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Dr. Johan Stipp found Oscar Pistorius praying over Reeva Steenkamp’s body

Clyde K. Valle
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Dr. Johan Stipp found Oscar Pistorius praying over Reeva Steenkamp’s body

Oscar Pistorius was praying over the body of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp as she lay dying, the Paralympic champion’s neighbor Dr. Johan Stipp told his murder trial today.

In the trial’s first account of the moments after the shooting, Johan Stipp said he tried to revive Reeva Steenkamp.

During Dr. Johan Stipp’s testimony, Oscar Pistorius cried and seemed to retch.

The double amputee denies intentionally killing her, saying he mistook Reeva Steenkamp, 29, for an intruder.

If found guilty, 27-year-old Oscar Pistorius could face life imprisonment.

Oscar Pistorius was praying over the body of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp as she lay dying
Oscar Pistorius was praying over the body of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp as she lay dying

Dr. Johan Stipp, who was testifying on the fourth day of the trial at the high court in Pretoria, said he could see Reeva Steenkamp’s brain tissue in her hair.

It was at this point in the testimony that a police officer passed a plastic bag to Oscar Pistorius.

Recalling the early hours of Valentine’s Day 2013, Dr, Johan Stipp said he had heard gunshots and after making sure it was safe, went to help.

When he got to Oscar Pistorius’ house, he found the athlete kneeling by Reeva Steenkamp, with “his left hand on her right groin, and his right hand – the second and third fingers – in her mouth”.

“Oscar was crying all the time,” Dr. Johan Stipp said.

“He was praying to God [saying] <<Please let her live>>.”

Dr. Johan Stipp said Oscar Pistorius had been in an emotional state, and fearing he might hurt himself, had asked where the gun was.

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Gen. Martin Dempsey: Two years and billions of dollars to overcome Edward Snowden leaks

Diane A. Wade
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Gen. Martin Dempsey: Two years and billions of dollars to overcome Edward Snowden leaks

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin Dempsey, has said that it will take the US two years and possibly billions of dollars to overcome the harm done by Edward Snowden’s intelligence leaks.

Gen. Martin Dempsey said the “vast majority” of documents taken by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden were military-related.

Since last year, news organizations have published dozens of stories based on the leaked intelligence documents.

Gen. Martin Dempsey said the vast majority of documents taken by Edward Snowden were military-related
Gen. Martin Dempsey said the vast majority of documents taken by Edward Snowden were military-related

Edward Snowden faces spying charges in the US but has been given asylum in Russia.

Gen. Martin Dempsey told the House armed services committee on Thursday that a mitigation task force had been established to investigate the extent of Edward Snowden’s theft and to determine how to overcome it.

“The vast majority of [the pilfered documents] were related to our military capabilities, operations, tactics, techniques and procedures,” Martin Dempsey said.

Gen. Martin Dempsey said the “magnitude of this challenge” suggested the task force would need to run for about two years.

Danica Patrick to race only in Sprint Cup Series at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Clyde K. Valle
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Danica Patrick to race only in Sprint Cup Series at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

This weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (LVMS), Danica Patrick will be racing only in the Sprint Cup Series.

Danica Patrick, 31, will be sporting a new look with sponsorship from Aspen Dental instead of her traditional GoDaddy.com colors.

Danica Patrick will be sporting a new look with sponsorship from Aspen Dental at LVMS
Danica Patrick will be sporting a new look with sponsorship from Aspen Dental at LVMS

She is in serious need of a good finish this weekend.

In her first two races of the season, Danica Patrick was caught up in crashes, finishing 40th at Daytona and 36th at Phoenix.

While she wasn’t at fault in starting either crash, qualifying 27th at Daytona and 33rd at Phoenix left Danica Patrick back where trouble tends to happen.

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Satoshi Nakamoto: Bitcoin creator discovered by Newsweek

Nancy Clayson
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Satoshi Nakamoto: Bitcoin creator discovered by Newsweek

Newsweek magazine’s claim that it has found the creator of the Bitcoin virtual currency sparked controversy.

Before now it was assumed that the name behind Bitcoin, Satoshi Nakamoto, was a pseudonym for the group of coders who developed the system.

Now Newsweek claims Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto is a 64-year-old model train enthusiast who lives on the outskirts of Los Angeles.

