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Kira Kazantsev: Miss New York wins Miss America 2015

Lisa.Felice
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Kira Kazantsev: Miss New York wins Miss America 2015

Miss New York Kira Kazantsev has been crowned as Miss America for 2015 on September 14, with the help of a red plastic cup.

For her talent performance, Kira Kazantsev sang Pharrell Williams’ Happy while sitting cross-legged on the stage and banging a red plastic cup on the floor. That immediately touched off a furor on social media networks, where many were critical of her performance.

However, Kira Kazantsev said she was inspired by the 2012 movie Pitch Perfect in which Anna Kendrick’s character auditions for an a capella group by performing rhythmically with a cup. She also said she did it to show future contestants they can win the Miss America pageant by performing whatever talent routine they like, regardless of what others think of it.

Kira Kazantsev said: “The reason why I chose to do that talent is I wanted every single little girl in America to be able to see that you can do that talent – you can do whatever talent you want on national television – even with a red cup – and still be Miss America and have the time of your life.

“I literally in that minute and 30 seconds had the most fun I’ve ever had, and that’s because I stayed true to myself and I did what I wanted to do for my talent, no matter what everybody else told me, and it paid off. I’m very happy about it.”

Kira Kazantsev, who named combating s**ual assault in the military as the issue about which she would want female U.S. Senators to press their male counterparts, won a $50,000 scholarship with which she plans to attend law school.

She also plans to speak out against domestic violence during her yearlong resign as Miss America.

Miss New York Kira Kazantsev has been crowned as Miss America for 2015
Miss New York Kira Kazantsev has been crowned as Miss America for 2015 (photo abc7chicago)

Her victory marked the third year in a row that a contestant from her state has walked away with the crown in the nationally televised pageant.

Kira Kazantsev received the crown at Atlantic City‘s Boardwalk Hall from outgoing Miss America – and Miss New York – Nina Davuluri.

She will begin a schedule this week that will see her travel 20,000 miles a month.

The first runner-up was Miss Virginia Courtney Paige Garrett.

Other top 5 finalists were Miss Arkansas Ashton Jo Campbell; Miss Florida Victoria Cowen; and Miss Massachusetts Lauren Kuhn.

Miss North Dakota, Jacky Arness was chosen by her peers as Miss Congeniality.

The pageant shone a positive light on the struggling seaside gambling resort, which has been in the national news for all the wrong reasons lately: a rash of casino closings, thousands of unemployed workers, and a domestic violence case involving a former NFL star.

For three hours Sunday night, America got a different look at Atlantic City. The Miss America pageant presented an upbeat view of the city where it began in 1921.

It featured iconic Atlantic City visuals including its beach, Boardwalk, the Steel Pier, Black Fish Pier near Brigantine, and the Atlantic City Beach Patrol station.

“Atlantic City is facing a challenging economic climate and our hearts go out to all of those who have lost their jobs,” said Sam Haskell III, CEO of the Miss America organization.

“We hope that our Miss America telecast … will generate great interest for Atlantic City on a national scale as we showcase their beautiful beaches and Boardwalk.”

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Hillary Clinton stirs 2016 White House run speculation in Iowa

Diane A. Wade
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Hillary Clinton stirs 2016 White House run speculation in Iowa

Hillary Rodham Clinton returned to Iowa on September 14 to pay tribute to the state’s retiring Democratic Senator Tom Harkin as anticipation builds over the possibility of another presidential campaign.

Hillary Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, were to headline Senator Tom Harkin‘s annual steak fry fundraiser in rural Indianola.

The event was expected to draw more than 5,000 party activists who form the backbone of Iowa’s presidential campaigns every four years.

Following a summertime book tour, Hillary Clinton was making her biggest campaign splash in 2014 so far, opening a fall of fundraising and campaigning for Democrats who are trying to maintain a Senate majority during President Barack Obama’s final two years. The event was serving as a farewell for Harkin, a liberal stalwart and former presidential candidate who is retiring after four decades in Congress.

Barack Obama defeated Hillary Clinton in the state’s leadoff presidential caucuses in January 2008, and the former secretary of state has not returned since. Iowa Democrats said Clinton remained widely popular and predicted she would receive broad support if she chooses to run again.

“Barack Obama was a phenomenon. He just was. I’ll give him credit, he worked hard in Iowa, but so did she,” Tom Harkin said, when asked whether Hillary Clinton would do things differently in the state if she runs in 2016.

On Sunday, party activists streamed onto a hot-air balloon field lined with colorful signs thanking the Harkins and promoting state candidates like Rep. Bruce Braley, who is running for Senate.

Hillary and Bill Clinton were to headline Senator Tom Harkin's annual steak fry fundraiser in rural Indianola
Hillary and Bill Clinton were to headline Senator Tom Harkin’s annual steak fry fundraiser in rural Indianola

Ready for Hillary, a super PAC supporting a potential Hillary Clinton candidacy, posted light blue “Ready” signs to promote the main speaker. On stage sat a quintessential Iowa tableau: bales of hay, an American flag and two tractors parked in the surrounding field.

“I honestly believe she will be the next president,” said Cindy Sturtz, a union member from Fort Dodge, who caucused for Barack Obama in 2008 but says she plans to support Hillary Clinton if she runs again.

The Clintons’ arrival offered the possibility of a fresh start for the former New York senator and first lady, whose campaign stumbled in the months leading to the caucuses.

Anti-war activists opposed her vote to authorize the Iraq war in 2002 and coalesced around Barack Obama, who had opposed the war as an Illinois state senator. Hillary Clinton was often insulated by a large entourage in a state where face-to-face politics has long been a campaign hallmark.

Hillary Clinton, who has conferred with Iowa Democrats in recent days, would enter a presidential campaign with a large advantage over potential rivals. Early polls have shown her leading other Democrats by wide margins, including Vice President Joe Biden and Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley.

