one of the biggest names in popular music, with 21 Grammy Awards under his belt and 11 million albums sold in the US alone.

However, Kanye West is notoriously erratic and uncompromising, comparing himself to figures including Jesus and Leonardo Da Vinci, and occasionally launching into long mid-set rants.Kanye West interrupted by Lee Nelson at Glastonbury

He kept his mid-song chat relatively short at Glastonbury.

Kanye West did not directly address the pre-show debate, simply telling fans: “Thank you for coming out tonight.”

The online petition had called for Kanye West to be dropped from the Glastonbury bill and be replaced by a rock band. But the rapper has labelled the petition “an insult to music fans all over the world”.

At one stage Kanye West was joined on stage by Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon to perform their song Lost In The World.

Afterwards, Kanye West revealed that the song had been inspired by his wife, Kim Kardashian, who was watching the show.

He said: “This song was extra special for me. I was trying to explain to a girl I loved so much how much I loved her. She brought this poetry out in me that became the lyrics and she ended up becoming my wife and she’s here tonight.”

Kanye West put the focus firmly back on himself when, before introducing one of his biggest hits, Gold Digger, he said: “I’m going to say this tonight because 20 years from now, 30 years from now, 40 years from now, I might not be able to say it, but I can say it tonight… You are now watching the greatest living rock star on the planet.”

He followed Pharrell Williams, who played crowd-pleasing tunes including Happy, Blurred Lines and Get Lucky on the Pyramid Stage.

Pharrell Williams was joined by a group of children on stage to dance to Get Lucky.

Other acts performing on Saturday included Burt Bacharach, George Ezra and Paloma Faith.

Celebrities spotted at the festival included Adele, Coldplay singer Chris Martin, Lewis Hamilton, Stella McCartney and James Corden.

The weather on the Somerset site brightened up on Saturday following Friday’s rain, although more showers are forecast for Sunday.

The Who will close the festival on Sunday, Lionel Richie will perform in the festival’s now-established Sunday afternoon legends slot and Tibetan spiritual leader The Dalai Lama will visit the festival’s Green Fields.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4knBSt49TM

Damion Cook Dies from Apparent Heart Attack Aged 36

Clyde K. Valle
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Damion Cook Dies from Apparent Heart Attack Aged 36

Ex-NFL lineman Damion Cook has died on June 26 at the age of 36 after suffering an apparent heart attack.

He was an undrafted offensive lineman who went on to play in parts of seven NFL seasons.

Damion Cook, a Nashville native, appeared in 26 NFL games at guard and made 10 starts from 2001-09 after a college career at Bethune-Cookman, which confirmed his death Friday, June 26, via Twitter.Damion Cook dead at 36

He signed with the Ravens out of college and spent the 2001 season with the Bears. After joining the Dolphins during the 2002 offseason, he returned to Baltimore. In 2004, he joined the Browns and started four games.

After another stint with the Dolphins, Damion Cook joined the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the CFL and the Tampa Bay Storm in the Arena League before capping his career with the NFL’s Lions in 2008-09.

NFL fans may remember Damion Cook for the impression of Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis captured by HBO’s Hard Knocks during training camp.

Bree Newsome Climbs Pole to Remove Confederate Flag from South Carolina Statehouse

Nancy Clayson
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Bree Newsome Climbs Pole to Remove Confederate Flag from South Carolina Statehouse

A black woman scaled the flag pole outside the South Carolina Statehouse in Columbia on June 27 and removed its controversial Confederate flag.

Bree Newsome climbed the 30ft steel pole just after dawn despite police telling her to come down, Associated Press reported.

The woman was arrested afterwards along with a man who had entered the fenced area surrounding the base of the flagpole.

There have been calls for the Confederate flag to be removed since nine people were killed in a racist attack in Charleston.Bree Newsome removes Confederate flag

Shooting suspect Dylann Roof had been pictured with the Civil War era saltire – seen by some as a symbol of slavery and racism – on a number of occasions.