The claim has drawn criticism with many saying Newsweek had only circumstantial evidence for its assertion.

Newsweek reporter Leah Goodman said she tracked Satoshi Nakamoto down by seeking public records for US citizens bearing that name. She then investigated people whose background, education and employment history showed they might be capable of creating the crypto-currency.

Newsweek claims Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto is a 64-year-old model train enthusiast who lives on the outskirts of Los Angeles
Newsweek claims Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto is a 64-year-old model train enthusiast who lives on the outskirts of Los Angeles (photo Newsweek)

Leah Goodman’s enquiries focused on one candidate in particular who seemed to have the right profile and whose involvement was hinted at by other Bitcoin developers.

Further evidence, she said, arose when talking to his family members revealed his obsession with privacy, his political leanings and his facility with maths.

The evidence led Leah Goodman to confront Satoshi Nakamoto as his home where she asked if he was the creator of Bitcoin.

In response, Satoshi Nakamoto said: “I am no longer involved in that and I cannot discuss it.”

Many Bitcoin commentators on social networks have expressed skepticism about the find saying the evidence Leah Goodman gathered was not convincing. The story was called “fake” by some commentators on the Bitcoin Talk forum who demanded Satoshi Nakamoto carry out signed Bitcoin transactions to prove that he was the currency’s originator.

Others criticized Newsweek for publishing a picture of Satoshi Nakamoto and revealing so much about his life.

On Twitter, Leah Goodman said Newsweek magazine had only printed information that was publicly available.

Read Newsweek full article here.

Usher’s son death: Jeffrey Hubbard sentenced to four years in prison in homicide of Kile Glover

Lisa.Felice
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Usher’s son death: Jeffrey Hubbard sentenced to four years in prison in homicide of Kile Glover

Jeffrey Hubbard has been sentenced to four years in prison in the sea scooter crash case that killed Usher’s 11-year-old stepson Kile Glover.

The incident in July 2012 on Lake Lanier near Atlanta killed Kile Glover and left another teenager injured.

A jury found Jeffrey Hubbard “guilty of homicide by vessel” last month.

Kile Glover had been raised by Usher since the age of four
Kile Glover had been raised by Usher since the age of four

In addition, Jeffrey Hubbard was found guilty of several other charges including serious injury by vessel and reckless operation of a vessel.

Investigators said the sea scooter Jeffrey Hubbard was riding hit the children as they were being towed on an inner tube.

Jeffrey Hubbard’s defense lawyers said he tried to avoid the children and that what happened was a tragic accident.

Since the incident, a bill has been introduced in America which lowers the blood-alcohol limit for boat drivers to match the car driving limit.

The bill also requires a boat safety education course for those operating motorized vessels bought after January 1998.

Kile Glover was the son of Tameka Foster Raymond and Atlanta television executive Ryan Glover, and had reportedly been raised by Usher since the age of four.

US Department of Justice files lawsuit against Philadelphia School District over beard length rule

Nancy Clayson
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US Department of Justice files lawsuit against Philadelphia School District over beard length rule

The Philadelphia School District has been sued for alleged religious discrimination over a rule that requires employees to keep their beards at a certain length.

The lawsuit, filed by the US Department of Justice, claims that the Philadelphia School District discriminated against a school police officer by instituting a policy in October of 2010 that prevented school officers from having beards longer than one-quarter inch.

Siddiq Abu-Bakr, a school police officer since 1987, told district officials that the rule conflicted with his Islamic faith, which requires him to not cut his beard.

The man says he has had an untrimmed beard longer than one-quarter inch for the 27 years he has worked with the district.

Siddiq Abu-Bakr, a school police officer since 1987, told district officials that the beard rule conflicted with his Islamic faith
Siddiq Abu-Bakr, a school police officer since 1987, told district officials that the beard rule conflicted with his Islamic faith

According to the lawsuit, Siddiq Abu-Bakr notified his supervisor that he could not comply with the new rule due to his religious beliefs. Justice Department officials say he was then issued a written reprimand for violating the policy.

The complaint accuses the district of failing to consider Siddiq Abu-Bakr’s request for “reasonable accommodation” to its grooming policy.

Officials say Siddiq Abu-Bakr filed a charge of religious discrimination with the Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC’s Philadelphia district office investigated the case and determined that there was reasonable cause to believe that discrimination occurred. They then notified the Department of Justice.

