Angelina Jolie’s wedding dress has been finally revealed after her secret nuptials to Brad Pitt on August 23 in France.
Angelina Jolie, 37, wore an ivory satin sleeveless gown adorned with various colored illustrations which were drawn by her children.
In the first photos, on the new cover of the UK’s HELLO! magazine, Angelina Jolie affectionately kisses her now-husband Brad Pitt.
“We are delighted and honored to be able to share these captivating photos of Brad and Angelina on their wedding day with their children and other close family members and friends in attendance,”HELLO!‘s editor-in-chief Eduardo Sanchez Perez said of the sought-after images.
“We wish them all the very best for the future.”
Angelina Jolie’s wedding dress featured artwork drawn by kids Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh and twins Vivienne and Knox (photo HELLO magazine)
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie told the publication: “It was important to us that the day was relaxed and full of laughter. It was such a special day to share with our children and a very happy time for our family.”
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt wed in a small intimate ceremony in a chapel in Chateau Miraval in France.
The actress’ dress featured artwork drawn by kids Maddox, 13, Pax, 10, Zahara, 9, Shiloh, 8, and 6-year-old twins Vivienne and Knox.
Angelina Jolie walked down the aisle with Maddox and Pax, while Zahara and Vivienne “threw petals, gathered from the garden”, Us Weekly reported.
“Shiloh and Knox were the ring bearers,” a spokesperson for the couple told the publication.
Angelina Jolie was previously married to Jonny Lee Miller and Billy Bob Thornton while Brad Pitt was previously married to Jennifer Aniston from 2000 to 2005.
The commemoration of late Hugo Chavez with a rewriting of the Christian Lord’s Prayer is causing controversy in Venezuela.
Venezuela’s Roman Catholic Church is denouncing the used of Hugo Chavez’s name in an “untouchable” prayer.
President Nicolas Maduro defends it, and calls critics “new inquisitors”.
The scandal forth started on September 1, when socialist party delegate Maria Estrella Uribe read the prayer at a party convention.
“Our Chavez who art in heaven, lead us not into the temptation of capitalism,” she read.
The commemoration of late Hugo Chavez with a rewriting of the Christian Lord’s Prayer is causing controversy in Venezuela
Hugo Chavez’s legacy has taken on a religious glow in Venezuela since the leader’s death last year. Rosaries adorned with Hugo Chavez’s face, shrines and images depicting him with a Christian cross have become commonplace. Followers often say they believe Hugo Chavez was on a divine mission.
On September 3, the Venezuela Catholic Church released a statement calling the Lord’s Prayer “untouchable, saying it “is the archetypal prayer for Christians around the world, and comes from the very lips of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
On September 4, Nicolas Maduro defended Maria Estrella Uribe’s modification, and said she was being targeted by new inquisitors who wanted to turn her humble prayer into a sin.
During his presidency, Hugo Chavez frequently crossed paths with Venezuela’s church, which sometimes accused the socialist leader of becoming increasingly authoritarian.
Hugo Chavez described Christ as a socialist and said local church authorities were misleading the Vatican with warnings that Venezuela was drifting toward dictatorship.
Venezuela is 90% Catholic, though many marry their Christianity with Santeria and other syncretic belief systems.
Sierra Leone has announced a four-day lockdown to try to tackle the Ebola disease.
According to a senior official, from 18 to 21 September people will not be allowed to leave their homes.
The aim of the move is to allow health workers to isolate new cases to prevent the disease from spreading further.
The Ebola outbreak has killed about 2,100 people in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Nigeria in recent months.
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on September 5 that health workers could be given vaccines as from November, when safety tests are completed.
Sierra Leone has announced a four-day lockdown to try to tackle the Ebola disease
More than 20 health workers have lost their lives to the virus in Sierra Leone since the start of the outbreak in March.
Last month Liberia sealed off a large slum in the capital, Monrovia, for more than a week in an attempt to contain the virus.
The disease infects humans through close contact with infected animals, including chimpanzees, fruit bats and forest antelope.
It then spreads between humans by direct contact with infected blood, bodily fluids or organs, or indirectly through contact with contaminated environments.
A presidential adviser described the measure as aggressive but argued that it was necessary to deal with the spread of Ebola.
Meanwhile, officials in Nigeria have decided to reopen schools in the country from September 22.
They were closed as a precaution to prevent the spread of the virus.
On September 5, the WHO announced that the blood of patients who recovered from Ebola should be used to treat others.
People produce antibodies in the blood in an attempt to fight off an Ebola infection. The antibodies may be able to help a sick patient’s immune system if they are transferred.
However, large scale data on the effectiveness of the therapy is lacking.
Joan Rivers will have a red carpet at her funeral in New York City on September 7, Us Weekly reported.
The red carpet, which Joan Rivers’ family and friends will walk upon outside Temple Emanu-El, will then be buried with the star.
An insider told the publication: “A lot of celebrities confirmed.”
In addition, only certain individuals will be allowed to roll it out.
Joan Rivers died on September 4 at the age of 81 after she stopped breathing during an outpatient procedure on her vocal cords and had been hospitalized at Mount Sinai Hospital since August 28.
Joan Rivers will have a red carpet at her funeral in New York City on September 7 (photo Getty Images)
The comedienne’ plans for her own funeral have resurfaced, proving that a red carpet is what she always wanted when she passed.
In her 2012 book I Hate Everyone…Starting with Me, Joan Rivers wrote: “When I die (and yes, Melissa, that day will come; and yes, Melissa, everything’s in your name,) I want my funeral to be a huge showbiz affair with lights, cameras, action.”
“I want Craft services, I want paparazzi and I want publicists making a scene! I want it to be Hollywood all the way. I don’t want some rabbi rambling on; I want Meryl Streep crying, in five different accents,” she continued.
