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Tracy Morgan released from hospital five weeks after crash car

Lisa.Felice
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Tracy Morgan released from hospital five weeks after crash car

Tracy Morgan has been released from hospital, five weeks after being seriously injured in a car crash in New York.

Tracy Morgan will continue his recovery at home with an “aggressive outpatient program,” said spokesman Lewis Kay.

“He asked me to pass along his sincerest gratitude to everyone who has helped him get to this point.”

The actor’s legs, nose and ribs were broken on June y when a Wal-Mart truck crashed into his vehicle in New York.

The wreck killed comedian James McNair, who went by the stage name Jimmy Mack.

Tracy Morgan will continue his recovery at home with an aggressive outpatient program
Tracy Morgan will continue his recovery at home with an aggressive outpatient program (photo Twitter)

Tracy Morgan’s assistant, Jeffrey Millea and comedian Ardie Fuqua Jr. were also injured in the crash.

On Thursday, Tracy Morgan’s lawyers sued Wal-Mart for negligence, claiming the retailer should have known that its driver had been awake for more than 24 hours, and that a 700-mile commute from his home in Georgia to work in Delaware was “unreasonable”.

“As a result of Wal-Mart’s gross, reckless, willful, wanton, and intentional conduct, it should be appropriately punished with the imposition of punitive damages,” court papers said.

Truck driver Kevin Roper has separately pleaded not guilty to charges of death by auto and assault by auto charges.

Prosecutors said Kevin Roper had not slept for more than 24 hours before the crash on the New Jersey Turnpike, when he swerved to avoid traffic that had slowed down, ploughing into Morgan’s limo bus.

A report by the National Transportation Safety Board, said Kevin Roper had been driving at 65mph in a 45mph construction zone shortly before the crash.

Kevin Roper had been on the clock for 13-and-a-half hours at the time of the crash, the report concluded. Federal rules permit truck drivers to work up to 14 hours a day, with a maximum of 11 hours behind the wheel.

In a statement issued Saturday, Wal-Mart said it was “cooperating fully” in the ongoing investigation.

“We know it will take some time to resolve all of the remaining issues as a result of the accident, but we’re committed to doing the right thing for all involved,” the retailer said.

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Thousands of Palestinians flee Gaza after Israel warnings

Roy Siemens
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Thousands of Palestinians flee Gaza after Israel warnings

According to the United Nations, thousands of Palestinians are fleeing northern parts of Gaza after Israel warned it was targeting the area in its campaign to stop rocket attacks.

The UN says 17,000 people have sought refuge in its facilities as Israeli air strikes continue for a sixth day.

Thousands of Palestinians are fleeing northern parts of Gaza after Israel warned it was targeting the area in its campaign to stop rocket attacks
Thousands of Palestinians are fleeing northern parts of Gaza after Israel warned it was targeting the area in its campaign to stop rocket attacks

Israeli forces have raided a suspected rocket-launching site in Gaza in their first reported ground incursion.

At least 159 Palestinians have been killed since Israel’s offensive began, according to health officials in Gaza.

The dead are said to include 17 members of one family who died in an Israeli missile strike on Saturday evening.

Israel says it is targeting Hamas militants and “terror sites”, including the homes of senior operatives. However, the United Nations has estimated that 77% of the people killed in Gaza have been civilians.

The UN Security Council called for a ceasefire and peace talks on Saturday.

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Michelle Knight update: How is her life after escaping Ariel Castro’s house of horrors?

Nancy Clayson
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Michelle Knight update: How is her life after escaping Ariel Castro’s house of horrors?

Cleveland kidnap victim Michelle Knight revealed in a recent interview how she has discovered that the fame that followed her escape from Ariel Castro’s house of horrors cuts both ways.

The woman, who spent nearly 11 years in captivity, has her own apartment and her book, Finding Me, spent five weeks on the New York Times Bestsellers List.

Michelle Knight, Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus split $1.4 million in donations collected after their escape.

Phil McGraw of Dr. Phil television fame presented Michelle Knight with an oversized check for more than $400,000 from his foundation.

In a recent interview with the Associated Press, Michelle Knight said she is ready to assume a normal life and, with it, a new name and identity – Lily Rose Lee.

She said she becomes frightened when crowds sometimes gather around her as she walks alone. She finds it annoying when people snap cellphone photos without asking.

Michelle Knight’s book, Finding Me, spent five weeks on the New York Times Bestsellers List
Michelle Knight’s book, Finding Me, spent five weeks on the New York Times Bestsellers List

And people from her distant past have reappeared, feigning friendship but ultimately seeking money, she said.

Michelle Knight writes in her book that she grew up under less than ideal circumstances. Food and clothing were hard to come by. Strangers drifted in and out of the house at all hours. She said her mother kept her home from school for days at a time to care for her twin brothers and assorted cousins who lived there.

She ran away from home at 15 and lived beneath a highway underpass and then with a drug dealer for a few months.

Michelle Knight was 21 when Ariel Castro lured her to his home in August 2002.

She and the other two women escaped from Ariel Castro’s home on May 6, 2013.

While Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus were reunited with their families who had prayed that they would someday return, Michelle Knight refused to meet her mother who had flown to Cleveland from Florida.

Michelle Knight spent the first four months of her freedom in an assisted living facility because she had nowhere else to go.

She decided to leave her family behind. She said she forgives them but doesn’t want anything to do with them.

She also has decided to not pursue visitation rights with her son, Joey, who is now 14 and lives with adoptive parents.

Michelle Knight said her son doesn’t know she’s his birth mother and she doesn’t want to disrupt his life.

Supermoon 2014: First perigee supermoon phenomenon appeared on July 12

James J. Williams
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Supermoon 2014: First perigee supermoon phenomenon appeared on July 12

The “supermoon” phenomenon has appeared this weekend, on July 12.

The phenomenon known as the “perigee supermoon” is when the moon appears larger and brighter in the sky owing to its elliptical orbit of Earth.

The perigee supermoon is when the moon appears larger and brighter in the sky owing to its elliptical orbit of Earth
The perigee supermoon is when the moon appears larger and brighter in the sky owing to its elliptical orbit of Earth (photo Getty Images)

Saturday night marked the first of three supermoons expected in as many months. The next and closest supermoon of 2014 will be on August 10.

The larger and brighter appearance of the Moon is caused by the oval shape of the Moon’s orbit of the Earth.

According to NASA, a full Moon at perigee is up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than one at its farthest point, or apogee.

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Lorin Maazel dies from complications of pneumonia aged 84

Sonia Pantiss
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Lorin Maazel dies from complications of pneumonia aged 84

Conductor and composer Lorin Maazel has died from complications of pneumonia at his home in Castleton, Virginia, aged 84.

Lorin Maazel occupied top positions at the Vienna State Opera and the New York Philharmonic, which he accompanied on a 2008 tour of isolated North Korea.

Lorin Maazel occupied top positions at the Vienna State Opera and the New York Philharmonic
Lorin Maazel occupied top positions at the Vienna State Opera and the New York Philharmonic

In 2009, Lorin Maazel and his wife founded the Castleton Festival, which aims to showcase classical musicians at the start of their careers.

Lorin Maazel was admired for the precision and rigour of his conducting.

According to a 2011 profile in The Guardian newspaper, Lorin Maazel had a powerful memory and became known for performing without a score.

Lorin Varencove Maazel was born in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France, in 1930. As well as conducting, he also composed music, producing an opera based on George Orwell’s novel, 1984.

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CYNK’s shares trading suspended after surging 23,000%

Clyde K. Valle
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CYNK’s shares trading suspended after surging 23,000%

Trading in CYNK Technology has been suspended by the US Securities and Exchanges Commission (SEC) after shares in the little-known social networking company surged more than 23,000% in the past month.

Documents showed the company – which is registered in Nevada with an office in Belize City, Belize – had no revenue and one employee.

Shares in CYNK jumped from 6 cents in early June to $13.90 on July 10, despite uncertainty about its business and revenue structure
Shares in CYNK jumped from 6 cents in early June to $13.90 on July 10, despite uncertainty about its business and revenue structure

Shares in CYNK were traded in a lightly regulated “over the counter” exchange.

The SEC halted trading until July 24.

“It appears to the SEC that the public interest and the protection of investors require a suspension of trading in the securities of CYNK Technology Corp (“CYNK”) because of concerns regarding the accuracy and adequacy of information in the marketplace and potentially manipulative transactions in CYNK’s common stock,” wrote the SEC in its order suspending trading in the company.

On July 11, another US regulator – the Financial Industry Regulation Authority (FINRA) – had halted trading in CYNK under its “extraordinary event halt” code.

Shares in CYNK jumped from 6 cents in early June to $13.90 on July 10, despite uncertainty about its business and revenue structure. That values places the company at a valuation of close to $4 billion – just slightly above the valuation of airline JetBlue.

CYNK billed itself as a “development stage” company and its main website – introbiz.com – is described as a marketplace where one “may both buy and sell the ability to socially connect to individuals such as celebrities, business owners, and talented IT professionals”.

Israel air strikes hit Gaza’s security headquarters and police stations

Roy Siemens
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Israel air strikes hit Gaza’s security headquarters and police stations

Israel’s overnight air strikes hit Gaza’s security headquarters and police stations, in the heaviest bombardment since operations began on July 8.

Israel also said its troops had carried out a brief raid against a rocket-launching site in the coastal territory.

It added that Palestinian militants fired about 90 rockets from the Gaza Strip into its territory on Saturday.

At least 159 Palestinians have died in the air strikes, Gaza officials say.

They are said to include 17 members of one family who died in an Israeli missile strike on Saturday evening.

Israel says it is targeting Hamas militants and facilities, including the homes of senior operatives. However, the UN has estimated that 77% of the people killed in Gaza have been civilians.

Israel’s overnight air strikes hit Gaza's security headquarters and police stations, in the heaviest bombardment since operations began on July 8
Israel’s overnight air strikes hit Gaza’s security headquarters and police stations, in the heaviest bombardment since operations began on July 8

The UN Security Council called for a ceasefire and peace talks on Saturday. It is the first time since Israel’s offensive began that they have issued a statement, with members previously divided on their response.