The lawsuit requires the district to “develop and implement new grooming policies that would prevent its employees from being discriminated against based upon religion”.

Nicolas Sarkozy and Carla Bruni secret recordings leaked online

Nancy Clayson
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Nicolas Sarkozy and Carla Bruni secret recordings leaked online

Nicolas Sarkozy and Carla Bruni are to launch legal action after secret recordings of them were leaked online.

Lawyers for Nicolas Sarkozy say France’s former president and first lady will file a request for an injunction to prevent more from being published.

They say the recordings were made by a former aide, Patrick Buisson, without the couple’s knowledge.

Though embarrassing, the transcripts are unlikely to cause political damage, correspondents say.

Nicolas Sarkozy was said to be furious after it emerged that Patrick Buisson had recorded hundreds of hours of meetings and private conversations during his 2007-2012 term as French president.

Nicolas Sarkozy and Carla Bruni are to launch legal action after secret recordings of them were leaked online
Nicolas Sarkozy and Carla Bruni are to launch legal action after secret recordings of them were leaked online

In a statement, Patrick Buisson’s lawyer confirmed that the tapes had been made but claimed they had been done to help him to keep a proper record of all discussions with Nicolas Sarkozy and other officials.

Most of the recordings were destroyed and those that have been made public must have been stolen, the lawyer added.

Some of the recordings were published by satirical magazine Le Canard Enchaine and website Atlantico on Wednesday.

The initial revelations contain excerpts in which top officials express scorn over the presence of Nicolas Sarkozy’s wife at meetings at the Elysee.

They also suggest that Carla Bruni-Sarkozy was unhappy she had lost income when she married Nicolas Sarkozy, and hoped to boost her finances by advertising anti-ageing products.

Nicolas Sarkozy himself is shown to have been dismissive, even mocking, of the capacities of some of his ministers.

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Oscar Pistorius trial day 4: Witness relates Reeva Steenkamp’s last moments

Clyde K. Valle
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Oscar Pistorius trial day 4: Witness relates Reeva Steenkamp’s last moments

Another neighbor of Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius has told his murder trial he heard the athlete saying that he had shot his girlfriend after mistaking her for a burglar.

Johan Stipp, a qualified doctor, says he tried to revive Reeva Steenkamp but could tell she was dying.

During Dr. Johan Stipp’s testimony, Oscar Pistorius cried and seemed to retch.

The double amputee denies intentionally killing Reeva Steenkamp, saying he mistook the 29-year-old model for an intruder.

Dr. Johan Stipp said he could see Reeva Steenkamp’s brain tissue in her hair.

Oscar Pistorius on the fourth day of his murder trial in Pretoria
Oscar Pistorius on the fourth day of his murder trial in Pretoria

At this point, a police officer passed a plastic bag to Oscar Pistorius.

Recalling the night of February 14, 2013, Dr. Johan Stipp said he had heard gunshots.

He said he had found OScar Pistorius kneeling by her body.

“I shot her,” Oscar Pistorius told him.

“I thought she was a burglar.”

Dr. Johan Stipp said Oscar Pistorius had been in an emotional state. Fearing he might hurt himself, he had asked where the gun was.

Earlier, defense lawyer Barry Roux said that two neighbors, Michell Burger and Charl Johnson, had discussed their testimony with each other and amended the rough notes they had made a few days after the shooting.

“Your interpretation [of events] is designed to incriminate the accused and it’s unfortunate,” Barry Roux said.

Charl Johnson denied this. He insisted that he had heard a woman screaming “help”, followed by a man doing the same.

On Wednesday, boxer Kevin Lerena said Oscar Pistorius had been responsible for a weapon being fired at a restaurant last year.

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Angelina Jolie talks about fans support and kindness after mastectomy revelation

Lisa.Felice
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Angelina Jolie talks about fans support and kindness after mastectomy revelation

In a recent interview, Angelina Jolie has revealed she was “very moved” by the support and personal stories fans have shared with her since she underwent a double mastectomy last year.

Angelina Jolie, 38, shocked the world by declaring she had undergone preventative cancer surgery in a New York Times article which was published last May.

Now she reveals the news of her double mastectomy inspired fans to talk candidly with her about their own personal experiences with the deadly disease.