“I don’t want a eulogy; I want Bobby Vinton to pick up my head and sing <<Mr. Lonely>>. I want to look gorgeous, better dead than I do alive. I want to be buried in a Valentino gown and I want Harry Winston to make me a toe tag. And I want a wind machine so that even in the casket my hair is blowing just like Beyonce’s.”
Motorola has launched its highly anticipated circular smartwatch, the Moto 360.
The company said it believed the smartwatch model offered a stylish design after what it suggested had been a series of unappealing wearable tech launches by its rivals.
The release of the Moto 360 comes at a time of transition for the business.
Sales of Motorola’s smartphones are on the rebound and the business as a whole is about to switch ownership to Lenovo.
While analysts have been generally positive about the look of the new timepiece, they expressed doubts about its potential to become a bestseller.
Motorola also unveiled new smartphones and a small Bluetooth earbud designed to allow owners to interact with their handset by voice.
The Moto 360 features a 1.5in LCD touchscreen encircled by a thin metal band.
The waterproof device is powered by Google’s new Android Wear operating system – which is designed for small screens – and also features a built-in heart rate monitor and pedometer step counter, but no proprietary sleep monitoring software.
It only lasts about a day between charges. The version already on sale in the US has leather straps, and versions with metal bands will follow.
Motorola says Moto 360 offers a stylish design after a series of unappealing wearable tech launches by its rivals (photo Motorola)
Motorola’s president, Rick Osterloh, suggested it was a clear improvement on competitors’ earlier models.
“I think the first watches that shipped have been really bad,” he said.
“A number of manufacturers were willing to ship products that I felt were not appropriate for consumers.
“The biggest problem consumers said they had with them was that they really didn’t look appealing.
“The difference in our initial approach has been to focus on that problem and solve it.”
Rick Osterloh added that he welcomed the prospect of Apple entering the sector, potentially as soon as next week.
“I think Apple is going to help grow the category,” he said.
“Perhaps the most difficult thing in any new technology category is having people understand the benefits of it.
“It’s quite concerning to me that in the early days some of the first watches maybe gave the category a bad edge. We believe our product will be on the new wave of offerings.”
Although Motorola was the first of the major tech firms to show off a circular smartwatch design, LG has since announced its own model, the G Watch R, with a similarly shaped face.
Motorola may be at a disadvantage because part of its model’s screen remains dark to make room for other components, leading some critics to suggest it resembles a “flat tyre”.
The company avoided this by building a thicker bezel, placing the parts behind it and not including an ambient light sensor.
Rick Osterloh played down the issue noting that the Moto 360’s screen was larger than those of its competitors.
However, experts suggested consumers might still prove hard to convince.
Motorola’s other new wearable is the Moto Hint, a discreet Bluetooth earbud.
Offering three hours of talk time between charges, the idea is for owners to use the add-on to activate and control their handset from up to 150ft away as well as to make calls.
Motorola suggests it could be used by pedestrians to get directions without having to repeatedly check their phone’s display, and would be a convenient way to get quick answers to questions.
In addition, Motorola announced the Moto X+1, an updated version of its top-end phone whose case can be customized at point of order. A leather back is among the new options.
Four infra-red sensors have also been added to its front to allow users to wake it up by waving their hand six to 12in above it – something the firm suggested could be useful in meetings to surreptitiously check for notifications.
Motorola also updates its lower cost Moto G, which now features an improved processor and display.
The original model is the bestselling handset in Motorola’s history, and has played a large part in reviving its fortunes.
Gustavo Cerati, one of South America’s popular rock artists, has died, four years after falling into a coma.
Gustavo Cerati, 55, suffered a stroke at the end of a concert in May 2010 in Venezuela and never recovered.
The Argentine musician was the lead singer of the Soda Stereo band, which achieve huge success across the Spanish-speaking world in the 1980s.
Gustavo Cerati later pursued a successful solo career and worked with younger artists, including Colombian star Shakira.
In her Twitter account, Shakira paid a tribute to the late artist: “Gustavo, our most important song is yet to be written. I love you, my friend. And I know you love me.”
Gustavo Cerati died from a respiratory arrest on September 4 at a Buenos Aires clinic.
Gustavo Cerati suffered a stroke at the end of a concert in May 2010 in Venezuela and never recovered (photo Getty Images)
Soda, as the band was better known, was formed in 1982 by Gustavo Cerati – guitarist and vocalist – bass player Hector “Zeta” Bosio and drummer Charly Alberti.
It was a period that coincided with a deep economic crisis in South America with the beginning of the end of the military regimes that had thrived in the previous decade.
Argentina had just lost the Falklands War, which precipitated the end of the dictatorship.
The band’s biggest hits – Cuando Pase el Temblor, Musica Ligera and La Ciudad de la Furia – became anthems for a whole generation in Latin America and Spain in the 1980s and 1990s.
Soda split up in 1997 but reunited briefly in 2007 for a farewell tour.
In a 2006 interview with the Rolling Stone magazine, Gustavo Cerati talked about cocaine binges in his days with the band.
Gustavo Cerati also said that he had stopped smoking after a health scare.
“After you reach 40, these situations force you to change your way of life,” he said.
Ahmed Abdi Godane, the leader of the Somali Islamist group al-Shabab, was killed following a US attack earlier this week, the Pentagon has confirmed.
The US carried out air strikes on Monday night targeting a convoy in which he was travelling.
“Removing Godane from the battlefield is a major symbolic and operational loss to al-Shabab,” the Pentagon press secretary said in a statement.
Ahmed Abdi Godane was one of the US state department’s most wanted men.
Leader of the Somali Islamist group al-Shabab Ahmed Abdi Godane was killed following a US attack earlier this week
It had placed a bounty of $7 million on his head.
Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Admiral John Kirby said the military action on September 1 had “led to his death”.
The US has supported the African Union (AU) force that has driven al-Shabab out of the capital, Mogadishu, and other towns since 2011.