Since the pictures emerged there has been pressure to remove the Confederate flag from the memorial in front of the South Carolina State House.

It was first flown in 1962 in protest at the growing civil rights movement and has been a source of rancor and controversy in the state ever since.

The hashtag #TakeItDown has been trending on Twitter in the US.

White House spokesman Eric Schultz has said President Obama believes the Confederate flag “belongs in a museum”.

Bree Newsome describes herself on Twitter as a filmmaker, singer, songwriter and freedom fighter.

A rally by Confederate flag supporters was also scheduled on June 27.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03j–uDI74s

Greece Default: Eurozone Finance Ministers Reject Greek Bailout Extension

Clyde K. Valle
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Greece Default: Eurozone Finance Ministers Reject Greek Bailout Extension

Eurozone finance ministers have reportedly rejected Greece’s request to extend bailout program beyond June 30.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Greece asked for a one-month extension of its expiring rescue deal.

But the request was swiftly rejected by the rest of the eurozone, three European officials said on June 27.Greece bailout extension rejected

Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis made the request at a meeting with his eurozone counterparts in Brussels, a day after the government in Athens said it would hold a referendum on its bailout in which it would campaign against the policy overhauls and budget cuts demanded by its creditors.

The finance ministers of the other 18 eurozone countries will meet without Greece later Saturday evening, two European officials said.

Many ministers expressed surprise and disappointment toward Greece’s PM Alexis Tsipras’s decision to call for a referendum in which he would campaign against the budget cuts and policy overhauls demanded by his country’s creditors.

Alexander Stubb, Finland’s finance chief, was one of several ministers who said their negotiations would now focus on how to deal with the consequences of a Greek default.

“Plan B becomes Plan A,” Alexander Stubb told reporters.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FY5Jb_m6y0I

4 First Aid and Medicinal Uses for Raw Honey

Dana R
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4 First Aid and Medicinal Uses for Raw Honey

Honey is something we tend to think of purely as a food, but it has actually got a great number of health applications beyond simply being a healthy, natural sweetener with a distinctive, delicious taste. Because honey literally never spoils due to its antibacterial properties (there has even been honey found in ancient Egyptian tombs by archaeologists which was analyzed as being completely edible, and this is thousands of years old!), it is a great thing to keep in your emergency first aid kit or medicine cabinet, too!

honey-5732_640

Royalty free photo

Here are four medicinal uses that will have you asking ‘where can I buy raw honey?’ right now!

Throat Relief

If you have any kind of sore throat, whether it is due to an infection, a cold, or because you have overused your voice, honey will offer instant relief. Simply swallow a spoonful to coat your throat, and repeat whenever needed (it is just honey, so you don’t have to worry about dosage like you do with throat syrups containing honey along with other medicines). Professional singers swear by honey, and add it to all kinds of drinks to keep their voices from getting tired out after hours of practice and performance!

Burns

Honey can be a very helpful first aid treatment for burns (minor burns that do not require professional medical attention). Honey is antiseptic and will keep the burn from getting infected, and is easy to apply with minimal pain to the burned area. Apply the honey as it comes, then put a dressing over the top and change it every day while the burn is healing.

Hay Fever Treatment

The small amounts of pollen in honey can help you fight hay fever, by building up a tolerance. The trick here is that you must use locally produced honey, so the pollen that ends up in the honey is the same pollen that is causing your symptoms and which you need to build up an immunity to. Many people have had very good results from regularly eating local raw honey, and it can mean you no longer have to rely on strong medicines like antihistamines throughout the pollen season.

Open Wounds on People or Animals

Honey has been used for centuries to prevent infection in open wounds and lesions, even before people understood how infections were caused! Now of course, we know that it is the antibacterial properties of honey that make it work. Keep some honey in your first aid kit whenever you are out and about, and should you, your kids or your pets get into any scrapes, you can easily protect the wound with some honey. As with burns, just put it on the skin and add a bandage over the top. On a pet it may be harder to dress the wound, and depending on where it is they may lick the honey off, but licking wounds is how animals naturally clean them, so this is not a problem – just add more honey every few hours.