Early on Sunday, Israeli air strikes destroyed most of the security headquarters and police stations run by Hamas Islamist militants.

The homes adjacent to the security compound suffered extensive damage, as the headquarters are located in the densely populated neighborhood of Tel al-Hawa in south Gaza.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said troops also raided a site used to fire long-range rockets at Israel.

“The mission was accomplished,” the IDF wrote on its official Twitter account.

It added: “During the mission, there was an exchange of fire. Four soldiers were lightly injured and all returned home safely.”

It is believed to be the first time Israeli troops – thought to be naval commandos on this occasion – have entered Gaza since Israel launched Operation Protective Edge, which it says is aimed at stopping rocket attacks and destroying Hamas’ capabilities.

The IDF said it was dropping leaflets over the city of Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza, warning residents to seek shelter from planned air strikes later on Sunday.

“We do not wish to harm civilians in Gaza, but these civilians must know that remaining in close proximity to Hamas terrorists and infrastructures is extremely unsafe,” the IDF said.

The IDF says it has so far struck some 1,320 “terror” sites across Gaza, while Hamas have launched more than 800 rockets at Israel.

Israel’s Iron Dome missile shield intercepted four rockets on Sunday morning above central and southern Israel, Israeli newspaper Haaretz reports.

At least five Israelis have been injured this week by rocket and missile attacks, two of them seriously, but no Israelis have been killed by the attacks.

On Saturday evening, four Israeli missiles hit a three-storey house in Gaza belonging to police chief Tayseer al-Batsh, a Gaza health official said.

The strike killed 17 members of the same family, while Tayseer al-Batsh was wounded but survived, officials added.

A witness said: “We were praying in a mosque adjacent to the targeted house and suddenly we heard a huge explosion followed by another explosion.”

Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri described the raid as “a heinous crime”, adding: “Israel will pay a heavy price for its aggression against the Palestinian people.”

Palestinian sources say more than 1,000 people have been injured since Israel began its operation six days ago.

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Baghdad attack: At least 29 people killed by gunmen in Zayouna

Roy Siemens
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Baghdad attack: At least 29 people killed by gunmen in Zayouna

At least 29 people have been killed after gunmen have stormed two buildings in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, officials say.

Twenty of those killed were said to be women.

The attack took place late on Saturday, July 12, in the neighborhood of Zayouna in east Baghdad, police said. One officer said he “found bodies everywhere”.

At least 29 people have been killed after gunmen have stormed two buildings in Baghdad’s neighborhood of Zayouna
At least 29 people have been killed after gunmen have stormed two buildings in Baghdad’s neighborhood of Zayouna

The motive for the killings is not clear. No group has said it carried out the attack.

Reports said the two buildings were suspected to be brothels.

According to AFP, writing left on the door of one of the buildings read: “This is the fate of any prostitution.”

Locals in Zayouna have accused Shia militias of killing women thought to be prostitutes, Reuters news agency reported. The neighborhood is a mixed district of Sunni and Shia Muslims.

Prostitution is prohibited under Islam, the dominant religion in Iraq.

Iraq is experiencing an upsurge in instability as government forces battle an Islamist insurgency led by the jihadist Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIS), which has seized huge swathes of the country’s north-west and closed in on cities near Baghdad.

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CDC report: US government infectious disease lab made dangerous pathogen transport errors

Kathryn R. Bown
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CDC report: US government infectious disease lab made dangerous pathogen transport errors

According to a CDC report, the US government infectious disease labs mishandled dangerous pathogens five times in the last decade.

In 2014, workers mishandled samples of anthrax and the highly-infectious H5N1 avian flu.

In response, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has closed the two labs involved.

The agency has also temporarily barred high-security labs from transporting dangerous pathogens.

There have been no reported infections from previous cases, and no-one potentially exposed to anthrax has shown signs of illness, CDC officials said.

“These events should never have happened,” CDC Director Tom Frieden told reporters on Friday.

A CDC report revealed that the US government infectious disease labs mishandled dangerous pathogens five times in the last decade
A CDC report revealed that the US government infectious disease labs mishandled dangerous pathogens five times in the last decade

“I’m disappointed, and frankly I’m angry about it,” he said, adding later he was “astonished that this could have happened here”.

The incidents were listed in a report on a potential anthrax exposure in June, which occurred when researchers in a high-level biosecurity laboratory failed to follow proper procedures and did not deactivate the bacteria.

The samples were then moved to a lower-security lab in the agency’s Atlanta campus.

“This is not the first time an event of this nature has occurred at CDC, nor the first time it occurred from the [bioterror response] laboratory,” the report said.

The CDC only recently learned of a separate incident in May in which a sample of the avian flu was cross-contaminated with a highly pathogenic version of the virus and then shipped to an agriculture department laboratory.

The influenza lab and the bioterror response laboratory have been temporarily closed in response.