The al-Qaeda-linked fighters want to overthrow the UN-backed Somali government and frequently attack government targets as well as neighboring countries that provide troops to the AU force.
According to the latest figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the US economy added 142,000 jobs in August 2014, less than the lowest estimate.
The unemployment rate dipped to 6.1% from 6.2% in July 2014.
The world’s largest economy had been averaging a monthly jobs gain of 212,000 in the previous 12 months.
Part of the sluggish jobs growth was attributed to a loss of 17,000 food and beverage jobs as a result of a supermarket store strike.
Thousands of employees of the Market Basket chain of supermarkets in the northeastern US had gone on strike in July to protest the firing of their boss. The dispute was resolved late last week.
US markets did not react strongly to the news, with all three indexes dipping just slightly lower in early morning trading in New York.
The US economy added 142,000 jobs in August 2014, less than the lowest estimate
There were some bright spots in the August jobs report: wage growth, a crucial sign of the strength of the US economy, ticked up slightly.
Average hourly earnings are now growing at 2.1% year over year. US Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen has previously indicated that wages are a crucial factor in the Fed’s analysis of the state of the health of the US jobs market.
Employment in the car industry also dipped less than expected, as fewer workers were laid off for factory retooling.
Jobs growth in the professional and business services also continued to lead the recovery, with an additional 47,000 jobs adding in August, bringing the yearly total to 639,000.
Most analysts believe that the sluggish August figure will give central bankers pause for thought as they consider when to end the Fed’s extraordinary support of the US economy.
The Fed is scheduled to meet on September 16-17.
Many have wondered whether or not so-called “hawks”, who favor increasing interest rates, would be able to persuade other members of the committee to move forward the bank’s plans to raise interest rates from their historically low levels of 0%.
Ukraine’s government and pro-Russian rebels have signed a cease-fire deal to end almost five months of fighting.
The two sides, meeting in Belarusian capital Minsk, agreed to stop firing by 15:00 GMT. However, the rebels said the cease-fire had not changed their policy of advocating separation from Ukraine.
Meanwhile, NATO has agreed to form a multi-national “spearhead” force capable of deploying within 48 hours.
More than 2,600 people have died since rebels stormed several eastern cities.
The takeover prompted a military operation by Ukrainian forces to retake the cities.
The rebels, who had largely been pushed back towards their strongholds of Donetsk and Luhansk, made new advances in recent days.
Fighting was continuing on Friday around Mariupol, a coastal city about 70 miles south of Donetsk.
Ukraine’s government and pro-Russian rebels have signed a cease-fire deal to end almost five months of fighting
Earlier in the day, rebels appeared to be hitting Ukrainian forces hard, and large plumes of smoke could be seen as Ukrainian forces fired back with artillery and jet fire.
The West accuses Russia of sending arms and troops to back the rebels in eastern Ukraine. But Russia denies the allegations.
The talks in Minsk were brokered by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and involved a former Ukrainian president, leaders of the pro-Russian rebels, and a Russian delegate.
Both sides agreed to stop fighting, and the OSCE said it would monitor the ceasefire.
President Petro Poroshenko said the ceasefire was based on a 12-point peace plan that included the release of “hostages”, which he said would probably happen on Saturday.
“It is very important that this ceasefire lasts long, and during this ceasefire we continue the political dialogue to bring peace and stability,” he said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin had been told of the plan during a phone call, he added.
NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen said Russia’s actions in Ukraine had been a wake-up call for the alliance, and had spurred the formation of the rapid-reaction force.
He welcomed the cease-fire, saying he hoped it “could be the start of a constructive political process”.
Meanwhile, the EU and US are expected to announced enhanced sanctions on Russia, targeting banking, energy and defense sectors.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the sanctions would contain a proviso that they could be suspended if Russia co-operated.
A funeral ceremony for late comedienne Joan Rivers is set to be held in her hometown of New York City this weekend.
Joan Rivers, 81, died at New York’s Mount Sinai Hospital after she was removed from life support following a cardiac and respiratory arrest on August 28.
Her daughter, Melissa Rivers, shared the sad news of her mother’s passing on September 4, and now it has been announced funeral services for Joan Rivers will be held at Temple Emanu-El, the synagogue where she was a member.
A statement from Rabbi Joshua M. Davidson to ABC News reads: “It is a terribly sad day for all of us. We mourn with her family, friends and all those millions to whom she brought laughter and joy.”
Joan Rivers died at New York’s Mount Sinai Hospital after she was removed from life support following a cardiac and respiratory arrest (photo Getty Images)
Meanwhile, tributes continued to pour in throughout Thursday, and among them was Joan Rivers’ co-host of fashion commentary program Fashion Police, Kelly Osbourne.
Kelly Osbourne shared her grief in a statement that reads: “I’m completely heartbroken by the loss of my beloved Joan. Not only was she my boss, she was and will always be my teacher, therapist, closest friend, inspiration and the only grandmother I ever knew. She was family and I will never forget her. Laughter will be difficult for a while but when I’m sad, lonely or upset all I will have to do is think of Joan and a smile will cross my face. Laughter is what she gave us and laughter is what she would want us to do in remembrance of her.
“Melissa and [grandson] Cooper, my thoughts are with you and I love you both so much. Joan, thank you for taking me in and loving me as a daughter. I will miss you deeply and will always hear your voice in my head saying, <<My darling get out there and be you!>>”
Former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell and his wife, Maureen McDonnell, have been found guilty of corruption.
Bob McDonnell, who left office in January 2014, was once a rising star of the Republican Party.
A federal jury concluded that he and his wife – who say they are now estranged – used his office to endorse the dietary supplements of a businessman in return for lavish gifts and loans.
They will be sentenced on January 6.
Bob McDonnell, 60, was convicted on 11 charges, including wire fraud and receiving property based on his official duties.
Maureen McDonnell, 60, was found guilty on nine of the charges.
They were both found not guilty of falsifying financial statements.