Joe Biden is traveling to Des Moines next week and has not closed the possibility of another campaign while Martin O’Malley has made several visits to the state and dispatched staffers to Iowa this fall.

Tom Harkin’s final steak fry was expected to be the largest since Hillary Clinton’s last appearance in 2007, when she was joined by Barack Obama, Joe Biden and other Democrats running for president. Bill Clinton has appeared at the event three previous times.

Hillary Clinton has said she expects to decide on another campaign in January 2015.

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Sweden elections 2014: Stefan Lofven’s opposition party set to return to power

Diane A. Wade
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Sweden elections 2014: Stefan Lofven’s opposition party set to return to power

Leader of Sweden’s Social Democrats Stefan Lofven has announced he will try to form a government after their election win, but will not work with the far right.

Results show Stefan Lofven’s opposition party is set to return to power, but with no clear parliamentary majority.

They give the centre-left bloc 43.7%, ahead of the 39.3% for PM Fredrik Reinfeldt’s Moderate Party. The far-right Sweden Democrats were at 13%.

Fredrik Reinfeldt admitted defeat and said he will step down as prime minister on September 15.

He also confirmed that he would step down as leader of the conservative Moderate Party.

Stefan Lofven said the country needed a “new direction” and faced major challenges after eight years of centre-right rule.

“We are in a serious situation. We have thousands of people unemployed, We have school results that are declining more than in any other OECD [Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development] country,” he said.

Leader of Sweden's Social Democrats Stefan Lofven has announced he will try to form a government after their election win, but will not work with the far right
Leader of Sweden’s Social Democrats Stefan Lofven has announced he will try to form a government after their election win, but will not work with the far right

Since coming to power in 2006, Fredrik Reinfeldt’s coalition government has cut income and corporate taxes, abolished a tax on wealth and trimmed welfare benefits.

It has also privatized several state-owned companies, including the maker of Absolut vodka.

The results signal a return to normality in Swedish politics. The Social Democrats have not been in opposition for so long since first taking power in 1920.

With more than 99% of votes counted, the Social Democrats, Greens and Left parties looked set to win around 159 seats in the 349-seat parliament, short of a majority.

Stefan Lofven told supporters in Stockholm that he would now explore the possibilities of forming a government, but would not cooperate with the Sweden Democrats.

The far-right anti-immigration party are set to become the country’s third largest party.

Correspondents say they could hold the balance of power.

“We’re the absolute kingmaker in parliament now,” Jimmie Aakesson, leader of the far-right party, told reporters.

However, Stefan Lofven insisted he would not turn to the far-right party.

“We will make sure they don’t get that kingmaker role,” he told supporters.

The Sweden Democrats, who entered parliament for the first time in 2010, are alone in opposing the country’s liberal immigration policy.

Sweden this year expects up to 80,000 asylum-seekers from Syria, Eritrea, Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq and other countries – the highest number since 1992.

Meanwhile, results confirm that a small feminist party that had hoped to enter parliament failed to reach the 4% threshold.

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Human brain may be able to resist Alzheimer’s disease

Kathryn R. Bown
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Human brain may be able to resist Alzheimer’s disease

According to a research published in Nature Neuroscience, the human brain may be able to compensate for some of the early changes seen in Alzheimer’s disease.

The study suggests some people recruit extra nerve power to help maintain their ability to think.

Scientists hope the findings could shed light on why only some people with early signs of the condition go on to develop severe memory decline.

However, experts warn much more research is needed to understand these processes.

The study, led by researchers at the University of California, involved 71 adults with no signs of mental decline.

The human brain may be able to compensate for some of the early changes seen in Alzheimer's disease
The human brain may be able to compensate for some of the early changes seen in Alzheimer’s disease

Brain scans showed 16 of the older subjects had amyloid deposits – tangles of protein that are considered a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.

All participants were asked to memorize a series of pictures in detail while scanners were used to track their brain activity.

They were then asked to recall the gist and later the detail of all the pictures they had seen.

Both groups performed equally well but those with tangles of amyloid in their brains showed more brain activity when remembering the images in detail.

Scientists say this suggests their brains have an ability to adapt to and compensate for any early damage caused by the protein.

Scientists say they need to understand why some people with an accumulation of this protein are better at using different parts of their brain than others.

Dr. William Jagust, a researcher on the study, said: “I think it is very possible that people who spend a lifetime involved in cognitively stimulating activity have brains that are better able to adapt to potential damage.”

Hurricane Odile to hit Mexico’s Baja California

Nancy Clayson
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Hurricane Odile to hit Mexico’s Baja California

Hurricane Odile will hit the southern end of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula in the coming hours, the US National Hurricane Center says.

Officials described the storm as highly dangerous.

The Mexican authorities have declared a maximum alert for the region and have prepared shelters for up to 30,000 people around the tourist resort of Los Cabos.

US Marines have been placed on standby to help out.

Residents and businesses were preparing as Hurricane Odile raced towards the peninsula.

The Mexican authorities have declared a maximum alert for Baja California as Hurricane Odile will hit the region in the coming hours
The Mexican authorities have declared a maximum alert for Baja California as Hurricane Odile will hit the region in the coming hours

The National Hurricane Center said Odile was initially a category 4 hurricane, with winds of up to 135 mph, but it lost some strength and was expected to be a category 3 when it made landfall on Sunday night, September 14.

In the Los Cabos resort, the authorities warned people to stay off the beach, remain indoors and keep away from doors and windows.

Officials said electricity would be shut off in the area as the storm hit to avoid damage from power lines if they came down.

At least 26,000 foreign tourists and 4,000 Mexicans were in the region, local officials said, and those in areas at risk of flooding were being evacuated.

Luis Puente, the head of Mexico’s civil protection agency, told reporters that 164 shelters had been readied with a capacity for 30,000 people.

Storm experts said it was set to be the strongest hurricane to hit the southern tip of the peninsula since Kiko in 1989, which landed as a category 3.