Angelina Jolie has revealed she was “very moved” by the support and personal stories fans have shared with her since she underwent a double mastectomy last year
Angelina Jolie has revealed she was “very moved” by the support and personal stories fans have shared with her since she underwent a double mastectomy last year

Angelina Jolie told Entertainment Weekly: “Wherever I go, usually I run into women and we talk about health issues, women’s issues, breast cancer, ovarian cancer. I’ve talked to men about their daughters’ and wives’ health.

“It makes me feel closer to other people who deal with the same things and have either lost their parents or are considering surgeries or wondering about their children. I was very, very moved by all the support and kindness from so many people.”

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Crimea parliament votes to become part of Russian Federation

Diane A. Wade
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Crimea parliament votes to become part of Russian Federation

Crimea’s parliament has voted to become part of the Russian Federation.

The southern Ukrainian region’s parliament said the decision would be put to the Crimean people for their verdict in a referendum on March 16.

A government minister in Kiev said they believe it would be unconstitutional for Crimea to join Russia.

Crimea, a region whose population is mostly ethnic Russian (58.5%), has been at the centre of tensions following the fall of Ukraine’s pro-Moscow president.

Pro-Russian and Russian forces have been in de facto control of the peninsula, which already enjoys a degree of autonomy from Kiev, for several days.

The announcement from Crimea’s parliament comes as EU leaders are meeting in Brussels to discuss how to respond to Russia’s troop deployment on Ukrainian soil.

The Crimean parliament resolved “to enter into the Russian Federation with the rights of a subject of the Russian Federation”.

Crimea’s parliament has voted to become part of the Russian Federation
Crimea’s parliament has voted to become part of the Russian Federation (photo Reuters)

In a statement on its website, parliament said it has asked Russian President Vladimir Putin “to start the procedure” of formally allowing Crimea to join the Russian Federation.

The Kremlin said President Vladimir Putin was aware of developments in the Crimean parliament, but no response has yet been made public.

If Russia agrees to Crimea’s request, the Crimean people will be asked two questions in the March 16 referendum, the statement says.

1. Are you in favor of reuniting Crimea with Russia as a subject of the Russian Federation?

2. Are you in favor of retaining the status of Crimea as part of Ukraine?

Ukraine’s interim Economy Minister Pavlo Sheremeta, speaking in Kiev soon after the announcement was made, said: “We’re not working out what to do if Crimea joins the Russian Federation because we believe it’s unconstitutional.”

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Pope Francis effect: New poll finds 40% of American Catholics praying more

Nancy Clayson
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Pope Francis effect: New poll finds 40% of American Catholics praying more

A recent Pew Research Center poll has found that 40% of American Catholics are praying more often than they did a year ago.

As Pope Francis wraps up his first year in the Vatican, analysts say the survey’s findings could be explained by what is called the “Francis Effect”.

The “Francis Effect” is the impact of a very popular pope with the common touch who isn’t afraid to shake things up.

Although Pope Francis has an average approval rating from his constituency that any US presidents would envy, it’s not fully clear how much the former Argentinian archbishop is influencing Catholic behavior.

Pope Francis has an average approval rating from his constituency that any US presidents would envy
Pope Francis has an average approval rating from his constituency that any US presidents would envy

“We’re not seeing any increase in the number of people who identify as Catholics. There is no increase in the frequency with which Catholics say they go to church. People are not going to confession or volunteering more often,” said Greg Smith, director of religion surveys for the Pew Research Center.

At the same time, pollsters did detect pockets of growing enthusiasm, especially among the most committed Catholics.

“One in four tells us they’re more excited about their faith in the last year. Four out of 10 say they’re praying more often. And one in five say they have been reading the Bible or other religious materials more often,” Greg Smith said.

Since he succeeded conservative Pope Benedict last March, Pope Francis has been heralded as a breath of fresh air: down-to-earth and focused on the downtrodden.

Pope Francis inspired the Twitter hashtag #bestpopeever — but the Pew data reveals he’s not actually the most-liked man to occupy the throne of St. Peter in modern times.

Eighty-five percent of American Catholics have a favorable opinion of Pope Francis, substantially higher than Pope Benedict’s 75% rating but still lower than the 93% that John Paul II basked in during the 1990s.

EU freezes Viktor Yanukovych’s assets

Diane A. Wade
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EU freezes Viktor Yanukovych’s assets

The EU has named 18 Ukrainians who will have their assets frozen including ousted President Viktor Yanukovych, his son and former PM Mykola Azarov.