Both bowed their heads and wept as the jury delivered their verdicts of guilty.
Former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell and his wife, Maureen McDonnell, have been found guilty of corruption (photo AP)
Although the McDonnells can appeal, they could face years in prison.
“This is a difficult and disappointing day for the commonwealth and its citizens,” said the US Attorney for Virginia’s Eastern District, Dana Boente, outside the courthouse in the state capital Richmond.
“Public service frequently requires sacrifice and almost always requires financial sacrifice.”
Bob McDonnell was once considered a possible running mate for presidential candidate Mitt Romney in 2012.
But earlier this year he and his wife were charged with doing favors for a wealthy vitamin executive, Jonnie Williams, in return for more than $165,000 in gifts and loans.
Prosecutors say Bob McDonnell was in financial need and traded on his position to win gifts of travel and cash from Jonnie Williams, for whom he arranged meetings with state officials.
His defense team argued Bob McDonnell’s marriage was frayed and he was hardly on speaking terms with his wife who had a “crush” on Jonnie Williams and had accepted gifts from him.
Bob McDonnell had apologized for his own “bad judgment” and said he regretted accepting the gifts and loans, but stressed he paid it all back with interest and broke no laws.
The governor left office in disgrace in January at the end of his term.
Virginia governors are barred from running for a second consecutive term, and Bob McDonnell was succeeded by Democrat Terry McAuliffe.
The Toronto International Film Festival is due to begin later in Canada.
Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Duvall legal drama The Judge will officially kick off the 10-day event.
The 39th annual Toronto International Film Festival is currently being held from September 4 to 14.
Both stars are expected to grace the red carpet for the gala at Toronto’s Roy Thompson Hall.
Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Duvall legal drama The Judge will officially kick off the Toronto International Film Festival
Some 300 films will be screened at the festival, including Alan Turing movie The Imitation Game and Stephen Hawking biopic The Theory of Everything.
Al Pacino film The Humbling – based on Philip Roth’s final novel – will also premiere on September 4.
The Oscar-winner was honored at the festival’s charity gala , with a Q&A looking back over his career.
King Street, on which the festival’s main headquarters is situated, has been closed to traffic and streetcars to enable the public to get closer to the red carpet action.
Other films set to premiere include a big screen version of the 1980s TV series The Equalizer starring Denzel Washington, Michael Douglas thriller The Reach and Ethan Hawke drone drama Good Kill.
Joan Rivers was one of the most successful female comedians of her generation.
Her stage act veered from vitriolic attacks on fellow celebrities to a fine line in self-deprecation.
Mentored by Johnny Carson, Joan Rivers became famous on a string of US TV chat shows.
She also overcame mountainous debts and the suicide of her second husband.
Joan Rivers was born Joan Alexandra Molinsky in Brooklyn, New York, on June 8, 1933, into a family of Jewish immigrants who had fled the Russian revolution.
She graduated in English Literature before taking a series of jobs including working as a tour guide, a proofreader and a fashion adviser in an upmarket men’s clothing store.
She began performing in local theatres and a theatrical agent, Tony Rivers, suggested she adopt a stage name so she decided to take his.
In the early 1960s, Joan Rivers was performing in a number of New York comedy clubs, leading to her appearance as a guest on NBC’s The Tonight Show, then hosted by Jack Parr.
Joan Rivers began working as a writer and performer on Candid Camera, where she lured unsuspecting members of the public into ludicrous situations that were captured on camera.
Her return to The Tonight Show in 1965 proved a pivotal point in her career.
The new host, Johnny Carson, became her mentor and over the following 20 years Joan Rivers became an ever-present fixture on the show, sometimes filling in when Carson was away.
This led to other work. She hosted her own TV shows and also found time to release a couple of comedy records.
Joan Rivers also became noticed as a scriptwriter, providing material for Bob Newhart and Phyllis Diller.
Her live performances included stints in Las Vegas, where she became a popular warm-up act for a variety of stars.
Joan Rivers also published a book, The Life and Hard Times of Heidi Abramowitz, based on the brassy stage persona she cultivated in her stand-up comedy acts.
The book was full of typical Joan Rivers one-liners.
Joan Rivers was one of the most successful female comedians of her generation (photo Getty Images)
“She’s been responsible for more Merry men than Robin Hood,” was a typical example.
Joan Rivers’ life and career were both about to take a turn for the worse. In 1986, she was approached by Fox TV, which was about to launch in the US.
Fox offered Joan Rivers her own late-night talk show, which would go out at the same time as Johnny Carson’s on NBC.
Johnny Carson, who found out about the move from Fox, rather than Joan Rivers herself, was furious. He never spoke to her again.
NBC also banned her from appearing on The Tonight Show, a ban that extended past Johnny Carson’s death in 2005.
Joan Rivers’ stint with Fox was to be short lived. Her husband Edgar Rosenberg, who had been producing her new show, was fired by Fox in 1987.
When she protested to Fox managers, she too was given her marching orders. Three months later, Edgar Rosenberg committed suicide.
Joan Rivers bounced back with her own TV show in 1989. The comedienne, who wrote most of the material, played herself, the sassy blonde delivering quick one-liners, and featured a roll-call of guests including Bob Hope, Dolly Parton and Liza Minnelli.
While following a familiar US TV daytime format, it was adjudged good enough to be nominated for a number of Daytime Emmy Awards.
Joan Rivers also made a name for herself in a series of red carpet interviews for an entertainment channel where she was able to indulge her sport of celebrity baiting.
She had signed up to do the show after discovering a failed business venture had left her millions of dollars in debt.
Joan Rivers also made a number of appearances in the TV drama Nip/Tuck, which was set in a centre performing cosmetic surgery.
It was an apt role for the comedienne, who made no secret of the numerous procedures she herself underwent. Indeed, they became part of her act.
“I wish I had a twin, so I could know what I’d look like without plastic surgery,” was one of her quips.