As you can see, honey is for more than just eating, and can be a versatile addition to your medicine cupboard or first aid box!

How to Survive Glastonbury’s Rain and Mud

Nancy Clayson
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How to Survive Glastonbury’s Rain and Mud

Rain doused this year Glastonbury Festival’s first day as fans enjoyed music on the main stages.

A heavy shower on Friday afternoon brought out the wellies, ponchos and umbrellas and created puddles on site.

Here are few simple ways to survive the mud and rain at Glastonbury this weekend:

  1. Don’t forget to bring a towel.
  2. Bring a bin bag. It will save you. Leave Glastonbury as you found it – tidy and beautiful. These are also essential when it comes to handling your wet and muddy clothes.
  3. Make sure your tent is strong and waterproof. Make sure it has a cover on top or fashion one out of a bin bag. Also, make sure it’s sturdy enough and pegged in thoroughly.
  4. Don’t camp at the bottom of a hill. It will be a mess.Glastonbury rain and mud
  5. Take an extra tent. If there’s a few of you going in a group, it might be wise to take an extra tent just to store all of your wet and muddy gear in. Just don’t advertise the fact that there’s no one staying in it.
  6. Make sure you have a poncho. Don’t be that guy with an umbrella blocking everyone’s view of the stage. Man up and get yourself a poncho. You can either buy one, fashion one out of a bin bag, or accept a branded one from the many evil corporations who will be giving them out for free.
  7. Don’t foget your willies. Trying to maneuver around the site without wellies is like trying to sprint through concrete – and if you wait until you arrive to buy them, you’ll probably get ripped off.
  8. Mud-slides don’t do them. You may think you’re being whacky and kerr-azzy but you’ll probably catch dysentery.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUVFTsGfN88

Glastonbury 2015: Festival Opens with Rain and Mud

Sonia Pantiss
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0
Glastonbury 2015: Festival Opens with Rain and Mud

Rain doused Glastonbury Festival’s first day as fans enjoyed music on the main stages.

A heavy shower on Friday afternoon brought out the wellies, ponchos and umbrellas and created puddles on site.

Friday’s acts include Florence and the Machine, Motorhead, Mark Ronson and an unconfirmed band, rumored to be The Libertines, on the Pyramid Stage.

Physicist Stephen Hawking is unlikely to attend the event for an appearance in the Kidz Field.

A spokesperson for Prof. Stephen Hawking told The Telegraph he had pulled out “for personal reasons”.Glastonbury 2015 rain and mud

Feminist punk band Pussy Riot made an appearance in front of the Park Stage, using a theatrical protest to convey their anti-government message.

The appearance began with an actor posing as a Russian soldier standing atop a military van and declaring Glastonbury a pro-Russian republic.

Pussy Riot’s Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Maria Alyokhina, who were imprisoned in Russia for almost two years for their protests, then climbed up, tied him up and put one of their trademark multi-colored balaclavas on him.

Nadia Tolokonnikova told the crowd to “develop a culture of rebellion” and, in a remark possibly aimed at other bands, said they could not just “sit on a comfy coach and drink some beer”.

They were then interviewed on top of the van by singer Charlotte Church, who described them as “one of the most important movements this century”.

A total of 177,000 people are due on site. The weather is expected to brighten up later, with Saturday expected to be sunny but more rain likely on Sunday.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiG-oU659T4

BB King’s Manager LaVerne Toney Named Sole Executor of Blues Legend’s Estate

Sonia Pantiss
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0
BB King’s Manager LaVerne Toney Named Sole Executor of Blues Legend’s Estate

The row between BB King’s surviving daughters and his manager has deepened as LaVerne Toney has been named sole executor of the late blues legend’s estate.