The EU has named 18 Ukrainians who will have their assets frozen including ousted President Viktor Yanukovych and his son
The EU has named 18 Ukrainians who will have their assets frozen including ousted President Viktor Yanukovych and his son

Early on Thursday, the European Union revealed the names of those targeted by its sanctions. The list appears to include Viktor Yanukovych’s closest aides, including a former interior minister, justice minister, the prosecutor general, the head of the security services and the ousted president’s son.

The EU sanctions also target the former PM Mykola Azarov and his son.

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John Short speaks out about North Korea detention

Nancy Clayson
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John Short speaks out about North Korea detention

Australian missionary John Short, who was deported from North Korea earlier this week, has spoken out about his experience in detention.

John Short, 75, was detained in Pyongyang after leaving Christian pamphlets at a tourist site.

In a statement to the Australian Associated Press, John Short said he was subjected to “gruelling interrogations”.

“There were two-hour sessions each morning, which were repeated again in the afternoons,” the Hong Kong-based missionary said.

John Short was deported from North Korea earlier this week
John Short was deported from North Korea earlier this week (photo EPA)

John Short also said being confined was stressful.

“This I found to be most painful physically as an active senior person,” he said.

John Short said he told his interrogators he was not a spy.

“I confessed that I had knowingly broken the law in what I believed is my God-directed duty and as I do in every place and country I visit,” he said.

Religious activity is severely restricted in North Korea and missionaries have been arrested on many previous occasions.

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Venezuela breaks diplomatic relations with Panama

Diane A. Wade
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Venezuela breaks diplomatic relations with Panama

Venezuela has broken diplomatic relations and frozen economic ties with Panama, President Nicolas Maduro announced during Hugo Chavez’s first commemoration.

Nicolas Maduro’ decision comes after Panama requested a meeting at the Organization of American States (OAS) to discuss Venezuela’s crisis.

The president was speaking to other Latin American heads of state at events to mark the first anniversary of the death of the Venezualan leader Hugo Chavez.

At least 18 people have died in anti-government protests in the last month.

“I’ve decided to break political and diplomatic ties with the current government of Panama and freeze all trade and economic relations from this moment on,” Nicolas Maduro told the presidents of Cuba, Raul Castro, Uruguay, Jose Mujica, and Bolivia, Evo Morales, among other leaders gathered around the tomb of Hugo Chavez.

Panama’s President Ricardo Martinelli expressed surprise at Venezuela’s decision.

“Panama only hopes that this brother nation finds peace and strengthens its democracy,” Ricardo Martinelli wrote on Twitter.

Nicolas Maduro announced that Venezuela has broken diplomatic relations and frozen economic ties with Panama
Nicolas Maduro announced that Venezuela has broken diplomatic relations and frozen economic ties with Panama

Panama’s official statement said the country was “astonished” and called Nicolas Maduro’s words “unacceptable”.

“The measure announced by President Maduro should not become a smoke screen intended to hide reality,” it read.

Earlier, thousands of government supporters and troops took part in a huge parade through central Caracas, commemorating the first anniversary of former President Hugo Chavez’s death.

In other parts of Caracas, anti-government protesters kept up their barricades, despite an appeal made by opposition leaders to “respect” the anniversary.

Last week, the government of Panama requested an urgent meeting of OAS member-states to discuss the unrest in Venezuela.

On Wednesday, the OAS said a meeting would take place the next day behind closed doors to decide whether or not to convene the region’s foreign ministers over the issue.

Nicolas Maduro accused the Panamanian government of conspiring to bring down his government.

“There are moves by the United States government in accord with a lackey government of a right-wing president which has been creating the conditions for the OAS and other bodies to step towards an intervention in our country,” Nicolas Maduro said.

Nicolas Maduro also criticized OAS President Jose Miguel Insulza, who had suggested earlier that a group of observers could be sent to Venezuela – if its government and the opposition found it useful.

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Saadi Gaddafi extradited from Niger

Roy Siemens
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Saadi Gaddafi extradited from Niger

Col. Muammar Gaddafi’s son, Saadi, has been extradited from Niger and is now in custody in Tripoli, the Libyan government says.