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Mia Robertson celebrates 11th birthday

Sonia Pantiss
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Mia Robertson celebrates 11th birthday

Duck Dynasty’s Mia Robertson celebrated her 11th birthday on September 12.

According to miamoo.org, Mia Elaine Robertson – daughter of Duck Dynasty stars Missy and Jase Robertson – was born on September 12, 2003, with a bilateral cleft lip and palate.

Mia Robertson celebrated her 11th birthday on September 12
Mia Robertson celebrated her 11th birthday on September 12 (photo Facebook)

Missy Robertson wrote on her Facebook page: “Happy birthday to our sweet Mia! Can’t imagine our lives without all this spunk. A true blessing from God! #11YearsOld #InspirationToSoMany.”

Imitation Game: Alan Turing biopic wins People’s Choice Award at Toronto Film Festival 2014

Sonia Pantiss
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Imitation Game: Alan Turing biopic wins People’s Choice Award at Toronto Film Festival 2014

The Imitation Game, a movie about Alan Turing’s life, has won the People’s Choice award at this year’s Toronto Film Festival.

Benedict Cumberbatch stars in the drama about the British code breaker who helped decrypt the Enigma machine during World War II.

In a message, director Morten Tyldum said it was “an amazing honor” to win the prize.

“For film fans to support the Imitation Game means so much to me, the entire cast and film-making team,” he said.

The Imitation Game tells the story of British code breaker Alan Turing who helped decrypt the Enigma machine during World War II
The Imitation Game tells the story of British code breaker Alan Turing who helped decrypt the Enigma machine during World War II

Alan Turing was credited with bringing about the end of the war and saving hundreds of thousands of lives after decoding German Naval messages.

He is also considered to be the founding father of the modern-day computer.

However, Alan Turing’s later life was overshadowed after a conviction in 1952 for gross indecency when homos**uality was illegal in Britain.

Alan Turing was chemically castrated and committed suicide in 1954.

Earlier this week, Morten Tyldum described The Imitation Game as “a tribute to being different”.

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Amy Winehouse statue unveiled in London

Lisa.Felice
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Amy Winehouse statue unveiled in London

An Amy Winehouse statue has been unveiled in Camden, north London.

The life-size bronze statue of singer has been unveiled three years after Amy Winehouse’s death and fell on what would have been her 31st birthday.

Amy Winehouse’s father, Mitch Winehouse, said she was “in love with Camden” and it was the place fans associated with her.

Created by sculptor Scott Eaton, the statue features Amy Winehouse with her hand on hip and her trademark beehive hairdo.

Fans and relatives gathered for the unveiling in Camden’s Stable Market, where it will be a permanent memorial to the singer.

Amy Winehouse statue has been unveiled in Camden, north London
Amy Winehouse statue has been unveiled in Camden, north London (photo EPA)

London-based Scott Eaton, who sculpted the piece after being introduced to Amy Winehouse’s father Mitch, said the statue was meant to capture her “attitude and strength, but also give subtle hints of insecurity”.

“The hand on the hip, the turn of the head, the grabbing of the skirt, the turned in foot – these are all small elements that contribute to the personality of the piece,” he said.

Mitch Winehouse said seeing the statue was “incredibly emotional” adding that its creator had “done an amazing job in capturing her”.

“It is like stopping her in a beautiful moment in time,” he added.

“We really hope Amy’s fans love the statue.”

Amy Winehouse died at her home in 2011 at the age of 27.

She had previously struggled with alcohol and drug abuse. The inquest into her death found she died of accidental alcohol poisoning.

Amy Winehouse’s family has since set up a foundation in her name to help young people with problems including addiction.

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Joe Sample dies from lung cancer aged 75

Sonia Pantiss
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Joe Sample dies from lung cancer aged 75

The Crusaders’ founder Joe Sample has died at the age of 75.

The Crusaders is best known for hits such as Street Life and One Day I’ll Fly Away sung by Randy Crawford.

Joe Sample’s manager, Patrick Rains, told the AP press agency that Sample died of complications due to lung cancer at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.

In a message on his Facebook page, Joe Sample’s wife Yolanda and son Niklas thanked fans and friends for their support.

Joe Sample’s songs were also sampled by hip hop stars including Tupac Shakur.

Late rapper Tupac Shakur used Joe Sample’s In All My Wildest Dreams on his track Dear Mama.

Joe Sample was a founding member of the Jazz Crusaders, which later became known simply as The Crusaders
Joe Sample was a founding member of the Jazz Crusaders, which later became known simply as The Crusaders

Joe Sample was a founding member of the Jazz Crusaders, which later became known simply as The Crusaders.

Patrick Rains described Joe as “a seminal figure in the transition from acoustic to electronic music in the jazz field in the late 60s and early 70s”.

The jazz funk fusion band was the first instrumental band to open for the Rolling Stones on tour.

The group had 19 albums which made it into the US Billboard top 200.

The Crusaders disbanded in the 1990s, enabling Joe Sample to pursue a solo career, which included further collaborations with Randy Crawford.

Nicole Kidman also sang One Day I’ll Fly Away in Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film Moulin Rouge.

Joe Sample’s final album, Live, which featured Randy Crawford and his son on bass, was released in 2012.

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David Haines killing: ISIS claims execution of UK hostage

Roy Siemens
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David Haines killing: ISIS claims execution of UK hostage

PM David Cameron said that the UK will take “whatever steps are necessary” to keep safe after a video showing the killing of hostage David Haines was issued by Islamic State (ISIS) militants.

David Cameron the UK would “hunt down” the killers of the aid worker, whom he called a “British hero”.

He said the “menace” of ISIS had to be destroyed in a “calm, deliberate” way.

In the video released by ISIS militants, they also threatened to kill a second Briton, who has been named as Alan Henning, 47.

Alan Henning, a married father-of-two from Salford, worked as a taxi driver and was a volunteer on an aid convoy.

