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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.”

Richard Kiel dies in Fresno hospital aged 74

Sonia Pantiss
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Richard Kiel dies in Fresno hospital aged 74

Bond villain Richard Kiel has died in hospital in Fresno, California, on September 10 at the age of 74.

Richard Kiel played steel-toothed villain Jaws in two James Bond films, The Spy Who Loved Me in 1977 and Moonraker in 1979.

A spokeswoman for Saint Agnes Medical Center confirmed Richard Kiel’s death, but did not reveal the cause.

The 7ft 2in actor also appeared in the sports comedy Happy Gilmore, starring Adam Sandler, in 1996.

Richard Kiel made his name as cable-chomping henchman Jaws opposite Roger Moore as 007.

Roger Moore said he was “totally distraught” at the death of his co-star.

“We were on a radio program together just a week ago,” said Roger Moore.

Richard Kiel played steel-toothed villain Jaws in two James Bond films, The Spy Who Loved Me in 1977 and Moonraker in 1979
Richard Kiel played steel-toothed villain Jaws in two James Bond films, The Spy Who Loved Me in 1977 and Moonraker in 1979

The former Bond star added: “[I] can’t take it in.”

The character of Jaws in The Spy Who Loved Me was originally intended to die at the end of the movie, but he was so popular with fans that Richard Kiel was brought back to reprise the role in Moonraker.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Richard Kiel had the hormonal condition acromegaly, which was said to have contributed to his height.

His first break came in 1959 when he played the alien Kanamit in Twilight Zone.

Richard Kiel published an autobiography in 2002, called Making It Big In The Movies.

His many other acting roles included deadly assistant Voltaire in the 1960s TV series The Wild, Wild West; playing opposite William Shatner in the 1970s TV sitcom Barbary Coast; taking on the lead character of Eli Weaver in the movie The Giant of Thunder Mountain; and spoofing his most famous role as “Famous big guy with silver teeth” in the movie version of Inspector Gadget.

In recent years, Richard Kiel also spent much of his time touring the world and appearing at conventions to meet Bond fans.

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Oscar Pistorius verdict: Judge questiones reliability of several witnesses in court

Clyde K. Valle
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Oscar Pistorius verdict: Judge questiones reliability of several witnesses in court

Judge Thokosile Masipa in the Oscar Pistorius trial has questioned the reliability of several witnesses in court, as she delivers her verdict on the athlete.

Judge Thokosile Masipa said humans were fallible, and may not have heard gunshots or screaming as they thought.

Correspondents say this could make a premeditated murder verdict unlikely.

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 Thokosile Masipa began by detailing the charges against the athlete and repeating extracts of his testimony, reading in a slow, measured way.

Oscar Pistorius has pleaded not guilty to all the charges he faces at his Pretoria trial
Oscar Pistorius has pleaded not guilty to all the charges he faces at his Pretoria trial (photo AP)

She then moved on to a summary of the trial.

A tense-looking Oscar Pistorius looked on from the dock, and then began to weep.

Judge Thokosile Masipa said that defense claims that police contaminated evidence and removed items from the crime scene “paled into insignificance”.

She questioned the reliability of several witnesses who apparently heard screams and gunshots at the time of the incident, saying most of those who said they had heard the incident had “got facts wrong”.

The judge also said that the court would not make inferences about the state of the relationship between Oscar Pistorius and Reeva Steenkamp. The prosecution has suggested that it was “on the rocks”.

Correspondents say the judge appeared to be moving much more quickly than expected through the evidence, in a process which had been expected take hours or even days.

During his closing remarks last month, Oscar Pistorius’ lawyer Barry Roux conceded that the athlete should be found guilty of negligence for discharging a firearm in a restaurant – which carries a maximum penalty of five years.

Most of the trial, which began on March 3, 2014, has been televised and attracted worldwide attention.

Reeva Steenkamp, a 29-year-old model and law graduate, was hit three times by bullets shot through a toilet door by Oscar Pistorius at his home in the capital, Pretoria, in the early hours of February 14, 2013.