Pictures posted on the internet showed Saadi Gaddafi, one of Col. Muammar Gaddafi’s seven sons, having his head and beard shaved.

Saadi Gaddafi, the former head of Libya’s football federation, fled to Niger after his father was killed in the 2011 revolution.

He is accused of shooting protesters and other crimes during Muammar Gaddafi’s rule.

Saadi Gaddafi, the former head of Libya's football federation, fled to Niger after his father was killed in the 2011 revolution
Saadi Gaddafi, the former head of Libya’s football federation, fled to Niger after his father was killed in the 2011 revolution

The Libyan government made an announcement about Saadi Gaddafi’s extradition in a short statement early on Thursday.

“The Libyan government received today Saadi Gaddafi and he arrived in Tripoli,” it said.

The plane with Saadi Gaddafi landed at 02:50 local time.

Niger had previously refused Libyan requests to extradite him, with the justice minister saying he was “certain to face the death penalty”.

In 2012, Interpol issued a “red notice”, obliging member countries to arrest him.

Saadi Gaddafi had reportedly resided in a state guesthouse in Niger’s capital, Niamey, after fleeing across the Sahara Desert. He is best known for a brief career in top-flight Italian football which was cut short by a failed drugs test, as well as his playboy lifestyle.

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Liz Wahl: RT anchor quits on air over Russian invasion of Crimea

Nancy Clayson
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Liz Wahl: RT anchor quits on air over Russian invasion of Crimea

Russia Today US anchor Liz Wahl quitted on the air Wednesday afternoon, saying the Kremlin-funded network “whitewashes” the actions of President Vladimir Putin.

Liz Wahl, who works out of the network’s Washington, D.C. offices, began her televised resignation by referencing co-worker Abby Martin, who made headlines by denouncing Russian intervention in Ukraine earlier this week.

“Indeed as a reporter on this network I face many moral and ethical challenges,” Liz Wahl said.

Liz Wahl said that her grandparents came to the US during the Hungarian Revolution to escape Soviet forces, and she feels lucky to have grown up in America.

“I’m the daughter of a veteran,” she continued.

Liz Wahl quitted on the air, saying the RT network whitewashes the actions of President Vladimir Putin
Liz Wahl quitted on the air, saying the RT network whitewashes the actions of President Vladimir Putin

“My partner is a physician at a military base where he sees every day the first-hand accounts of the ultimate prices that people pay for this country.

“That is why personally I cannot be part of [a] network funded by the Russian government that whitewashes the actions of Putin.

“I’m proud to be an American and believe in disseminating the truth. And that is why after this newscast I am resigning.”

A day before she quit, Liz Wahl had tweeted sympathy for Abby Martin, who was offered a posting in Crimea after she criticized Russia on the air.

Abby Martin still has a job.

RT said in a statement to Buzzfeed that Liz Wahl was trying to become an “overnight sensation” like Abby Martin.

“When a journalist disagrees with the editorial position of his or her organization, the usual course of action is to address those grievances with the editor, and, if they cannot be resolved, to quit like a professional,” the statement said.

“But when someone makes a big public show of a personal decision, it is nothing more than a self-promotional stunt.”

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Vladimir Putin among Nobel Peace Prize 2014 nominees

Nancy Clayson
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Vladimir Putin among Nobel Peace Prize 2014 nominees

President Vladimir Putin has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize despite escalating tensions over sending Russian troops to Ukraine’s Crimea region.

Pope Francis, former NSA contractor Edward Snowden and Pakistani teenager Malala Yousafzai, who was shot by the Taliban, are also on the list.

A record 278 candidates, including 47 organizations, have received nominations for this year’s prize, the Norwegian Nobel Institute’s director Geir Lundestad said.

Committee members met Tuesday to add their own suggestions. They focused on recent turmoil around the globe, including the crisis in Ukraine.

Russia seized control of Crimea after Ukraine’s President Viktor Yanukovich was ousted on February 22. It has led to the most serious confrontation between Moscow and the West since the end of the Cold War in 1991.

Vladimir Putin has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize despite escalating tensions over sending Russian troops to Ukraine’s Crimea region
Vladimir Putin has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize despite escalating tensions over sending Russian troops to Ukraine’s Crimea region

Geir Lundestad said: “Part of the purpose of the committee’s first meeting is to take into account recent events, and committee members try to anticipate what could be the potential developments in political hotspots.”