Speaking at Downing Street after a meeting of the UK emergency committee Cobra, David Cameron said of ISIS, also known as ISIL, “they are not Muslims, they are monsters”.

“We will do everything in our power to hunt down these murderers and ensure they face justice, however long it takes.”

In the video, a masked man who appears to have a British accent was pictured beside David Haines holding a knife.

Masked ISIS militant pictured beside David Haines
Masked ISIS militant pictured beside David Haines

David Cameron said the country was “sickened” that a Briton could have carried out the “despicable” killing.

“We cannot just walk on by if we are to keep this country safe,” he said.

“Step by step, we must drive back, dismantle and ultimately destroy ISIL and what it stands for.

“We will not do so on our own, but with working with our allies, not just in the United States and in Europe, but also in the region.”

He said the organization posed a “massive threat” to the entire Middle East and said it would be defeated through a “comprehensive and sustained counter-terrorism strategy”.

The prime minister added: “This is not about British combat troops on the ground. It is about working with others to extinguish this terrorist threat.”

US officials later said several Arab countries had offered to take part in air strikes against ISIS militants in Iraq – subject to approval from the Iraqi government.

Secretary of State John Kerry – speaking in Paris after a whirlwind tour of the Middle East trying to drum up support for action against ISIS – said he was “extremely encouraged” by such promises.

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Matthew Todd Miller sentenced to six years of hard labor in North Korea

Diane A. Wade
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Matthew Todd Miller sentenced to six years of hard labor in North Korea

American citizen Matthew Todd Miller has been sentenced by a North Korean court to six years of hard labor for “hostile acts”, the state-run KCNA news agency has said.

Matthew Todd Miller, 24, was arrested in April 2014, shortly after arriving as a tourist.

The US accuses North Korea of using Matthew Todd Miller and two other detained Americans as pawns in a diplomatic game.

The North Korean authorities have not specified the charges against Matthew Todd Miller, but they claim he tore up his visa and demanded asylum.

During the trial, prosecutors said Matthew Todd Miller admitted having a “wild ambition” to spend time in a North Korean prison so he could find out about the country’s human rights situation, the AP reports.

Notes produced in court also suggested he had become a fugitive because he was involved with WikiLeaks, the organization that has leaked US state secrets.

After a 90-minute trial, the sentence was handed down and Matthew Todd Miller was handcuffed and led from the room, AP reports.

The White House has described securing the release of Matthew Todd Miller and the two other American citizens detained in North Korea as a “top priority”.

Matthew Todd Miller has been sentenced to six years of hard labor for hostile acts in North Korea
Matthew Todd Miller has been sentenced to six years of hard labor for hostile acts in North Korea (photo Reuters)

In the past the US has been able to negotiate the release of American detainees.

Notably two journalists who were held whilst filming a documentary in North Korea were granted a “special pardon” after former President Bill Clinton travelled to the country.

The US has offered several times to send Robert King, its special envoy for North Korean human rights issues, to Pyongyang to discuss the detainees, but these visits have been cancelled by North Korea.

Matthew Todd Miller of Bakersfield, California, had been in custody since April 10.

Little information has been released about him, and the US State Department said this was partly because he had not signed a Privacy Act Waiver, which allows information about him to be released to the public.

According to KCNA, Matthew Todd Miller tore up his tourist visa on arrival in the country and shouted that “he came to the DPRK [North Korea] after choosing it as a shelter.”

In a brief interview with CNN earlier this month, attended by North Korean officials, Matthew Todd Miller said: “I will say that I prepared to violate the law of the DPRK before coming here.”

He also said he deliberately committed his “crime”, although he did not specify what he had done wrong.

In a recent interview with Associated Press, all three American detainees appealed to the US government to send a high-ranking representative to negotiate about their freedom.

State department official Daniel Russel told Reuters last week that the US found North Korean treatment of its citizens “objectionable and distressing”.

“This is the way that they play,” he said.

“They use human beings, and in this case Americans citizens, as pawns.”

Jeffrey Fowle came to North Korea as a tourist but was arrested in May for allegedly leaving a Bible in a public place. North Korea considers the distribution or spreading of Christian information as incendiary.

Korean-American missionary Kenneth Bae, who was arrested in November 2012, is serving 15 years in a labor camp after being convicted of trying to overthrow North Korea’s government.

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TJ Lane caught hours after escaping Ohio jail

Nancy Clayson
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TJ Lane caught hours after escaping Ohio jail

TJ Lane, who shot dead three students Chardon High School cafeteria in February 2012, is back in police custody after escaping from an Ohio prison on Thursday, September 11.

TJ Lane, 19, was recaptured early on Friday. Lima police tweeted: “We got him… one more to go.”

The teenager is serving three life sentences after pleading guilty to the murders in Chardon High School.

Two other inmates escaped in the same incident, and one – convicted robber Clifford Opperud – is still at large.

Details of how the men escaped from the Allen Oakwood Correctional Institution have not been released, but local media reported they scaled a fence during a recreation break sometime before 20:00 local time.

TJ Lane and Clifford Opperud escaped from Ohio’s Allen Oakwood Correctional Institution
TJ Lane and Clifford Opperud escaped from Ohio’s Allen Oakwood Correctional Institution

At around 02:00 local time the Lima Police Department confirmed that: “Thomas Michael <<TJ>> Lane III is in custody. He has been returned to the prison.”

TJ Lane was armed with a pitchfork when he was recaptured, unconfirmed reports quoting police said.

The escaped prisoner still at large, 45-year-old Clifford Opperud, was serving a sentence for aggravated robbery, burglary and kidnapping, police said.

A third inmate briefly escaped before being recaptured, police spokesman Andy Green said.

TJ Lane pleaded guilty last year to three counts of aggravated murder, two counts of attempted aggravated murder and one count of felonious assault.