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Mike Tyson rant at Canadian news anchor Nathan Downer on CP24

Clyde K. Valle
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Mike Tyson rant at Canadian news anchor Nathan Downer on CP24

Mike Tyson has launched a swearing tirade on Canadian TV CP24 in Toronto.

The former boxing champion was appearing on CP24 TV to promote his one-man stage show Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth.

The interview turned nasty when news anchor Nathan Downer turned his questioning to Mike Tyson’s earlier visit to the city where the former boxer met mayor Rob Ford and labelled him “the best in Toronto’s history”.

Mike Tyson was challenged on his suitability as a public endorser of the controversial mayor’s re-election bid. Rob Ford became embroiled in a substance abuse scandal in 2013 and admitted to smoking crack cocaine.

“Do you prefer him to be a guy that’s clean-cut, and behind the door you never know what he’s doing? Human beings have a problem with being real with themselves … we all make mistakes,” Mike Tyson said of Rob Ford.

“He’s a human being. He’s no different than anybody else.”

Nathan Downer raised the point in his questioning of Mike Tyson: “Some of your critics would say, <<There’s a race for mayor. We know you’re a convicted rapist. This could hurt his campaign>>. How would you respond to that?”

The CP24 interview turned nasty when news anchor Nathan Downer challenged Mike Tyson on his suitability as a public endorser of controversial Mayor Rob Ford's re-election bid
The CP24 interview turned nasty when news anchor Nathan Downer challenged Mike Tyson on his suitability as a public endorser of controversial Mayor Rob Ford’s re-election bid (photo CP24)

“Hey, I don’t know who said that. You’re the only one I’ve heard say that,” Mike Tyson replied.

“I don’t have no comment to that, because it’s negative. You’re being negative.”

When Mike Tyson’s handler, seated next to him, tried to get the subject switched, it was obvious that Tyson was stewing at being blindsided by the unexpected questions over his links to Rob Ford.

That’s when he fired off at Nathan Downer.

“It’s so interesting, you come off like a nice guy, but that was really a piece of s***, that comment. F*** you. That was a piece of s***.”

Nathan Downer reminded Mike Tyson they were appearing on live TV – to no avail.

“I don’t care. What are you going to do about it?”

When he was questioned about the pressures of appearing in a one-man show, Mike Tyson didn’t give up: “It’s more nerve-racking for me to sit here talking to a rat piece of s*** like you.”

Nathan Downer then called time on the interview, politely thanking Mike Tyson for the opportunity.

“F*** you,” Mike Tyson said in the background as the show took a break.

Nathan Downer later tweeted: “I’m okay everybody. Unfortunately my question hurt Mike Tyson’s feelings. That was not my intentions. My apologies for the language.”

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Liv Tyler pregnant with second baby

Lisa.Felice
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Liv Tyler pregnant with second baby

Liv Tyler is pregnant with her second child, Us Weekly reported.

Liv Tyler, 37, is already a proud mom to 9-year-old son Milo William Langdon, whom she shares with ex-husband Royston Langdon. She married Spacehog musician in March 2003 and they divorced after 5 years.

The actress, who is currently dating David Beckham’s BFF Dave Gardner, was snapped sporting a tiny bump in a bikini while on vacation in Formentera, Spain last month with her beau.

Liv Tyler is pregnant with her second child
Liv Tyler is pregnant with her second child

According to Us Weekly, good friend Kate Moss was the one who introduced Liv Tyler and Dave Gardner.

“Dave’s perfect for her,” an insider told the publication.

On September 9, Liv Tyler dined with co-star Justin Theroux and David Beckham at Il Buco in New York City.

Wearing a long cream coat, Liv Tyler concealed her baby bump while leaving the restaurant.

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Joan Rivers’ death: Yorkville Endoscopy denies performing biopsy

Lisa.Felice
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Joan Rivers’ death: Yorkville Endoscopy denies performing biopsy

The Yorkville Endoscopy, the New York clinic where Joan Rivers stopped breathing a week before her death, denied ever administering general anesthesia or conducting a vocal cords biopsy that has been alleged in media reports as contributing to her demise.