The will, filed in January 2007, puts LaVerne Toney alone in charge of administering BB King’s assets, his property and his trust.BB King estate scandal

However, BB King’s daughters, Karen Williams, Patty King, Rita Washington and Barbara Winfree, have alleged LaVerne Toney – who managed the blues legend for nearly 40 years – stole from their father, isolated him and poisoned him before his death on May 14, at the age of 89.

LaVerne Toney’s lawyer, Brent Bryson, argues the claims have no basis in fact and says the family members has provided no evidence that a competing will exists.

“There has to be more to the objections than hollow allegations and innuendo,” Brent Bryson said.

The trust documents have not been filed publicly.

BB King has 11 surviving adult children, and 35 grandchildren.

Harry Potter Play Tells Story of His Murdered Parents

Sonia Pantiss
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0
Harry Potter Play Tells Story of His Murdered Parents

Harry Potter stage play will open in London’s West End in 2016, author J.K. Rowling has announced.

Called Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the play will tell the “untold part” of Harry Potter’s story, including the story of the lives of his murdered parents.

However, J.K. Rowling said on Twitter the play was “not a prequel”.

The play will run at the Palace Theatre in the summer of 2016, with tickets on sale this autumn.

J.K. Rowling said she chose to make the announcement on June 26 because it was “a very special day” – the 18th anniversary of when her debut book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, was first published in the UK.Harry Potter stage play to open in 2016

However, the author was tight-lipped about the plot of the play, saying she did not “want to say too much more, because I don’t want to spoil what I know will be a real treat for fans”.

J.K. Rowling added: “To answer one inevitable (and reasonable!) question – why isn’t Cursed Child a new novel? I am confident that when audiences see the play they will agree that it was the only proper medium for the story.”

The play was first announced in December 2013, after J.K. Rowling said she had “received countless approaches” over the years “about turning Harry Potter into a theatrical production”.

Although the new story has not been written by J.K. Rowling, it is a collaboration between herself and writer Jack Thorne – who previously adapted Let The Right One In for the stage and won a BAFTA for his work on Channel 4’s This is England ’88 – and John Tiffany, who will also direct the play.

The play will be produced by Sonia Friedman and Colin Callender, and British singer Imogen Heap will provide the music.

Producers originally said the play would explore “the previously untold story of Harry’s early years as an orphan and outcast”.

“Featuring some of our favorite characters from the Harry Potter books, this new work will offer a unique insight into the heart and mind of the now legendary young wizard,” they said.

J.K. Rowling’s seven Harry Potter best-sellers were adapted into eight blockbuster movies starring Daniel Radcliffe as the boy wizard.

She is making her screenwriting debut on Harry Potter spin-off Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, starring Eddie Redmayne, due in cinemas next November.

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

Tunisia Attack: Security Clampdown Launched Following Sousse Resort Attack

Roy Siemens
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0
Tunisia Attack: Security Clampdown Launched Following Sousse Resort Attack

Tunisia has launched a security clampdown after Sousse attack in which 38 people were killed, PM Habib Essid has announced.

Habib Essid said army reservists would be deployed to archaeological sites and resorts.

About 80 mosques accused of “spreading venom” will close within a week, he said.

Authorities say most of the victims in yesterday’s attack near Sousse were Britons. The gunman was shot dead.

Officials say he was a student not previously known to authorities.

Five Britons were confirmed dead and the Foreign Office warned the death toll could rise.

Tunisians, Germans, Belgians, French and at least one Irish citizen were also among those killed in the attack, which was claimed by Islamic State (ISIS). Thirty-six people are injured, officials say.Tunisia Sousse attack 2015

It was the second major attack on tourists in Tunisia since March, when militants killed 22 people, mainly foreigners, at Bardo museum in Tunis.

Speaking at a news conference in Tunis, Habib Essid said some mosques outside government control were spreading “their propaganda and their venom to promote terrorism” and would be shut down.

Habib Essid also vowed to act against parties and groups “acting outside the constitution” – such action could range from a warning to closure.

He said army reservists would be deployed at sensitive sites to ensure such attacks could not happen again.