He used a .22-calibre pistol to fire 10 shots at a group of students in Chardon High School’s cafeteria, killing Demetrius Hewlin, 16, and Russell King, 17, as well as Daniel Parmertor.

Three others were wounded in the attack, which took place when TJ Lane was 17.

Despite evidence he suffered psychosis and hallucinations, TJ Lane was found competent to be tried as an adult.

During his trial, TJ Lane smirked and smiled as victims’ relatives spoke. During his sentencing he wore a T-shirt with the word “Killer” written on it.

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Oscar Pistorius homicide verdict expected in Pretoria trial

Clyde K. Valle
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Oscar Pistorius homicide verdict expected in Pretoria trial

Judge Thokozile Masipa is due to announce if Oscar Pistorius is guilty of the culpable homicide of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.

The judge cleared Oscar Pistorius of murder on September 11, saying the prosecution had failed to prove he intended to kill the model Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day of 2013.

However, she said Oscar Pistorius’ conduct on the night in question had been negligent.

Oscar Pistorius, 27, admits firing through a toilet door at his home but says he mistook Reeva Steenkamp for an intruder.

Judge Thokozile Masipa is due to announce if Oscar Pistorius is guilty of the culpable homicide of Reeva Steenkamp
Judge Thokozile Masipa is due to announce if Oscar Pistorius is guilty of the culpable homicide of Reeva Steenkamp

Prompting tears from the Olympic and Paralympic sprinter, Judge Thokozile Masipa said he could not have foreseen killing whoever was behind the door – but went on to say that he had acted hastily and with excessive force.

She described his actions as negligent.

Correspondents at Oscar Pistorius’ trial said the judge appeared to be leaning towards the lesser charge of manslaughter, known in South Africa as culpable homicide, when she adjourned unexpectedly for the day.

The charge of culpable homicide implies negligence without intention to kill and could still mean a jail sentence of up to 15 years. Legal experts suggest seven to 10 years is more likely.

The double amputee had denied murdering Reeva Steenkamp after a row on Valentine’s Day last year, saying he shot her by mistake.

Oscar Pistorius has pleaded not guilty to all the charges he faces, including two counts of shooting a firearm in public and the illegal possession of ammunition.

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CIA triples estimate of ISIS fighters in Iraq and Syria

Roy Siemens
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CIA triples estimate of ISIS fighters in Iraq and Syria

The Islamic State (ISIS) militant group may have up to 31,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria – three times as many as previously feared, the CIA announces.

A spokesman said the new estimate was based on a review of intelligence reports from May to August 2014.

ISIS has seized vast swathes of Iraq and beheaded several hostages in recent months, leading to US airstrikes.

Secretary of State John Kerry is visiting Turkey, seeking more support for action against IS.

On September 11, 10 Arab countries agreed to help the US attack the group in both Iraq and Syria.

The CIA had previously believed that ISIS had about 10,000 fighters, spokesman Ryan Trapani said.

“This new total reflects an increase in members because of stronger recruitment since June following battlefield successes and the declaration of a caliphate, greater battlefield activity, and additional intelligence,” he added.

The revision comes a day after President Barack Obama outlined a plan to “degrade and destroy” IS and to increase military support for allied forces engaged in fighting the group.

The CIA estimates that the ISIS militant group may have up to 31,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria, three times as many as previously feared
The CIA estimates that the ISIS militant group may have up to 31,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria, three times as many as previously feared

For the first time, the president authorized airstrikes against the group in Syria.

In recent months ISIS has expanded from its stronghold in eastern Syria and seized control of more towns, cities, army bases and weaponry in Iraq.

The US has already carried out more than 150 air strikes against ISIS in Iraq. It has also sent hundreds of military advisers to assist Iraqi government and Kurdish forces, but has ruled out sending ground troops.

Other countries have contributed humanitarian assistance to Iraqis displaced by the group’s advance.

John Kerry secured the cooperation of several Arab countries during a meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Thursday.

NATO member Turkey, however, refused to sign a communiqué calling for countries to join the US in the fight against ISIS.

Analysts say this may be because the group currently holds 49 Turkish citizens, including diplomats.

John Kerry downplayed the move, saying the important US ally was dealing with some “sensitive issues”.

John Kerry is due to travel to Turkey on Friday, September 12, to try to secure more cooperation from the government.

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TJ Lane escaped from prison: Chardon High School killer breaks out from Ohio jail

Nancy Clayson
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TJ Lane escaped from prison: Chardon High School killer breaks out from Ohio jail

TJ Lane, who shot dead three students at Chardon High School’s cafeteria in February 2012, has escaped from prison in Lima, Ohio.

TJ Lane, 19, is serving three life sentences after pleading guilty to the murders.

Police said another prisoner, convicted robber Clifford Opperud, had also escaped in the same incident.

Authorities said they do not believe the men are armed but they are both considered dangerous.

A third inmate had briefly escaped before being recaptured, police spokesman Andy Green said.

The mother of one of TJ Lane’s victims said she was fearful when she heard the news of his escape.

“I’m disgusted that it happened. I’m extremely scared and panic-stricken. I can’t believe it,” said Dina Parmertor, whose son Daniel, 16, was among the dead.

TJ Lane is serving three life sentences after pleading guilty to the murders in Chardon High School's cafeteria in February 2012
TJ Lane is serving three life sentences after pleading guilty to the murders in Chardon High School’s cafeteria in February 2012

Police said they would notify parents at Chardon High School of any decision to close the school by Friday morning.

The other escaped prisoner, 45-year-old Clifford Opperud, was serving a sentence for aggravated robbery, burglary and kidnapping, police said.

“Officers are currently searching the neighborhoods in the vicinity of the north end of town,” a police statement said.

Aircraft were being used to search for the escaped prisoners, Lima police said in a Facebook post.

Police said they were notified of prisoners’ escape from the Allen Oakwood Correctional Institution at 20:00 local time.