It was the first time the Yorkville Endoscopy clinic issued a statement since August 28, when Joan Rivers was rushed to a nearby hospital from the center with cardiac arrest. She died at age 81 on September 4.

On September 10, New York’s Daily News reported that an unplanned vocal cord biopsy at the clinic had left Joan Rivers unable to breathe.

Joan Rivers’ doctor, who said he was an ear, nose and throat specialist, asked if he could use the clinic’s instruments when another doctor said he had noticed something on Rivers’ vocal cords, and Rivers’ physician was given the go-ahead, a medical source told the newspaper.

“A biopsy like that should only be done in hospital,” the newspaper quoted the unnamed medical source as saying.

“If she had been in a hospital when it happened, she might have been OK.”

In its statement, the Yorkville Endoscopy clinic did not mention Joan Rivers by name.

The cause of Joan Rivers' death is still unknown pending further tests
The cause of Joan Rivers’ death is still unknown pending further tests (photo Getty Images)

“A biopsy of the vocal cords has never been performed at Yorkville Endoscopy,” said the statement.

“General anesthesia has never been administered.”

The cause of Joan Rivers’ death is still unknown pending further tests, according to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner.

The State Health Department is investigating the Yorkville Endoscopy. It is reviewing documents and medical records and interviewing staff and physicians at the clinic in Manhattan’s Yorkville neighborhood, which opened in February 2013.

The clinic said its board-certified anesthesiologists use light to moderate sedation and monitor the patient continuously using state-of-the-art equipment.

“Yorkville Endoscopy has strict policies in place for the criteria of who gets treated in this center versus in a hospital,” it said, adding it also has all the airway equipment needed for emergency intubation.

The Yorkville Endoscopy said it has performed more than 18,000 procedures.

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Rob Ford diagnosed with abdominal tumor

Nancy Clayson
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Rob Ford diagnosed with abdominal tumor

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford has been hospitalized with a tentative diagnosis of a tumor after suffering months of abdominal pain.

Rob Ford told doctors at Humber River Hospital the pain had persisted for at least three months and had worsened in the past 24 hours, the hospital said.

The embattled mayor is standing for re-election on October 27 despite repeated calls for him to step down.

Last year, Rob Ford admitted to using crack cocaine in a “drunken stupor”.

Rob Ford returned to work earlier this year after about two months of treatment for drug and alcohol abuse, which he described as life-saving.

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford has been hospitalized with a tentative diagnosis of a tumor after suffering months of abdominal pain
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford has been hospitalized with a tentative diagnosis of a tumor after suffering months of abdominal pain

In a statement, Humber River Hospital said “examination and investigation has resulted in a working diagnosis of a tumor” for Rob Ford.

“The mayor has been admitted to allow for further investigation to obtain a definitive diagnosis.”

In a press conference on September 10, Dr. Rueben Devlin said Rob Ford came in when the pain “became unbearable for him”.

Dr. Rueben Devlin said doctors would need to determine the type of tumor by doing a biopsy. He did not say how long Rob Ford would be in hospital.

Councilor Doug Ford, the mayor’s brother and campaign manager, said his brother was in good spirits and they would not be making any comments about the status of his election campaign at the moment.

“I just wanted to thank the well-wishers for all of the calls,” Doug Ford said, asking the reporters assembled at the press conference to “leave us alone for a couple of days”.

Rob Ford was hospitalized in 2009 for a tumor on his appendix, the Toronto Sun reported.

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Kardashian Khaos: Las Vegas store closing on October 30

Lisa.Felice
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Kardashian Khaos: Las Vegas store closing on October 30

The Kardashian family is closing Kardashian Khaos store at the Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas after just three years from its opening.

Kardashian Khaos was fashioned as a “celebrity lifestyle boutique”.

On September 10, MGM Resorts International spokesman Shant Apelian has announced that Kardashian Khaos will close on October 30.