In February 2014, Joan Rivers finally got an invitation to come back on to The Tonight Show, her first appearance on the program for 30 years.
She told Variety magazine it was about time: “I’ve been sitting in a taxi outside NBC with the meter running since 1987.”
On August 28, 2014, Joan Rivers experienced serious complications, including stopping breathing, during throat surgery at a clinic in New York. She was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital and was put into a medically induced coma after reportedly entering cardiac arrest.
On August 30, it was reported that Joan Rivers had been put on life support.
Joan Rivers died at the age of 81 on September 4 at 1:17 PM.
BP has been found guilty of “gross negligence” in the lead-up to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
The New Orleans judge ruling could potentially cost BP billions more in compensation payments.
Judge Carl Barbier also found BP subcontractors Transocean and Halliburton “negligent”.
The 2010 oil spill was the worst in US history, and BP has set aside $43 billion to cover fines, legal settlements, and clean-up costs.
BP said in a statement that it “strongly disagrees” with the ruling and that it would appeal to a higher court.
“The law is clear that proving gross negligence is a very high bar that was not met in this case,” the company said.
BP shares fell 6% after the ruling was announced.
BP has been found guilty of gross negligence in the lead-up to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico (photo AP)
Judge Carl Barbier said BP should shoulder 67% of the blame for the 2010 spill, with drilling rig owner Transocean responsible for 30% and cement company Halliburton responsible for 3%.
He ruled that BP will be “subject to enhanced civil penalties” due to its “gross negligence” and “willful misconduct”.
The ruling could quadruple the civil penalties that BP must pay as a result of the spill to an estimated $18 billion.
Under the US Clean Water Act, a ruling of negligence would have meant BP was liable to pay $1,100 per barrel of oil spilled; gross negligence increases the penalty to $4,300 per barrel.
In its most recent annual report, BP said it had set aside $3.5 billion for this case – an indication the firm had expected a more lenient ruling.
BP emphasized in its statement that it planned to argue during penalty proceedings for the lesser penalty.
In 2012, BP agreed to accept criminal responsibility for the disaster and agreed to pay $4.5 billion to the US government, thus settling its criminal liability in the spill.
Now, legal efforts have focused on the amount of civil penalties the firm must pay, both to businesses and individuals affected by the spill and to cover environmental clean-up costs.
Also in 2012, BP reached a $9.2 billion civil settlement and agreed to put $20 billion into a trust to pay to businesses and individuals.
However, legal proceedings have continued after BP said it had been forced to pay compensation to some businesses and individuals who were not directly affected.
It is not clear what impact Judge Carl Barbier’s ruling will have on the legal wrangling over that settlement fund.
A date to determine the total number of barrels of oil that were spilled in 2010 as well as a final civil penalty has not yet been announced.
US government experts have estimated a total of 4.2 million barrels spilled into the Gulf; BP has said the figure is closer to 2.45 million.
Joan Rivers has died at the age of 81, daughter Melissa Rivers has announced.
The comedienne had been on life support in Mount Sinai Hospital since having a cardiac arrest in New York last week.
In a statement, her daughter said Joan Rivers died surrounded by family and friends, and she thanked hospital staff for their “amazing care”.
Joan Rivers stopped breathing during a procedure on her vocal chords at an outpatient clinic on August 28.
Joan Rivers died on Thursday, September 4, at 1.17 PM (photo Getty Images)
Melissa Rivers’ statement said: “My mother’s greatest joy in life was to make people laugh. Although that is difficult to do right now, I know her final wish would be that we return to laughing soon.”
On September 3, Melissa Rivers issued a brief statement that her mother had been moved from Mount Sinai Hospital’s ICU into a private room, without any comment concerning Joan Rivers’ condition or prognosis.
Joan Rivers died on Thursday, September 4, at 1.17 PM.
Joan Rivers was best known for her stand-up comedy, for co-hosting the E! celebrity fashion show Fashion Police, and for starring in the reality series Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best? alongside her daughter Melissa Rivers.
According to a significant report by the World Health Organization (WHO), a person dies by taking their own life every 40 seconds.
The WHO said suicide was a “major public health problem” that was too often shrouded in taboo.
The UN health agency wants to reduce the rate of suicide by 10% by 2020, but warned just that 28 countries have a national suicide prevention strategy.
Campaigners said there needed to be more education in schools.
The WHO analyzed 10 years of research and data on suicide from around the world.
It concluded:
Around 800,000 people kill themselves every year
It was the second leading cause of death in young people, aged 15 to 29
Those over 70 were the most likely to take their own lives
Three-quarters of these deaths were in low and middle income countries
In richer countries, three times as many men as women die by suicide
It said limiting access to firearms and toxic chemicals was shown to reduce rates of suicide.
The WHO wants to reduce the rate of suicide by 10 percent by 2020 (photo Wikipedia)
And that introducing a national strategy for reducing suicides was effective yet had been developed in only a minority of countries.
Dr. Margaret Chan, the director general of the World Health Organization, said: “This report is a call for action to address a large public health problem, which has been shrouded in taboo for far too long.”
Social stigma attached to mental health disorders is known to stop people seeking help and can ultimately lead to suicide.
The WHO also attacked the reporting of suicide in the media, such as the details revealed about the death of Hollywood actor Robin Williams.
There was also a call for countries to provide more support for people who had previously made a suicide attempt as they were the most at-risk group.
Dr. Alexandra Fleischmann, a scientist in the department of mental health and substance abuse at WHO, said: “No matter where a country currently stands in suicide prevention, effective measures can be taken, even just starting at local level and on a small-scale.”
Samsung has unveiled its virtual reality headset Gear VR and Galaxy Note Edge, a smartphone whose screen bends around one of its sides.
The new kit was revealed at this year’s IFA tech show in Berlin.
In addition to the Gear VR and Galaxy Note Edge, Samsung also showed off the fourth standard version of its large-screened Note smartphone, which introduces an ultraviolet light sensor.