TJ Lane pleaded guilty last year to three counts of aggravated murder, two counts of attempted aggravated murder and one count of felonious assault.

He used a .22-calibre pistol to fire 10 shots at a group of students in Chardon High School’s cafeteria, killing Demetrius Hewlin, 16, and Russell King, 17, as well as Daniel Parmertor.

Three others were wounded in the attack, which took place when TJ Lane was 17.

Despite evidence he suffered psychosis and hallucinations, TJ Lane was found competent to be tried as an adult.

During his trial, TJ Lane smirked and smiled as victims’ relatives spoke. During his sentencing he wore a T-shirt with the word “Killer” written on it.

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EU court: MasterCard cross-border fees were anti-competitive

Clyde K. Valle
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EU court: MasterCard cross-border fees were anti-competitive

The European Court of Justice has rejected a MasterCard appeal and upheld the ruling that its fees were anti-competitive.

The court said regulators were right to condemn the cost of its interchange fees – the fees retailers pay banks to process card payments – and has rejected an appeal.

MasterCard was investigated last year for the amount it charged for card transactions in Europe.

The company’s president said the ruling was “disappointing”.

The European Court of Justice has rejected a MasterCard appeal and upheld the ruling that its fees were anti-competitive
The European Court of Justice has rejected a MasterCard appeal and upheld the ruling that its fees were anti-competitive (photo Reuters)

Javier Perez, president of MasterCard Europe said despite that, the ruling would have “little or no impact on how MasterCard operates”.

He said: “We will continue to comply with the decision as we have been doing for a number of years. This means we would maintain our European… cross-border consumer interchange fees at a weighted average of 0.2% for debit and 0.3% for credit.”

MasterCard is the second-largest credit and debit card company after Visa.

The decision ends MasterCard’s seven-year battle against a decision made by the EU’s competition watchdog.

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EU to impose further sanctions on Russia starting with September 12

Diane A. Wade
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EU to impose further sanctions on Russia starting with September 12

The EU will to impose further sanctions on Russia on September 12 over its role in the Ukraine crisis, diplomats say.

The move is aimed at maintaining pressure on Russia, the sources said.

Russia says it is preparing a response “commensurate with the economic losses” caused by the EU sanctions.

NATO says Russia still has about 1,000 heavily armed troops in eastern Ukraine – where pro-Russian rebels are fighting – and about 20,000 near the border.

The new sanctions are expected to tighten access to Western loans, especially for big Russian state oil companies, and expand a blacklist of Russian officials subject to visa bans and asset freezes. More rebel leaders will also go on that list.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich called the new sanctions “an absolutely unfriendly step”.

The EU decision followed a conference call involving a number of European leaders.

The member states struggled to agree on how to factor in the fragile truce between Ukrainian troops and pro-Russian rebels. It took effect on September 5 and appears to be holding despite some sporadic shooting.

The EU will to impose further sanctions on Russia over its role in the Ukraine crisis
The EU will to impose further sanctions on Russia over its role in the Ukraine crisis

The rouble fell to a new low of 37.57 to the dollar on September 11, after news about the EU sanctions broke. It also fell against the euro.

Western leaders and Kiev accuse Russia of helping the separatists in eastern Ukraine with regular troops and sophisticated weapons including tanks. Moscow denies the allegations.

The separatists have recently made big gains in the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The fighting has killed at least 3,000 people since April.

At urgent talks among 28 member states in Brussels on Wednesday, Germany pressed for the sanctions to be put into effect.

Other countries said they wanted to wait while the cease-fire continued to hold.

The EU leaders agreed on Thursday that the sanctions should take effect “by the end of the week”, according to Reuters.

They will be published in the official journal of the EU, which puts them into effect.

The package was finalized on September 5, but its implementation was delayed because of the cease-fire agreed on the same day.

The new sanctions will target Russian oil companies Rosneft and Transneft and the petroleum unit of state gas monopoly Gazprom.

Their access to financial markets will be restricted – a serious matter for Rosneft, which last month asked the Russian government for a $42 billion loan.

The measures also cover dual-use goods which can be used for military purposes, defense equipment and some other sensitive technologies.

Russian PM Dmitry Medvedev has warned that Russia might shut its airspace to European passenger planes, a move that “could drive many struggling airlines into bankruptcy”.

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Robert “Throb” Young found dead at 49

Sonia Pantiss
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Robert “Throb” Young found dead at 49

Former Primal Scream guitarist Robert “Throb” Young has died at the age of 49.

Robert Young founded Primal Scream band with school friend and singer Bobby Gillespie in Glasgow in 1984.

They hit the heights with psych-pop album Screamadelica in 1991, which included songs like Movin’ on Up and Loaded and won the first Mercury Prize.

Robert Young left the group in 2006 to deal with what Bobby Gillespie described as “problems in his personal life”.

His former bandmates paid tribute to Robert Young, calling him a “beautiful and deeply soulful man”.

Robert "Throb" Young helped Primal Scream to rock stardom in the 1990s
Robert “Throb” Young helped Primal Scream to rock stardom in the 1990s

A statement from Bobby Gillespie, guitarist Andrew Innes and other members of the group said: “We have lost our comrade and brother Robert Young.

“He was an irreplaceable talent, much admired amongst his peers.

“He was a true rock and roller.

“He had Heart & Soul tattooed on his arm and I’m sure on his heart too.

“He once said to me, ‘When we go on stage it’s a war between us and the audience’. He never let go of that attitude.”

The statement concluded: “Our love and thoughts are with his sons, Brandon and Miles, and their mother Jane, his wife Rachel, and his immediate family.”

A spokeswoman for Sussex Police said Robert Young was found dead in a flat in Hove on September 11 and his death is not being treated as suspicious.

Russia cuts gas supplies to Poland by 45%

Diane A. Wade
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Russia cuts gas supplies to Poland by 45%

Russia has reduced gas supplies to Poland by 45%, Poland’s state gas firm PGNiG says, amid tensions over Ukraine.