The Kardashian family is closing Kardashian Khaos store at the Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas after just three years from its opening
The Kardashian family is closing Kardashian Khaos store at the Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas after just three years from its opening (photo Celebuzz)

The store opened in November 2011, featuring souvenirs, T-shirts declaring family members as fan favorites, key chains, novelties, water bottles and other products endorsed by the Kardashian sisters – Kim, Kourtney and Khloe – and their mother Kris Jenner.

Kardashian Khaos also hosted periodic appearances by the Kardashians.

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Obama: US to launch first airstrikes against ISIS in Syria

Roy Siemens
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Obama: US to launch first airstrikes against ISIS in Syria

President Barack Obama has announced that the US will not hesitate to take action against Islamic State (ISIS) militants in Syria as well as Iraq.

In a nationally televised speech outlining his strategy against ISIS, Barack Obama said that any group that threatened America would “find no safe haven”.

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

ISIS 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.

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

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

“Working with the Iraqi government, we will expand our efforts beyond protecting our own people and humanitarian missions, so that we’re hitting ISIL [Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant – the previous name for ISIS] targets as Iraqi forces go on the offense” he said.

Barack Obama has announced that the US will not hesitate to take action against Islamic State militants in Syria as well as Iraq
Barack Obama has announced that the US will not hesitate to take action against Islamic State militants in Syria as well as Iraq (photo AFP)

He said he would welcome congressional approval for the fight against ISIS but said that he had the authority to act without it.

Barack Obama was elected in part because of fervent opposition to the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and presided over the US troop pullout from the country.

In 2013, the president abandoned plans to launch airstrikes in Syria against government forces after congressional opposition.

In his speech, Barack Obama ruled out working with President Bashar al-Assad of Syria, despite the fact that his forces are also engaged in fighting ISIS.

“In the fight against ISIL, we cannot rely on an Assad regime that terrorizes its people: a regime that will never regain the legitimacy it has lost” he said.

Instead, Barack Obama said, the US would seek to strengthen the non-ISIS Syrian opposition, which fights against both ISIS and President Bashar al-Assad.

Syria’s Western-backed National Coalition welcomed Barack Obama’s plan, and urged Congress to approve it.

“The Syrian Coalition… stands ready and willing to partner with the international community not only to defeat [ISIS] but also rid the Syrian people of the tyranny of the Assad regime,” its president Hadi al-Bahra said in a statement, quoted by Reuters news agency.

Secretary of State John Kerry is already in the Middle East trying to build a coalition against IS.

John Kerry was in Iraq on Wednesday, where he praised the new government’s plans to involve more Sunnis in government and heal ties with the Kurds.

He said the president’s strategy “will succeed because doing it with allies and partners isn’t just smart, it’s strong”.

Barack Obama has already authorized $25 million in aid for the Iraqi military.

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Oscar Pistorius: Verdict due in Reeva Steenkamp murder trial

Clyde K. Valle
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Oscar Pistorius: Verdict due in Reeva Steenkamp murder trial

Judge Thokosile Masipa is due to give her verdict at the murder trial of Oscar Pistorius in Pretoria, South Africa.

The 27-year-old Paralympic champion faces 25 years in jail if found guilty of premeditated murder.

Oscar Pistorius denies intentionally killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day of 2013, saying he thought there was an intruder.

Judge Thokosile Masipa could also find Oscar Pistorius 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.

During his closing remarks last month, Oscar Pistorius’ lawyer Barry Roux conceded that the athlete should be found guilty of negligence for discharging a firearm in a restaurant – which carries a maximum penalty of five years.

Most of the trial, which began on March 3, 2014, has been televised and attracted worldwide attention.

Oscar Pistorius denies intentionally killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine's Day of 2013
Oscar Pistorius denies intentionally killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day of 2013

Before the fatal shooting, Oscar Pistorius was feted in South Africa and known as the “blade runner”.

He had won gold at the London 2012 Paralympic Games and also competed at the Olympics.

The judgement at his trial is likely to be well over 100 pages. The judge will go through each charge, summing up the prosecution and defense cases and analyzing the evidence.