The other incidents reported by the CDC:

  • In 2006, the CDC’s bioterror lab transferred anthrax DNA to outside labs, believing the sample had been deactivated
  • Also in 2006, samples from a different CDC lab were found to contain live botulism bacteria
  • Researchers sent an infectious strain of the bacterium Brucella to outside laboratories as early as 2001 because they mistook it for a vaccine version; newly available test methods in 2009 confirmed it was not.

The revelations come just days after US officials announced long forgotten vials of smallpox left in a cardboard box had been discovered by a government scientist at a research centre near Washington.

The virus was located in six freeze-dried and sealed vials, according to the CDC.

On Friday, the CDC announced that at least two of the vials contained the live virus but that no infections had been reported as a result of the incident.

It is believed to be the first time unaccounted-for smallpox was been discovered in the US. The disease was officially declared eradicated in the 1980s.

Video shows Kim Jong-un limping in public

Nancy Clayson
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Video shows Kim Jong-un limping in public

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has been filmed with a limp as he attended commemorations marking the 20th anniversary of his grandfather Kim-Il-sung’s death, have aired on state TV.

The rare footage, aired by North Korea’s state TV, shows Kim Jong-Un walking into the mausoleum with a limp and bowed deeply in front of statues of his grandfather Kim Il-sung and his father Kim Jong-il.

Kim Jong-un has been filmed with a limp as he attended commemorations marking the 20th anniversary of his grandfather Kim-Il-sung's death
Kim Jong-un has been filmed with a limp as he attended commemorations marking the 20th anniversary of his grandfather Kim-Il-sung’s death

After that, Kim Jong-un looked around an exhibition hall where the belongings of the late leaders are on display.

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Vladimir Putin meets Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner during Latin American tour

Diane A. Wade
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Vladimir Putin meets Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner during Latin American tour

Vladimir Putin is visiting Argentina as part of his Latin American tour in an apparent bid to seek allies to counter US and Western influence.

The Russian president spent Friday in Cuba – the first stop of his tour – before making an unexpected visit to Nicaragua, the first by a Russian leader.

Vladimir Putin will meet left-wing regional heads of state in Argentina.

Vladimir Putin has been holding bilateral talks with President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner during his visit to Argentina
Vladimir Putin has been holding bilateral talks with President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner during his visit to Argentina

He goes onto Brazil to attend the football World Cup final on July 13.

Russia will host the next tournament in 2018.

Later Vladimir Putin will attend a summit of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) emerging economies in the Brazilian city of Fortaleza.

Vladimir Putin has been holding bilateral talks with Argentina’s President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner.

Correspondents say Argentina is desperate for foreign investment as it faces a possible default after investors rejected its debt restructuring.

Vladimir Putin will then have dinner with other South American leaders including the presidents of Venezuela, Bolivia and Uruguay.

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Banco Espirito Santo does not need extra funds, says Portugal’s central bank

Clyde K. Valle
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Banco Espirito Santo does not need extra funds, says Portugal’s central bank

In a bid to ease investor’s concerns, Portugal’s central bank has stated that Banco Espirito Santo does not need extra funds.

Banco Espirito Santo (BES), Portugal’s largest bank, itself has said it has sufficient finances to deal with its parent company’s debt problems.

Worries about the financial strength of the bank’s parent company hit global stock markets on Thursday.

Portugal’s central bank said investors had “no reason to doubt” the security of funds, and savers had “no need to be worried”.

On Thursday, shares in both BES and Espirito Santo Financial Group – which holds a 25% stake in BES – fell sharply on worries about the financial health of the Espirito Santo group.

Banco Espirito Santo has said it has sufficient finances to deal with its parent company's debt problems
Banco Espirito Santo has said it has sufficient finances to deal with its parent company’s debt problems

Lisbon stock market regulators suspended trading in BES shares after they plunged by more than 17%. After the ban was lifted around midday on Friday, the shares gained close to 4% to 0.53 euros.

The overall Portuguese market was more than 2% higher meanwhile, after losing 4% on Thursday.

On Thursday evening, BES said it was “waiting for the release of the restructuring plan of Espírito Santo Group in order to assess the potential losses related to its exposure”.

“BES Executive Committee believes that the potential losses resulting from the exposure to Espírito Santo Group do not compromise the compliance with the regulatory capital requirements.”

Portugal’s PM Pedro Passos Coelho echoed the central bank’s message that BES was not in need of support.

Pedro Passos Coelho said: “There is no reason for the state to intervene in a bank which has solid capital and which has a comfortable margin to deal with any eventuality, even the most adverse.”

The events triggered a fresh outbreak of nerves about European banks, sending stock markets in Europe and the US lower.

There were concerns that BES’ troubles could have a wider impact on Portugal which only two months ago exited the bailout program.

At the height of the financial crisis, Portugal was forced to take a 78 billion euro ($106 billion) bailout from its European partners and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Portugal’s government borrowing costs fell to an eight-year low of 3.58% in April this year, but worries surrounding BES and the health of the country’s financial sector pushed these back up towards 4% on Thursday.