The news came just hours after Poland stopped providing gas to Ukraine through “reverse-flow” pipelines.

The Russian gas volumes were 24% lower on September 9 and 20% lower on September 8, according to PGNiG. That shortfall prompted Poland to halt reverse-flow.

Poland and Ukraine rely heavily on Russian natural gas. Russia is in a pricing dispute over gas with Ukraine.

Some analysts believe Russia, which stopped gas supplies to Ukraine in June over the pricing dispute, is punishing Poland for sending gas to Ukraine.

Ukrainian forces have been fighting pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine since April, after the separatists declared independence in two regions.

Russia has denied arming the rebels and sending soldiers across the border.

Russia's state gas monopoly Gazprom denied Poland's allegation that it had reduced gas supplies
Russia’s state gas monopoly Gazprom denied Poland’s allegation that it had reduced gas supplies

On September 10, Russia’s state gas monopoly Gazprom denied Poland’s allegation that it had reduced gas supplies.

“Currently exactly the same volume of gas is being delivered to Poland as on previous days – 23 million cubic metres daily,” Gazprom said in a statement quoted by Russia’s RIA Novosti news agency.

Hungary and Slovakia pump much more gas to Ukraine than Poland via reverse-flow, but they have not yet reported a significant drop in their supply from Russia.

Earlier this year Gazprom and President Vladimir Putin warned of consequences if EU member states went ahead with reverse-flow deliveries to Ukraine.

Vladimir Putin argued that such deliveries would undermine existing gas contracts with the EU.

The Russian business daily Kommersant reported that this week Poland asked for extra Russian gas supplies because of a cold snap, but Gazprom refused, saying it did not have enough gas to pump into Russia’s underground storage tanks.

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What to consider when buying a car for the first time

Nancy Clayson
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If you are ready to buy your very first car, or if you are in search of a vehicle for your teen to call their own for the first time, your head may be spinning with all of the things you will need to consider in order to make the ideal purchase. To put things in perspective and make things a little bit easier for yourself, check out this infographic, which details how to search for a new or used car like a pro so that you can save the most money and get the best value.
First Time Car Buyer Infographic
First Time Car Buyer? is an infographic that was produced by Gumtree

Oscar Pistorius verdict: Judge rules out premeditated murder

Clyde K. Valle
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Oscar Pistorius verdict: Judge rules out premeditated murder

Judge Thokozile Masipa has ruled out a verdict of premeditated murder in the Oscar Pistorius trial, saying the prosecution failed to prove he killed his girlfriend deliberately after an argument.

However, Judge Thokozile Masipa also rejected the defense’s argument that the athlete lacked criminal capacity.

The judge said she was satisfied the accused “could distinguish between right and wrong”.

She said he was an evasive witness but this did not mean he was guilty.

Oscar Pistorius denies murdering Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine's Day of 2013, saying he thought there was an intruder
Oscar Pistorius denies murdering Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day of 2013, saying he thought there was an intruder

Oscar Pistorius, 27, denies murdering Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day of 2013, saying he thought there was an intruder.

The judge could also find him guilty of culpable homicide, or manslaughter, for which he would face a long jail term.

Oscar Pistorius has pleaded not guilty to all the charges he faces, including two counts of shooting a firearm in public and the illegal possession of ammunition.

Judge Thokozile Masipa began by detailing the charges against the athlete and repeating extracts of his testimony, reading in a slow, measured way. She then moved on to a summary of the trial.

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Ferguson protests: Demonstrators try to block Interstate 70 highway

Nancy Clayson
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Ferguson protests: Demonstrators try to block Interstate 70 highway

Ferguson police have stopped protesters angry over the shooting of Michael Brown last month from trying to block a nearby highway.

Police said 35 people were arrested as they tried to reach the Interstate 70 highway, but added that the protest was largely peaceful.

Many in Ferguson, Missouri, have demanded the arrest of white police officer Darren Wilson who shot 18-year-old Michael Brown on August 9.

Officer Darren Wilson has been on administrative leave since last month.

Police said 32 people were arrested on charges of unlawful assembly, with four people arrested on assault charges.

Organizers said the protest was specifically held in the same location as a similar demonstration in 1999.

On September 9, city leaders, mostly white, were heckled by the largely black crowd of residents at Ferguson’s first city council meeting since the shooting.

Ferguson police have stopped protesters angry over the shooting of Michael Brown last month from trying to block a nearby highway
Ferguson police have stopped protesters angry over the shooting of Michael Brown last month from trying to block a nearby highway

“You’ve lost your authority to govern this community,” said St Louis activist John Chasnoff.

“You’re going to have to step aside peacefully if this community is going to heal.”

Many of the audience held up their hands in a gesture that has been used to protest at Michael Brown’s killing.

Michael Brown’s supporters say the teenager was trying to surrender when he was shot by Officer Darren Wilson after being stopped for walking in the middle of the street.

Ferguson, which has a population of 21,000, is a majority black city. Many residents questioned why the mayor, James Knowles, and five of the six city council members were white.

“I heard the mayor say Ferguson doesn’t have a race problem,” said resident Taurean Russell.

“There must be two Fergusons.”

Before the meeting, council officials announced proposals to reduce the revenue collected from court fines.

Critics have said this discriminates against low-income defendants who cannot afford private attorneys and who are often jailed for not paying the fines quickly enough.

However, the proposals were drowned out by anger from the audience who said nothing had changed since Michael Brown’s shooting.

There were demands for the arrest of Darren Wilson who is currently on administrative leave from the Ferguson Police Department while a grand jury determines whether charges should be filed against him.

Last week, the US Justice Department announced it was launching a broad investigation into whether there was racial discrimination in the department.

This is separate from a federal inquiry and the grand jury investigation into Michael Brown’s killing.