“The country is under threat; the government is under threat,” Habib Essid said.

“Without the co-operation of everyone and a show of unity, we cannot win this war. We have won some battles and lost others, but our objective is to win the war.”

Security officials said the attacker, who had posed as a swimmer but was carrying a rifle under a parasol, started shooting on the beach before entering the Hotel Imperial Marhaba, continuing to shoot.

Local media reported a second suspected attacker had been arrested, but this has not been confirmed.

ISIS had urged followers to step up assaults during the holy Muslim month of Ramadan.

Many of the tourists in hotels affected by the attack left Tunisia overnight, with tour operators arranging special flights to take them home.

Friday’s attack was the deadliest in Tunisia’s recent history. The country has seen militant Islamists gain strength since the overthrow of long-serving ruler Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali in in 2011.

Democratic elections after Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali’s removal saw the moderate Islamist Ennahda party take power before the secularist Nidaa Tounes government won a parliamentary poll in October.

However, neither party has been able effectively to combat Islamist violence – which has been made worse by conflict in neighboring Libya and by Tunisian fighters returning home after joining Islamist campaigns in Iraq and Syria.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqSzI3o7fTs

Greece to Hold Bailout Referendum on July 5

Clyde K. Valle
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0
Greece to Hold Bailout Referendum on July 5

Greek PM Alexis Tsipras has announced a referendum on a controversial bailout deal with foreign creditors for July 5.

In a TV address, Alexis Tsipras described the plan as “humiliation” and condemned “unbearable” austerity measures demanded by creditors.

The Greek government earlier rejected the proposals, aimed at avoiding Greece defaulting on its debt.

Greece has to make a €1.5 billion ($1.7 billion) IMF debt repayment on June 30.

Photo AFP
Photo AFP

Alexis Tsipras said: “These proposals, which clearly violate the European rules and the basic rights to work, equality and dignity show that the purpose of some of the partners and institutions was not a viable agreement for all parties, but possibly the humiliation of an entire people.”

“The people must decide free of any blackmail,” he added.

Greece has refused to accept cuts to pension payments or public sector wages while the IMF is pushing for deeper spending cuts, not just more tax rises.

A key point of friction is a special benefit paid to some low-income pensioners, which creditors want scrapped.

Creditors also want a wider VAT base; Greece says it will not allow extra VAT on medicines or electricity bills, and has also resisted calls for VAT hikes on hotels and restaurants.

Athens wants a concrete commitment to debt relief, something its creditors are not offering.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FY5Jb_m6y0I

Sao Paulo Bans Production and Sale of Foie Gras

Nancy Clayson
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0
Sao Paulo Bans Production and Sale of Foie Gras

Brazil has banned the production and sale of foie gras in the country’s largest city, Sao Paulo.

Foie gras, originally a French delicacy, is made from the fatty liver of force-fed ducks and geese.

Sao Paulo councilors said animals go through a great deal of suffering for the production of the pate.Sao Paulo bans foie gras

Animal rights campaigners have hailed the move, but some of Sao Paulo’s best-known chefs have voiced concern.

Foie gras is produced worldwide. Several countries, including Britain, Germany, Italy and Argentina, have banned its production. But the sale of the pate is still allowed in most of them.

The Sao Paulo city council has set a fine of 5,000 reais ($1,500) for restaurants and bars that break the new law – which will take effect in 45 days.

“Foie gras is an appetizer for the wealthy,” said the law’s author, Sao Paulo councilor Laercio Benko.

“It does not benefit human health and to make it, the birds are submitted to a lot of suffering,” he said.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QvKmJyZLdA

Richard Matt Dead: Escaped New York Prisoner Killed by Police near Malone

Diane A. Wade
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0
Richard Matt Dead: Escaped New York Prisoner Killed by Police near Malone

Richard Matt, one of the two escaped New York prisoners, has been killed by police after weeks on the run, officials say.

Richard Matt, 49, was shot dead in woodlands near the town of Malone, about 30 miles from the Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora.