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Istanbul gas explosion injures 8 people

Nancy Clayson
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Istanbul gas explosion injures 8 people

Eight people have been injured in Istanbul on Saturday after a gas explosion in a five-story building, officials said.

Istanbul’s Governor Huseyin Avni Mutlu ruled out any terrorist attack and said the blast was caused by a gas leak or a gas canister.

The explosion in a packaging workshop on the ground floor of the building caused a fire which was quickly extinguished, the private Dogan news agency reported.

Eight people have been injured in Istanbul after a gas explosion in a five-story building
Eight people have been injured in Istanbul after a gas explosion in a five-story building (photo Hurriyet)

Huseyin Avni Mutlu’s office said eight people were injured in the blast; one person was in serious condition. A fire-fighter was treated for smoke inhalation, it said.

Hurriyet newspaper and other reports said the injured included a pregnant woman who jumped from a balcony on the second floor of the building. The Turkish publication said some cars were overturned by the force of the blast.

It is the second explosion caused by gas in as many days in Turkey. On Friday, a blast in a bakery in the southwestern city of Denizli killed one person and injured 36 others.

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Tommy Ramone dead: The Ramones last surviving member dies aged 65

Sonia Pantiss
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Tommy Ramone dead: The Ramones last surviving member dies aged 65

The Ramones founding member Tommy Ramone has died aged 65 in New York, the group has announced.

The drummer died in hospice care on Friday following treatment for bile duct cancer, US media report.

Born in Hungary, Tommy Ramone immigrated to the US in the 1950s.

He started The Ramones with three friends from a New York high-school in 1974. The band has been credited with the invention of punk rock.

Although The Ramones were never commercially successful, their unique sound helped shape rock music and is still often cited as inspirations to new generations of musicians.

Tommy Ramone started The Ramones with three friends from a New York high-school in 1974
Tommy Ramone started The Ramones with three friends from a New York high-school in 1974 (photo Wikipedia)

The Ramons’ hit songs I Wanna Be Sedated and Blitzkrieg Bop, among others, earned them an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.

News of Tommy Ramone’s death was announced on the band’s official Facebook page.

He was the group’s drummer from 1974 to 1978, and co-produced their first three albums.

Born Erdelyi Tamas, he along with the other band members decided to change their last names to Ramone.

They kicked off their career at the legendary CBGB music club in Manhattan, a hotspot for punk rock and new wave bands.

The Ramones, known for their long hair, leather jackets, ripped jeans and fast musical style, quickly developed a cult following across the US.

The act disbanded in 1996 after two decades of relentless touring.

By 2004, three of the founding musicians – lead singer Joey Ramone, guitarist Johnny Ramone and bassist Dee Dee Ramone – had passed away.

Johnny Ramone died in 2004 of prostate cancer. Joey Ramone died in 2001 of lymphatic cancer. In 2002, Dee Dee Ramone died from a heroin overdose.

Tommy Ramone was the last surviving member of the band.

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Su Bin: Chinese businessman hacked US companies

Clyde K. Valle
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Su Bin: Chinese businessman hacked US companies

Chinese businessman Su Bin has been charged by US authorities with hacking into the computer systems of Boeing and other companies with large defense contracts.

Su Bin, who was arrested in Canada last month, is accused of working with two other suspects to steal data about military projects and sell it to China.

Prosecutors said Su Bin was targeting information about fighter jets, military cargo aircraft and weapons.

A 2013 US report identified industrial spying from China as a growing threat.

Chinese businessman Su Bin has been charged by US authorities with hacking into the computer systems of Boeing and other US companies
Chinese businessman Su Bin has been charged by US authorities with hacking into the computer systems of Boeing and other US companies

There has been no specific allegation of involvement by the Chinese government in Su Bin’s case, but the US has accused China of systematically stealing American high-tech data for its national gain.

The US Department of Justice recently indicted five Chinese military officers for hacking into US businesses – charges dismissed by China as a fabrication.

Su Bin reportedly runs a Chinese aviation technology company with an office in Canada.

He was detained on June 28 while trying to gain Canadian citizenship, US authorities said.

They allege that Su Bin and his co-conspirators have been trying to sell the stolen data to state-owned firms in China.

The justice department said it “remained deeply concerned about cyber-enabled theft of sensitive information”.

“We have repeatedly made it clear that the United States will continue using all the tools our government possesses to strengthen cyber-security and confront cyber-crime,” spokesman Marc Raimondi said.

Boeing released a statement saying it was co-operating with the US authorities to hold accountable “individuals who perpetrate economic espionage or trade secret theft against US companies”.

Su Bin is scheduled to appear in court for a bail hearing next week.

Chicago violence: At least 20 shot overnight

Nancy Clayson
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Chicago violence: At least 20 shot overnight

Chicago violence continued on Saturday with 21 people shot overnight, including three people wounded outside a Northwest Side pizza restaurant.

The shooting took place around 10 PM on Friday, July 11, in the 6000 block of West Fullerton Avenue when someone opened fire on three people outside Marco’s Pizza in the Belmont-Cragin neighborhood, according to authorities.