The announcements come at a time when Samsung Electronics is perceived to be on its back foot.
In July the division reported a 20% year-on-year drop in its net profit and dozens of executives voluntarily agreed to return part of their bonuses.
Samsung’s smartphone market share fell from 32.2% in the April-to-June quarter of 2013 to 24.9% in the same period this year, according to research firm IDC, despite the fact it has one of the biggest ranges of handsets.
By contrast, its Android rivals Lenovo, Huawei, Xiaomi and Motorola all made gains.
At IFA, DJ Lee, Samsung Electronic’s marketing chief, said his company was “focused on accelerating the speed of innovation” and promised to “never slow down”.
The virtual reality headset is the result of an alliance with Facebook-owned Oculus and acts as an add-on for the Galaxy Note 4.
It uses the phone’s 5.7in screen and speakers, and adds a focal adjustment lens – allowing it to adjust for near and farsighted eyes – and a variety of sensors to track head movements.
Samsung has unveiled its Galaxy Note Edge smartphone whose screen bends around one of its sides (photo Samsung)
Samsung said the machine would offer a 96-degree field of view, giving an experience similar to looking at a giant 175in screen from 6.5ft away.
The Gear VR will be sold with a microSD card containing a small collection of 360-degree videos and virtual reality games.
Samsung said the point of wrapping the screen of the Galaxy Note Edge around its side was to offer a new way to access frequently used apps and alerts, which would be useful at times when the rest of the screen was obscured by a protective cover.
It acts as a kind of scrollable dock or toolbar that can be controlled with a swipe of the thumb.
One expert suggested the functions offered by the Gear VR and Galaxy Note Edge might take a while to reach their full potential.
Samsung appears to recognize that of its new devices, the Galaxy Note 4 is likely to be the bestseller, calling it the “hero of the day”.
Galaxy Note Edge is the same size as its predecessor, but now features a “quad HD” screen with 550 pixels per inch, meaning it should in theory present more detail than most of its rivals.
Boosting screen resolution takes a toll on battery life, but the company was keen to promote that it had included “fast charging” technology.
It said the Note 4 would take about 30 minutes to bring its battery up to a 50% charge, versus a 55 minute wait for the Note 3.
Samsung said other changes included:
an improved S Pen stylus that provides “a more natural brush effect”
better noise cancellation to help make calls from loud environments
an improved fingerprint scanner
a higher-resolution front camera for selfies that is now 3.7 megapixels
The most unusual feature, however, is the inclusion of what Samsung says is the “world’s first UV sensor in a mobile device”.
The component provides users with a built-in way to track their exposure to sunlight if they keep the device outside of their pocket or bag.
However, Netatmo’s June – a bracelet that wirelessly transmits UV levels to connected smartphones – may offer a more practical solution for consumers wanting this feature.
Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson talked to Fox News’ Sean Hannity on September 2 about the killing of two American journalists by the ISIS militants and offered his solutions for how to handle it.
“Why is it when we’re not even over there in the Middle East, why do they continue to slaughter each other?” asked Phil Robertson.
The Duck Dynasty patriarch went on Fox News show Hannity to talk about his new book, UnPHILtered, but addressed the news first.
After citing some bible passages, Phil Robertson told Sean Hannity his view of the situation.
“In this case you have to convert them, which I think would be next to impossible, I’m not giving up on them, I’m just saying convert them or kill them. One or the other.”
Phil Robertson went on Fox News show Hannity to talk about his new book, UnPHILtered (photo Fox News)
Phil Robertson, 68, said ISIS is like “street gangs, street thugs on steroids”.
He added that it’s not like battling a “standing country with an army. This is more like worldwide gang warfare. My opinion is we’re going to have to deal with this group way more harshly than we have up to this point”.
However, Phil Robertson’s first choice for handling ISIS would be Jesus.
“I’d much rather have a Bible study with all of them and show them the error of their ways and point them to Jesus Christ,” he said.
“However, if it’s a gunfight and a gunfight alone, if that’s what they’re looking for, me personally, I am prepared for either one,” Phil Robertson added.
Miranda Lambert leads this year’s CMA Awards nominations with nine nods in seven categories.
Miranda Lambert, 30, is up for evening’s most prestigious honor, entertainer of the year, with husband Blake Shelton.
The singer is also vying for her fifth consecutive female vocalist of the year trophy.
Miranda Lambert also has nominations in major categories including album of the year, for Platinum, as well as song and single of the year for Automatic.
Only Alan Jackson previously had more nominations in a single year, with 10 nods in 2002.
“I woke up in NYC this morning to such great news!” Miranda Lambert told the Associated Press.
“Not only am I so happy to be nominated, but I’m happy to celebrate my husband’s and friends’ nominations.”
Miranda Lambert leads this year’s CMA Awards nominations with nine nods in seven categories (photo Getty Images)
Miranda Lambert’s nine nominations puts her definitively ahead of the rest of this year’s contenders. Dierks Bentley earned five nominations and Eric Church and Keith Urban have four apiece.
Dierks Bentley’s five nominations mark a career best for the singer, whose latest album marks the death of his father and birth of his son.
“It was totally unexpected,” said Dierks Bentley.
“Dude, I’m not the guy who gets nominated. I’m the guy who knows the guy who gets nominated.”
Keith Urban, George Strait and Luke Bryan join Miranda Lambert in the high-profile entertainer of the year category.
“The criteria for entertainer is a mix of things, but I guess for me I’ve always considered it to be hopefully, primarily, about the kind of show that we put on and entertaining people at the live concerts,” Keith Urban told the Associated Press.
“I know it’s about more than that, but for me it’s really been about that, about putting on a tour,” said Urban, a judge of TV talent show American Idol.
Keith Urban and Luke Bryan also go to head-to-head for album of the year with Fuse and Crash My Party respectively. Dierks Bentley’s Riser and Church’s The Outsiders complete the nominees.
Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley will host the awards ceremony on November 5 in Nashville, Tennessee.
The European Central Bank (ECB) has cut its benchmark interest rate by 10 basis points to 0.05%, and introduced new stimulus measures.
The ECB had earlier cut its rate from 0.25% to 0.15% in June, and also became the first major central bank to introduce negative interest rates.
It will also launch an asset purchase program, which will buy debt products from banks.
It is hoped this move will add liquidity to the financial system and revive lending.
The move falls short of a program of buying government bonds – a process known as quantitative easing (QE), and one which the US Federal Reserve has undertaken.
ECB chief Mario Draghi said that QE had been discussed by the bank.
“Some of our governing council members were in favour of doing more than I’ve just presented, and some were in favor of doing less,” he said.
“So our proposal strikes the mid-road…. a broad asset purchase program was discussed, and some governors made clear that they would like to do more.”
The ECB has been under pressure to kick-start the eurozone economy, as manufacturing output has slowed and inflation has fallen to just 0.3%.
The ECB has cut its key interest rate to lowest ever level
Referring to one element of the new stimulus program, the purchase of asset-backed securities (ABS), Mario Draghi said: “The Eurosystem will purchase a broad portfolio of simple and transparent asset-backed securities with underlying assets consisting of claims against the euro area non-financial private sector under an ABS purchase program.
“This reflects the role of the ABS market in facilitating new credit flows to the economy and follows the intensification of preparatory work on this matter.”
Mario Draghi also gave an update on the ECB’s forecasts for the eurozone economy.
The new predictions warned of slower growth, of 0.9% in 2014, and of 1.6% in 2015.
Meanwhile the forecast for inflation was cut to 0.6% rising to 1.1% in 2015, and well short of the ECB’s target of close to, but below, 2.0%.
After the latest news was announced the euro fell to $1.2996, the lowest since July 2013 and the first time it has fallen below $1.30 since then.
As was the case after the ECB’s last rate cut in June, Mario Draghi again said that cuts had reached “the lower bound”.
The main benchmark refinancing rate determines what banks pay the ECB for credit, and affects what banks charge companies to borrow.
The central bank also cut its deposit rate, what banks pay to keep their money at the central bank, to minus 0.2% from minus 0.1%.
It is hoped that this measure will encourage banks to lend to business, rather than sit on their cash.
Russia has been criticized by western leaders for its “destabilizing” influence on the crisis in Ukraine, at the start of a NATO summit in Wales.
NATO and the UK warned that pressure on Russia would be increased if it did not change course in eastern Ukraine.
Prior to the summit, Ukraine’s President Petro Poroshenko briefed US and EU leaders on earlier discussions on a cease-fire plan with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Some 2,600 people have died in fighting between Ukrainian troops and rebels.
The West says it has evidence that Vladimir Putin is supporting the separatists with training and arms, and has sent Russian troops across the border. Russia denies the accusation.
The conflict has forced more than a million people from their homes in eastern Ukraine, according to the UN estimates.
Ukrainian government forces have recently suffered several losses, after rebels launched offensives in both the Luhansk and Donetsk regions, and further south around the city of Mariupol on the Azov Sea.
Reports are emerging that the separatists have begun shelling the outer defenses of Mariupol.
NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen told reporters the summit in Wales is taking place in a dramatically changed security environment, with Russia attacking Ukraine (photo Reuters)
At least two military vehicles were seen on fire in the area, and eyewitnesses spoke of gunfire.
In a separate development, President Petro Poroshenko said “the implementation” of his peace plan – which includes a bilateral cease-fire – could start on September 5.
Petro Poroshenko said this depended on planned talks in Minsk between representatives of Ukraine, Russia, the pro-Russian rebels and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
During the two-days of talks, NATO leaders are also set to discuss the rise of Islamic State (ISIS), and Afghanistan where Taliban militants launched a deadly attack on a government compound on September 4.
Earlier today, NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said the summit was taking place in a “dramatically changed security environment”, with Russia “attacking Ukraine”.
“We are still witnessing unfortunately Russian involvement in destabilizing the situation in eastern Ukraine,” he told journalists in Newport ahead of the summit’s official launch.
Correspondents say the summit is NATO’s most important for decades, as leaders faced the question of whether the alliance is equipped to deal with 21st Century challenges.
NATO is expected to approve plans to create a rapid response force composed of several thousand troops from member states, able to deploy within 48 hours.
European leaders are also set to discuss a new round of tougher economic measures against Russia.
A new abuse lawsuit has been filed against former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky.
The new accuser claims he was abused about six years ago.
The case was filed in Philadelphia last month by Williamsport attorney Bret Southard, whose client was identified only by his initials, The Centre Daily Times reported.
The lawsuit claims Jerry Sandusky abused the boy during a shopping trip in 2008 or 2009, and after they attended a Penn State game in 2008 against Coastal Carolina University.
The trip would have come around the time law enforcement officials began investigating Sandusky in late 2008, based on a complaint involving a student in central Pennsylvania. They charged him in 2011.
Jerry Sandusky was convicted in 2012 for abusing ten boys and is serving a lengthy state prison sentence (photo ABC News)
Bret Southard told the newspaper his client represents a new case. The lawsuit seeks $550,000, along with punitive damages and interest. Penn State previously settled 26 cases for nearly $60 million.
The lawsuit describes the boy as a participant in The Second Mile, the charity for at-risk children Sandusky founded, the newspaper reported.
Second Mile official David Woodle said the charity would “engage with them and try just to understand what’s there and take it through the legal process”. He said The Second Mile now exists only as the owner of real estate that is currently for sale.
Jerry Sandusky, 70, was convicted two years ago for abusing ten boys and is serving a lengthy state prison sentence.
The lawsuit said the accuser was among the boys listed as Second Mile participants on a document taken from Jerry Sandusky’s home during the investigation. Some of the names had check marks next to them.