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9/11 2104: Solemn readings of names and moments of silence to mark 13th commemoration

Diane A. Wade
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9/11 2104: Solemn readings of names and moments of silence to mark 13th commemoration

The 13th anniversary commemoration of the 9/11 terror attack will be marked with a solemn reading of the names and moments of silence at the precise times of tragedy.

As the nation pauses to mark the commemoration of the September 11, 2001, terror attack, little about the annual ceremony at ground zero has changed.

However, for the first time, the National September 11 Museum — which includes gut-wrenching artifacts and graphic photos of the attacks — will be open on the anniversary. Fences around the memorial plaza have come down, integrating the sacred site more fully with the streets of Manhattan while completely opening it up to the public and camera-wielding tourists.

A nearly completed One World Trade Center has risen 1,776 feet above ground zero and will be filled with office workers by this date in 2015, another sign that a page in the city’s history may be turning.

For some who lost loved ones in the attacks, the increasing feel of a return to normalcy in the area threatens to obscure the tragedy that took place there and interfere with their grief.

The 13th anniversary commemoration of the September 11 terror attack will be marked with a solemn reading of the names and moments of silence at the precise times of tragedy
The 13th anniversary commemoration of the September 11 terror attack will be marked with a solemn reading of the names and moments of silence at the precise times of tragedy

As happens annually, family members of those killed in the attacks will gather Thursday morning to read the names of the deceased, pausing the sad roll call only four times: to mark the times when the first plane struck the World Trade Center, when the second plane struck, when the first tower fell and when the second tower fell.

The memorial plaza will be closed to the public for most of the day and available only to family members. It will reopen at 6 p.m., at which point thousands of New Yorkers are expected to mark the anniversary at the twin reflecting pools where the towers once stood.

In May, when the museum opened in a ceremony attended by President Barack Obama, the fences that had surrounded the plaza for years disappeared, as did the need for visitors to obtain a timed ticket. Now, thousands of people freely visit every day, from cellphone-toting travelers to workers on a lunch break, and those crowds will only swell further this year when One World Trade Center finally opens.

The first ceremony at the site was held six months after the Twin Towers fell and was organized by then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg and his aides. Michael Bloomberg, who took office just three months after the attacks, remained in charge, acting as the master of ceremonies for the next decade.

After other elected officials attempted to gain a larger role at the solemn event, in 2012, all politicians — including Michael Bloomberg — were prohibited from speaking at the event. That remains the case now, as new mayor Bill de Blasio, who took office in January, agreed to let the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center Foundation organize the commemoration ceremony. Michael Bloomberg is the foundation’s chairman.

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John Kerry arrives in Saudi Arabia to build coalition against ISIS

Roy Siemens
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John Kerry arrives in Saudi Arabia to build coalition against ISIS

Secretary of State John Kerry has arrived in Saudi Arabia to meet key Arab leaders, as he tries to build a coalition against Islamic State (ISIS) militants.

A US official was quoted as saying John Kerry would discuss co-operation in Jeddah to facilitate US air strikes.

Earlier, President Barack Obama said he would not hesitate to take action against ISIS in Syria as well as Iraq.

Barack Obama also announced that 475 US military personnel would be sent to Iraq but said they would not have a combat role.

ISIS group controls large parts of Syria and Iraq after a rapid military advance.

Its fighters have become notorious for their brutality, beheading enemy soldiers and Western journalists on video.

Secretary of State John Kerry has arrived in Saudi Arabia to meet key Arab leaders, as he tries to build a coalition against ISIS militants
Secretary of State John Kerry has arrived in Saudi Arabia to meet key Arab leaders, as he tries to build a coalition against ISIS militants (photo Reuters)

The US has launched over 150 air strikes against the group in Iraq and has provided arms to Iraqi and Kurdish forces fighting against IS.

John Kerry, who arrived in the Red Sea port of Jeddah on September 11, will hold talks with representatives of Saudi Arabia and other oil-rich Gulf states as well as Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon and NATO member Turkey.

“Many of the countries are already taking action against ISIL [Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant – the previous name for ISIS] ,” a State Department official was quoted as saying by the AFP news agency.

“But the trip by the secretary [John Kerry] is going to broaden the coalition and bring it into more focus and intensify the lines of effort.”

Among the issues to be discussed would be training for Syrian rebels on Saudi soil and a wider over flight permission from regional states to increase the capacity of US aircraft, reports say.

In a 15-minute speech shown at peak time in the US on September 10, President Barack Obama vowed that America would lead “a broad coalition to roll back” ISIS.

AB blood type linked to memory loss in later life

Kathryn R. Bown
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AB blood type linked to memory loss in later life

According to a recent research, there may be a link between rare blood type AB and memory loss in later life.

People with AB blood, found in 4% of the population, appear more likely to develop thinking and memory problems than those with other blood groups.

The study, published in Neurology, builds on previous research showing blood type may influence heart risk.

A charity said the best way to keep the brain healthy was a balanced diet, regular exercise and not smoking.

The research team led by Dr. Mary Cushman, of the University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, analyzed data from about 30,000 US citizens aged 45 and above.

People with AB blood appear more likely to develop thinking and memory problems than those with other blood groups
People with AB blood appear more likely to develop thinking and memory problems than those with other blood groups

It identified 495 participants who had developed thinking and memory problems, or cognitive impairment, during the three-year study.

They were compared to 587 people with no cognitive problems.

People with AB blood type made up 6% of the group who developed cognitive impairment, which is higher than the 4% found in the general population.

The study supported the idea that having a certain blood group, such as O, may give a lower risk for cardiovascular disease, which in turn protected the brain, the researchers said.

“Our study looks at blood type and risk of cognitive impairment, but several studies have shown that factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes increase the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia,” said Dr. Mary Cushman.

“Blood type is also related to other vascular conditions like stroke, so the findings highlight the connections between vascular issues and brain health. More research is needed to confirm these results.”

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