Police were combing through evidence during the evening hours and inspecting a delivery vehicle at the scene.

A 24-year-old man, believed to be a delivery driver, was shot in the back and a 54-year-old man suffered a graze wound to the head. Both were taken to Loyola University Medical Center for treatment. A 15-year-old boy was also wounded in the shooting and was taken to Lurie Children’s Hospital with a gunshot wound to the arm, police said.

Following a violent 4th of July weekend, violence in Chicago continued with 21 people shot on July 11
Following a violent 4th of July weekend, violence in Chicago continued with 21 people shot on July 11

At least two people were killed during the overnight shootings. Just after 8 PM, four people were shot, one of them fatally in the 5200 block of West Quincy Street. Police said a group of people were standing on the block when a dark-colored sedan drove by and someone inside opened fire.

A 32-year-old man was shot in the head and was pronounced dead at the scene. Another man, whose age was not immediately known, was shot in the arm and refused medical treatment. Police said the man was being uncooperative at the scene.

A 30-year-old woman injured in the shooting walked into Loretto Hospital with multiple gunshots wounds to the body. She was later transferred to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County in stable condition, according to Chicago Police News Affairs Officer Amina Greer.

A fourth victim walked into West Suburban Medical Center with a wound to the hand and was listed in good condition.

The shooting took place just steps away from a parking lot for the Friendship Baptist Church, where churchgoers were celebrating the 117th Church Anniversary, according to the church’s website.

In the weekend’s second homicide, a man was killed and his mother seriously wounded in a shooting in the city’s Chicago Lawn neighborhood.

Police said the shooting appeared to be a domestic incident. The two were involved in an argument with a man in the home in the 6200 block of South Rockwell Street, according to authorities. Police said the man left the residence after the argument and returned with a handgun, striking both victims in the chest.

A 27-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene and his 50-year-old mother was in serious condition at Mount Sinai Hospital.

At least 11 other people were wounded in shootings since 6 PM on July 11.

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Dave Legeno found dead in Death Valley

Sonia Pantiss
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Dave Legeno found dead in Death Valley

Harry Potter actor Dave Legeno has been found dead in a remote part of California’s Death Valley, authorities say.

Mixed martial arts fighter Dave Legeno, 50, was found by hikers on July 6 and his body was recovered by helicopter.

Dave Legeno has been found dead in a remote part of California's Death Valley
Dave Legeno has been found dead in a remote part of California’s Death Valley

There were no signs of foul play and it is believed the British actor died from the heat, an initial coroner’s examination found.

Dave Legeno appeared as werewolf Fenrir Greyback in three Harry Potter movies, including both Deathly Hallows films.

“It appears that Legeno died of heat-related issues, but the Inyo County coroner will determine the final cause of death,” the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office wrote in a statement.

Dave Legeno also appeared on TV and in movies including Snow White and the Huntsman and Batman Begins.

He was set to star in an upcoming film titled Sword of Vengeance prior to his death.

Dave Legeno is survived by a daughter, US media report.

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LeBron James returns to Cleveland Cavaliers

Clyde K. Valle
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LeBron James returns to Cleveland Cavaliers

LeBron James has announced his return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the team where he began his NBA career 11 years ago.

LeBron James, 29, made the announcement in an interview with Sports Illustrated on July 11.

The NBA star has been a free agent since July 1 after opting out of the final two years of his Miami Heat contract.

“I always believed I’d return to Cleveland and finish my career there,” LeBron James said.

LeBron James, named the NBA’s most valuable player on four occasions, quit his contract in Miami last month.

He would have earned $42.7 million in the two years left on his deal.

LeBron James’ decision sparked a scramble for the player, but he revealed a return to his home state of Ohio was always in his thoughts.

LeBron James has announced his return to the Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron James has announced his return to the Cleveland Cavaliers (photo AP)

“After last season, free agency wasn’t even a thought,” he said James.

“But I have two boys and my wife, Savannah, is pregnant with a girl. I started thinking about what it would be like to raise my family in my home town.

“I looked at other teams, but I wasn’t going to leave Miami for anywhere except Cleveland. The more time passed, the more it felt right. This is what makes me happy.”

After joining the Cavaliers as the first draft pick in 2003, LeBron James rose to superstardom over the next seven years before he was tempted to Miami in 2010, where he formed a devastating partnership with Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade.

His announcement on leaving for Miami was made during a staged ESPN television show called The Decision.

It led to a backlash from Cleveland fans who burned LeBron James jerseys in anger.

LeBron James, who would have earned $20 million next season, won NBA titles with Heat in 2012 and 2013. He also led Miami to the NBA Finals in 2011, when they lost to Dallas, and 2014, when they were heavily beaten by San Antonio.

News of LeBron James’ departure was announced over the loudspeaker at Cleveland airport and Cavaliers ticket phone lines crashed, reported ESPN.

In 2010, Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert wrote an open letter criticizing LeBron James and describing his departure as a “shocking act of disloyalty” and a “shameful display of selfishness and betrayal”.