David Sweat, another convicted murderer, remains at large as police continue to search the area.

Richard Matt and David Sweat escaped through the prison sewer system after using power tools to break out of their cell on June 6.

The New York jailbreak set off a massive manhunt.

Photo U.S. Marshals Service
Photo U.S. Marshals Service

On June 26, police were called to an area south of Malone where a camper van had been attacked. They found evidence left behind by the pair in a nearby hunting cabin.

Richard Matt was later found in woodland armed with a shotgun, police say. When he refused to surrender officers shot him dead, they add.

A search for David Sweat is continuing in the area. Police say he is dangerous and warned the public not to approach him.

Prisoner worker Joyce Mitchell has been charged with aiding the inmates in their escape.

Prosecutors allege that she gave the men power tools that allowed them to saw through a steel cell wall before bashing a hole through a brick wall and crawling through.

Joyce Mitchell denies the charges.

Before their escape, Richard Matt was serving a prison sentence of 25 years to life for the killing of his former boss.

David Sweat was serving a life sentence for murdering a sheriff’s deputy.

Tunisia Attack: At Least 37 Tourists Killed in Sousse Attack

Roy Siemens
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0
Tunisia Attack: At Least 37 Tourists Killed in Sousse Attack

At least 37 people, mostly foreign tourists, have been killed and 36 others wounded after a hotel in the Tunisian coastal city of Sousse came under attack by unidentified gunmen.

According to officials, one gunman has been shot dead and another is being pursued.

Tunisians, Britons, Germans and Belgians and at least one Irish citizen are among the dead.

In March militants killed 22 people, mainly foreign tourists, in an attack on a museum in the capital Tunis.

Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi has gone to Sousse’s Sahloul hospital to visit the injured.

Security officials said one attacker, who had posed as a swimmer but was carrying a rifle under a parasol, was shot dead in an exchange of fire with police.

Local media reported that the second attacker had been arrested, but this has not been confirmed. A photo purporting to show the body of the first attacker is circulating on social media.Tunisia attack 2015

The Hotel Imperial Marhaba was named as one of the hotels close to the attack.

The Belgian foreign ministry is advising against all travel to Tunisia and the Belgian Jetairfly airline has announced it is cancelling all flights to Tunisia because of the attack.

A spokeswoman for the Thomson and First Choice tour operators said: “We are working closely with our teams in Tunisia and the relevant authorities to determine exactly what has happened and provide assistance to those affected.”

Tunisia has seen militant Islamists gain strength since the overthrow of long-serving ruler Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali in a popular uprising in 2011.

Democratic elections after Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali’s removal saw the moderate Islamist Ennahda party take power before the secularist Nidaa Tounes government won a parliamentary poll in October.

However, neither party has been able effectively to combat Islamist violence made worse by a raging conflict in neighboring Libya and by Tunisian fighters returning home after going to join Islamist campaigns in Iraq and Syria.

Nick Gordon Accused of Assaulting Bobbi Kristina Brown and Stealing Her Money

Lisa.Felice
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0
Nick Gordon Accused of Assaulting Bobbi Kristina Brown and Stealing Her Money

Nick Gordon has been accused of assaulting his girlfriend Bobbi Kristina Brown and stealing her money, on the same day her family announced she was being moved into hospice care.

Bobbi Kristina Brown, the only child of Whitney Houston, was discovered face down in a bath at her Atlanta home on January31. She has never regained consciousness.

Nick Gordon has now been accused of causing her “substantial bodily harm” in a $10 million civil case.

The legal action was filed by Bobbi Kristina Brown’s court-appointed conservator, Bedelia Hargrove.

Bedelia Hargrove told People magazine in a statement: “I filed this lawsuit to pursue justice on behalf of Bobbi Kristina Brown. No human being, male or female, should endure what Bobbi Kristina endured.”

The legal case accuses Nick Gordon of assault, battery, infliction of emotional distress and maintaining “the fraud that he had married Brown” after she inherited a substantial amount of money.