Steven Sotloff’s family has spoken publicly for the first time since a video of his killing was released by ISIS militants.
The family said that Steven Sotloff gave his life to covering the suffering of people in war zones, but was “no hero”.
Vice President Joe Biden said that Islamic State militants who killed him and another American journalist, James Foley, would be pursued “to the gates of hell”.
Speaking at a press conference in Florida, Steven Sotloff family spokesman Barak Barfi said that Steven “wanted to give voice to those who had none”.
He said that Steven Sotloff “was no war junkie and did not want to be a modern-day Lawrence of Arabia”.
“From the Libyan doctor in Misrata who struggled to provide psychological services to children ravaged by war, to the Syrian plumber who risked his life by crossing regime lines to purchase medicine, their story was Steve’s story. He ultimately sacrificed his life to bring their story to the world,” Barak Barfi said.
“Today we grieve but we will emerge stronger. We will not allow our enemies to hold us hostage with the sole weapon they possess: Fear.”
Steven Sotloff was kidnapped in Aleppo, Syria, in August 2013 and held captive by ISIS militants (photo Facebook)
Barak Barfi said that Steven Joel Sotloff was “torn between two poles” – his love of home life and his passion for the Arab world.
He said that the Sotloff family’s prayers went out to the family of Jim Foley, who was similarly killed last month.
“Like Steve he suffered but his jailors never broke him. He was an inspiration to others held in prison.”
The tribute to Steven Sotloff came after President Barack Obama vowed that the US would not be intimidated following the release of a video tape of his murder by ISIS militants.
Barack Obama said the US would build a coalition to “degrade and destroy” ISIS.
Vice-President Joe Biden said that the US would not stop until the militants are brought to justice.
He said the American people “are so much stronger, so much more resolved” than any enemy can understand.
ISIS has seized large swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria in recent months, declaring a new caliphate, or Islamic State, under leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
The US has launched more than 120 air strikes in the past month to try to help Kurdish forces curb the Islamic State advance.
Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has formally lifted the state of emergency that he had declared in Ferguson last month.
Jay Nixon had declared state of emergency on August 19, following demonstrations against the killing of black teenager Michael Brown by white policeman Darren Wilson.
Michael Brown, 18, was shot dead after being stopped for jaywalking.
Jay Nixon said people were “getting back to their normal routines” and the order was no longer needed.
“This progress is a testament to the efforts of community and faith leaders, working alongside state and local law enforcement officers, to bring peace to the streets of Ferguson and much-needed stability to its citizens,” the governor said in a statement.
Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has formally lifted the state of emergency that he had declared in Ferguson last month (photo Reuters)
Michael Brown was killed on August 9 after white police officer Darren Wilson stopped him and a friend for walking in the middle of the street.
Eye-witnesses have said Michael Brown raised his hands in a gesture of surrender before he was shot multiple times by Darren Wilson.
Police accounts have disputed this, saying there was a struggle between Michael Brown and Darren Wilson which led to the shooting.
Many local residents saw the crime as an example of white police brutality.
Ferguson’s police force is more than 90% white, while its population is more than 60% black.
Protestors say police officer Darren Wilson, who has been place on administrative leave, has not been adequately punished.
A St Louis County grand jury has begun hearing evidence about the killing and will decide whether or not to charge Darren Wilson with a crime.
The US Justice Department has opened its own investigation into the shooting of Michael Brown.
Last week, the Ferguson police began using body cameras to record interactions with the public.
Michael Bloomberg has returned to the helm of Bloomberg LP, the data and financial news company he founded more than three decades ago.
The former New York mayor still owns 88% of the company, and is taking up the role less than a year after leaving City Hall.
Michael Bloomberg will be replacing Daniel Doctoroff, who steps aside as president and CEO at the end of the year.
Both men indicated the decision was mutual after realizing there was no room at the top for both of them.
“I never intended to come back to Bloomberg LP after twelve years as Mayor,” Michael Bloomberg said in a statement.
“However, the more time I spent reacquainting myself with the company, the more exciting and interesting I found it – in large part, due to Dan’s efforts.
“I have gotten very involved in the company again and that led to Dan coming to me recently to say he thought it would be best for him to turn the leadership of the company back to me.
“It was a gracious and thoughtful offer and one that I finally accepted after significant pushback and great reluctance.”
Michael Bloomberg launched his namesake company after being fired from investment bank Salomon Brothers
Michael Bloomberg added that Daniel Doctoroff “expertly guided Bloomberg LP through the worst financial crisis of our generation”.
Daniel Doctoroff has led Bloomberg for the past seven years, first as president and then as chief executive in 2011.
Prior to joining Bloomberg LP, Daniel Doctoroff worked as New York City’s Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Rebuilding for six years.
Daniel Doctoroff said: “I love the company and have deep respect and affection for Mike, so leaving is not an easy decision, but it is the right one for the company, for Mike and for me at this stage of my life.
“It is and has always been Mike’s company and given his renewed interest and energy, it only makes sense for him to retake the helm.”
Michael Bloomberg, 72, launched his namesake company after being fired from investment bank Salomon Brothers and is now worth about $33 billion, according to Forbes magazine.
Many had been expecting him to focus on philanthropy work such as gun control and public health after leaving government.
But after spending an increased amount of time at its headquarters, Michale Bloomberg said he will lead the company “with support from the existing leadership team” but without taking Daniel Doctoroff’s titles.
Bloomberg LP makes most of its income from the computer terminals that it sells to financial institutions and currently has 321,000 terminal subscribers. It also provides legal, government and energy data.
The company holds more than a third of the financial information market and saw revenues rise to over $9 billion in 2014.
The New York-based company has also been aggressively expanding its news offerings by hiring over 500 reporters and editors.
In recent years, Bloomberg LP re-launched its television channel and acquired Businessweek magazine, which is now named Bloomberg Businessweek.