However, on Friday Dan Gilbert tweeted: “My eight-year-old: <<Daddy, does this mean I can finally wear my LeBron jersey, again?> Yes it does, son. Yes it does!”

In Miami, a mural featuring LeBron James was defaced – according to South Florida news station WPLG Local 10.

Heat owner Micky Arison tweeted: “I am shocked and disappointed in today’s news. However I will never forget what LeBron brought us for four years. Thanks for the memories.”

In addition to the Sports Illustrated interview, LeBron James posted a photo of himself in a Cavaliers uniform on Instagram with the phrase: “I’m coming home”.

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Lilit Avagyan’s ethnicity is Armenian

Lisa.Felice
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Lilit Avagyan’s ethnicity is Armenian

Like his former flame Kim Kardashian, Reggie Bush’s fiancée Lilit Avagyan has Armenian origins.

Lilit Avagyan, 26, spent most of her life studying dance, competing and performing. She started in a ballet academy from which launched her into her ballroom career.

Reggie Bush's fiancée Lilit Avagyan has Armenian origins
Reggie Bush’s fiancée Lilit Avagyan has Armenian origins (photo Getty Images)

For the last 15 years she has achieved many highs in her career.

Lilit Avagyan won the US national championships 2008 and was invited to represent America in the Latin American World Championships in Australia.

From television to live stage performances she has done a number of appearances on Dancing With The Stars and many theater shows with Louis Van Amstel’s Ballroom With The Twist.

When at home in Los Angeles, Lilit Avagyan choreographs and teaches and continues to study various forms of dance.

Chocolate-covered Twinkies are back

Nancy Clayson
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Chocolate-covered Twinkies are back

Chocolate-covered Twinkies, also known as the Chocodile, are back with a vengeance, FoodBeast reported.

Previously only available on the West Coast since the late 1990s, the Chocodiles are now being released nationwide
Previously only available on the West Coast since the late 1990s, the Chocodiles are now being released nationwide

Hostess brand is set to release bit-sized versions of chocolate-encased goodness in variations with strawberry, banana, and original cream filling, giving the children in all of us a chance to celebrate.

Previously only available on the West Coast since the late 1990s, these miniature Boston Creams are now being released nationwide, the website said.

Harry Whittaker dies aged three

Sonia Pantiss
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Harry Whittaker dies aged three

Child actor Harry Whittaker, who played Leo Dingle on soap opera Emmerdale, has died aged three, ITV has confirmed.

The broadcaster said Harry Whittaker died on July 1, although the cause of death has not yet been announced.

Harry Whittaker was honored at the end of Thursday’s episode with a message which read: “For Harry, with love”.

Mark Charnock, who played Leo Dingle’s on-screen father Marlon Dingle, called Harry “our superhero”, adding he “lit up our lives”.

Harry Whittaker played Leo Dingle on ITV’s soap opera Emmerdale
Harry Whittaker played Leo Dingle on ITV’s soap opera Emmerdale

“We were lucky to know you and hear you laugh,” he tweeted.

Harry Whittaker, who had Down’s syndrome, first appeared on the soap in May 2011, after a storyline in which his on-screen parents, Marlon and Rhona Goskirk, had to decide whether or not to keep a child diagnosed with the condition.

He was one of two child actors to play the character, alongside Theo Tasker.

An Emmerdale spokesperson said: “Very sadly we can confirm Harry Whittaker’s passing last Tuesday, 1 July.

“We will all miss him greatly and have offered our sincerest condolences to his family at this very sad time.”

Burberry investors rejects Christopher Bailey’s pay

Clyde K. Valle
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Burberry investors rejects Christopher Bailey’s pay

Burberry investors have voted against the company boss’s pay package at the annual general meeting in London.

52% of shareholders voted not to support Christopher Bailey’s pay package, in a rare stand against large salaries.

Christopher Bailey, who took over as chief executive in May, has a package worth up to £10 million ($16 million) a year.

Burberry admitted it was “a lot of money”, but said the amount was justified, to keep him in the business.

The company said the vote was “disappointing”.

Burberry investors have voted against the company boss's pay package
Burberry investors have voted against the company boss’s pay package

However, it is not binding, so the company will not be forced to change its policy.

Christopher Bailey, who was appointed chief executive in May, has an annual allowance of £440,000 ($705,000) on top of his £1.1 million ($ 1.8 million) salary.

On his appointment, he was also given 500,000 shares in the company, currently worth more than £7 million ($11.2 million).

Investors also expressed concerns about 1.35 million shares he was allocated before becoming chief executive, which had no performance criteria attached to them.

At today’s valuation, these shares would be worth £19.5 million ($31.2 million) when he is eventually allowed to sell them in several years’ time.

In the meantime, Burberry said he could earn more than £10 million ($16 million) a year over the next five years, if the retailer hits its performance targets.

Christopher Bailey retained his position as chief creative officer, when he took over from Angela Ahrendts as chief executive.

Earlier this week Burberry announced healthy sales growth, particularly in China.