It claims that Bobbi Kristina Brown, 22, confided to an unnamed person that Nick Gordon “was not the man she thought he was” and made plans to meet them on January 31 to talk about it.

Court papers claim Whitney Houston’s daughter never made it to the meeting and “became embroiled in a loud argument” with Nick Gordon, which ended with her “face down in a bathtub, with her mouth swollen and another tooth knocked out”.

“Even after Brown’s hospitalization, and while she was in a coma, [Nick Gordon] accessed Brown’s bank account and stole in excess of $11,000,” the documents say.

Nick Gordon has yet to comment on the accusations. On June 24, he posted a message about Bobbi Kristina Brown on his Twitter, which read: “We keep praying, she has fought hard this long don’t give up hope.”

He was partly brought up by Whitney Houston, and the couple’s relationship became public after the singer died in 2012.

Police were called to Bobbi Kristina Brown’s home in suburban Atlanta on January 31, in response to a “drowning”.

Photo Twitter
Photo Twitter

Despite months of treatment in two Atlanta hospitals and a rehab facility, including being placed in an induced coma, she has never regained consciousness.

A police investigation has been launched, but no findings or charges have been announced.

A statement released by Bobbi Kristina Brown’s aunt Pat Houston on behalf of the family said that “despite the great medical care at numerous facilities, Bobbi Kristina Brown’s condition has continued to deteriorate, as of today, she has been moved into hospice care”.

“We thank everyone for their support and prayers. She is in God’s hands now.”

The case holds similarities to Whitney Houston’s death in a hotel bath in February 2012.

According to autopsy results, Whitney Houston died of accidental drowning due to the effects of cocaine use and heart disease.

Whitney Houston left everything in her will to Bobbi Kristina.

Bobbi Kristina Brown is also the daughter of singer Bobby Brown. Her parents divorced when she was 14.

Bristol Palin Pregnant: Sarah Palin’s Daughter Announces Her Second Pregnancy

Nancy Clayson
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0
Bristol Palin Pregnant: Sarah Palin’s Daughter Announces Her Second Pregnancy
Photo Twitter
Photo Twitter

Bristol Palin has announced she is pregnant with her second child in a blog post on June 25.

The 24-year-old daughter of Sarah Palin wrote: “(I’m announcing this news a lot sooner than I ever expected due to the constant trolls who have nothing better to talk about!!!).

“I wanted you guys to be the first to know that I am pregnant.”

“Honestly, I’ve been trying my hardest to keep my chin up on this one,” she continued.

“At the end of the day there’s nothing I can’t do with God by my side, and I know I am fully capable of handling anything that is put in front of me with dignity and grace. Life moves on no matter what.  So no matter how you feel, you get up, get dressed, show up, and never give up. When life gets tough, there is no other option but to get tougher.” 

Bristol Palin, now 24, welcomed her first child, Tripp Easton Mitchell Johnston, in December 2008 when she was just 18 years old. She was previously engaged twice to Tripp’s father, Levi Johnston, although the two split for good in 2010.

“I know this has been, and will be, a huge disappointment to my family, to my close friends, and to many of you,” Sarah Palin’s daughter wrote in her blog post.

“But please respect Tripp’s and my privacy during this time. I do not want any lectures and I do not want any sympathy.”

Bristol Palin concluded by adding: “My little family always has, and always will come first. Tripp, this new baby, and I will all be fine, because God is merciful.” 

She provided no further information on her pregnancy. She did not reveal the identity of her baby-to-be’s father.

Last month, Bristol Palin called off her wedding to 26-year-old Marine Dakota Meyer days before the two were scheduled to tie the knot.

Bristol Palin’s first pregnancy drew national attention when it was announced on the opening day of the 2008 Republican National Convention after her mother was chosen as John McCain’s vice presidential running mate. She later began working with The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy and became an ambassador for the Candie’s Foundation raising awareness about teen pregnancy prevention.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2hSf_YSIRc

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