Reeva Steenkamp, a 29-year-old model and law graduate, was hit three times by bullets shot through a toilet door by Oscar Pistorius at his home in the capital, Pretoria, in the early hours of February 14, 2013.

Oscar Pistorius denies the prosecution’s allegation that the couple – who had been dating for three months – had rowed.

The athlete said he thought Reeva Steenkamp was still in the bedroom when he heard a noise in the bathroom, which he believed to be an intruder.

The prosecution have tried to characterize Oscar Pistorius as a “hothead”, while his defense team have portrayed him as having a heightened response to perceived danger because of his disability and background.

In July, a psychiatric report requested by the judge said Oscar Pistorius had post-traumatic stress disorder but no mental illness that could prevent him being held criminally responsible for his actions.

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Shia LaBeouf pleads guilty to disorderly conduct during Cabaret performance

Lisa.Felice
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Shia LaBeouf pleads guilty to disorderly conduct during Cabaret performance

Shia LaBeouf has pleaded guilty to a charge of disorderly conduct over his disruption of a Broadway performance of Cabaret.

Under the terms of the plea, Shia LaBeouf, 28, will avoid jail or probation.

However, he must complete a treatment program, attend all court appearances and avoid arrest for six months.

Shia LaBeouf was arrested in June after smoking, shouting at actors and using abusive language as he was removed from the audience at a Cabaret performance.

According to court documents, he yelled, “do you know who I am?” at security guards at New York’s Studio 54 theatre. Shia LaBeouf later spat at an officer’s feet at a nearby police station.

Shia LaBeouf has pleaded guilty to a charge of disorderly conduct over his disruption of a Broadway performance of Cabaret
Shia LaBeouf has pleaded guilty to a charge of disorderly conduct over his disruption of a Broadway performance of Cabaret (photo AP)

Shortly after the arrest, a publicist for Shia LaBeouf said the actor had begun receiving treatment for alcoholism.

In New York on Wednesday, Manhattan Criminal Court Judge Diana Boyar asked: “Are you pleading guilty because you are guilty?”

“Yes, your honor,” Shia LaBeouf said.

The judge ordered him to complete a three-month course of treatment. The actor made no comment as he left court.

Shia LaBeouf’s arrest at the Broadway revival of Cabaret, starring Alan Cumming and Michelle Williams, followed a series of instances where he had behaved erratically in public.

He walked out of a news conference for Lars von Trier’s Nymphomaniac at the Berlin Film Festival in February.

Shia LaBeouf later appeared on the red carpet with a paper bag on his head, on which was written: “I am not famous anymore.”

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Phil Robertson goes on another rant on Tony Perkins’ radio show

Sonia Pantiss
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Phil Robertson goes on another rant on Tony Perkins’ radio show

Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson went on another rant.

Phil Robertson was previously suspended from the A&E series after bashing gays in a GQ magazine interview.

While phoning into Tony Perkins’ Christian-themed radio show on September 9, Phil Robertson blamed STDs like HIV, AIDS on “immoral conduct”.

Phil Robertson's latest rant came after Tony Perkins praised him for not conforming to political correctness that is destroying the country when under fire in 2013
Phil Robertson’s latest rant came after Tony Perkins praised him for not conforming to political correctness that is destroying the country when under fire in 2013

Phil Robertson said: “God says, <<One woman, one man>>, and everyone says, <<Oh, that’s old hat, that’s that old Bible stuff>>.”

“But I’m thinking, well let’s see now. A clean guy – a disease-free guy and a disease-free woman – they marry and they keep their s** between the two of them. They’re not going to get chlamydia, and gonorrhea, and syphilis, and AIDS. It’s safe.”

“To me, either it’s the wildest coincidence ever that horrible diseases follow immoral conduct, or, it’s God saying, <<There’s a penalty for that kind of conduct>>,” he added.

“I’m leaning towards there’s a penalty toward it.”

Phil Robertson’s latest rant came after Tony Perkins praised him for not conforming to “political correctness” that “is destroying the country” when under fire in 2013.

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