Vladimir Putin begins Latin American tour in Cuba

Diane A. Wade
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Vladimir Putin begins Latin American tour in Cuba

President Vladimir Putin has begun his Latin American tour by visiting Cuba, in an apparent bid to seek allies to counter US and Western influence.

The Russian president’s choice of first stop, Cuba, is seen as an attempt to further boost friendly ties with the one-time Soviet ally.

Russia confirmed cancellation of 90% of Cuba’s debt two days before the visit.

Vladimir Putin will also travel to Argentina and Brazil, where he will attend the football World Cup final on Sunday as leader of the next host nation.

Later he will attend a summit of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, Chinas and South Africa) emerging economies in the Brazilian city of Fortaleza.

Vladimir Putin has begun his Latin American tour by visiting Cuba,
Vladimir Putin has begun his Latin American tour by visiting Cuba (photo picture-alliance/dpa)

In an interview on the eve of the trip, Vladimir Putin said Brazil was one of a group of emerging countries who should play a greater role on the world stage.

“This powerful and fast-developing country is destined to play an important role in the emerging polycentric world order,” he said, adding that Russia would back Brazil’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

Analysts say Vladimir Putin is trying to encourage Latin American countries to challenge Western dominance in the world at a time when Russia is isolated by sanctions over Ukraine and relations with the West are at their lowest since the Cold War.

In Cuba, Vladimir Putin is expected to meet President Raul Castro and his predecessor and brother Fidel.

They will be expected to discuss the progress of an agreement signed last year which cancels 90% of Cuba’s $35.2 million Soviet-era debt to Russia and channels the remaining 10% into joint investment projects in the country.

The deal was ratified by the upper house of the Russian parliament on Wednesday.

Relations between Cuba and Russia declined after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 but have improved in recent years.

Russia is involved in oil exploration offshore and began drilling a development well last year.

Vladimir Putin said Russian companies were interested in investing in reinforced plastic products, car parts and heavy equipment for the railway industry.

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Zohra Sehgal dies in Delhi aged 102

Sonia Pantiss
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Zohra Sehgal dies in Delhi aged 102

Celebrated Indian actress and choreographer Zohra Sehgal has died in Delhi on July 10 at the age of 102.

Zohra Sehgal had been ill for several days and suffered a heart attack at a city hospital on Thursday evening.

In a career spanning more than seven decades, Zohra Sehgal entertained millions of people through her performances in films and on stage.

Zohra Sehgal began her career with well-known dancer Uday Shankar in 1935 and later performed in the theater.

Her roles in Bollywood films like Cheeni Kum received extensive praise.

Zohra Sehgal was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second highest civilian award, in 2010 for her work.

In a career spanning more than seven decades, Zohra Sehgal entertained millions of people through her performances in films and on stage
In a career spanning more than seven decades, Zohra Sehgal entertained millions of people through her performances in films and on stage

Indian PM Narendra Modi led tributes to the actress on Twitter.

“Zohra Sehgal made a mark through her acting, which is admired across generations. Saddened on her demise,” he wrote.

Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan tweeted: “What a journey and what an immensely loveable co-star! Prayers for her blessed soul!!”

At 94, Zohra Sehgal played Amitabh Bachchan’s mother in hit Hindi film, Cheeni Kum, and critics said the chemistry between the two worked very well.

Zohra Sehgal was born in 1912 in the town of Saharanpur in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.

She stepped into the world of acting by joining left-wing political theater group Indian Peoples’ Theatre Association (IPTA), which dominated the Indian cultural scene in the 1940s.

She was associated with the doyen of Indian theatre, Prithviraj Kapoor, for more than a decade.

In 1962, Zohra Sehgal went to London on a drama scholarship and worked in several English films and popular television productions like My Beautiful Launderette, Tandoori Nights and The Jewel in the Crown.

Zohra Sehgal returned to India in the 1990s at the age of 80 and continued acting until the age of 95.

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Vanessa-Mae ski qualifying scandal erupts

Clyde K. Valle
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0
Vanessa-Mae ski qualifying scandal erupts

According to the Slovenia Ski Association (SAS), there are “serious doubts” over the validity of a 2014 Winter Olympic qualifier that saw violinist Vanessa-Mae Vanakorn Nicholson secure her place at Sochi.

Vanessa-Mae, 35, qualified days before the deadline after competing in the hastily-staged races in Slovenia.

Four Slovenian ski officials have been suspended but SAS director Yuri Zurej said no athletes are facing an inquiry.

There are serious doubts over the validity of a 2014 Winter Olympic qualifier that saw violinist Vanessa-Mae Vanakorn Nicholson secure her place at Sochi
There are serious doubts over the validity of a 2014 Winter Olympic qualifier that saw violinist Vanessa-Mae Vanakorn Nicholson secure her place at Sochi

Yuri Zurej said irregularities they had discovered included the SAS being incorrectly named as co-organizer of the event, while one competitor was recorded as finishing fourth, despite not actually being present.

The Singaporean-born British violinist and alpine skier competed at Sochi for Thailand under her father’s name Vanakorn.

Vanessa-Mae finished last of 67 competitors in the giant slalom, 50 seconds adrift of winner Tina Maze.

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