Malala Yousafzai, 16, who was shot int e head by the Taliban for campaigning for equal education rights for girls, and Russian dissidents who have spoken out over human rights are also believed to be among the candidates.

The list of nominees also includes Pope Francis and Edward Snowden.

Conflicts between protesters and the governments of Thailand and Venezuela are also expected to be debated by the committee.

“We are getting an increasing number of nominations from people in countries that have never submitted nominations before,” Geir Lundestad said.

The nominations are kept secret for half a century but thousands of people can propose candidates, including members of national assemblies, and many make their choices public.

The committee reduced its list of potential winners to between 25 and 40 on Tuesday and will create a shortlist of about 12 names by the end of April.

The Nobel Peace Prize was first awarded in 1901.

The prize includes 8 million Swedish crowns ($1.15 million) in cash.

Nobel Peace Prize winner will be announced on the second Friday of October and the prize will be presented on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death.

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Second HIV-positive baby cured in US

Kathryn R. Bown
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Second HIV-positive baby cured in US

A second baby carrying the HIV virus, which leads to AIDS, may have been cured through early treatment, the US researchers have revealed.

Antiretrovial drugs were reportedly administered to the baby in California just four hours after birth.

The unidentified 9-month-old child is now said to be HIV negative.

It is the second such case after an HIV-positive Mississippi infant brought into remission following early treatment was reported in 2013.

A second baby carrying the HIV virus may have been cured through early treatment in California
A second baby carrying the HIV virus may have been cured through early treatment in California

“This is a call to action for us to mobilize and be able to learn from these cases,” Johns Hopkins University paediatrics specialist Dr. Deborah Persaud said at a Boston medical conference.

No trace of the virus can now be found in the infant’s blood or tissues, the doctor revealed.

Dr. Deborah Persaud said the 9-month-old child is still receiving a three-drug anti-AIDS cocktail, while the three-year-old Mississippi child stopped receiving antiretroviral treatments two years ago.

“Really the only way we can prove that we have accomplished remission in these kids is by taking them off treatment and that’s not without risk,” Dr. Deborah Persaud added.

Both children are reported to have been born to mothers infected with HIV, which weakens the body’s immune system.

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Reeva Steenkamp autopsy revealed she was not pregnant

Nancy Clayson
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Reeva Steenkamp autopsy revealed she was not pregnant

After Oscar Pistorius shot dead his model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on February 14, 2013, reports surfaced that she could have been pregnant with their first child when she was killed.

However, the post-mortem was later released, and revealed the truth behind Reeva Steenkamp’s pregnancy.

“The post mortem would have revealed if Reeva was pregnant and it did not reveal anything like this. Maybe it comes from the other side, to garner and build up some sort of support for Oscar,” Mike Steenkamp, a spokesperson for Reeva’s family, said at the time. 

Oscar Pistorius shot dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on February 14, 2013
Oscar Pistorius shot dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on February 14, 2013

The original report came from the National Enquirer, which alleged that Reeva Steenkamp had been pregnant and that is what sent Oscar Pistorius on a murderous rampage.

“Police believe the preg­nancy secret she revealed is what sent Pistorius over the edge and left her dead, with bullet wounds to the head, chest, pelvis and hand,” a source told The National Enquirer. 

“Later that night, neighbors com­plained of shouting and fighting coming from the house,” the report continued.

“Police were called to in­vestigate, but it appeared to be just another lover’s spat, so nothing was done except to ask them to quiet down.”

Oscar Pistorius insists he killed Reeva Steenkamp by accident. His trial has been resumed in Pretoria at the beginning of this week.

Pompeii collapse: PM Matteo Renzi calls on business people to fund repairs

James J. Williams
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Pompeii collapse: PM Matteo Renzi calls on business people to fund repairs

Italian PM Matteo Renzi has called on business people to fund repairs to the ancient city of Pompeii.

Matteo Renzi made the plea after heavy rainfall caused flooding the UNESCO World Heritage site, damaging walls and buildings.

Pompeii, where volcanic ash smothered a Roman city in AD79, has suffered slow degradation for many years.

On Tuesday, Italy’s culture minister said he would unblock 2 million euros ($2.7 million) “to get the machine working”.

Priority will also be given to work to reduce the risk of flooding in unexcavated areas.

Italian PM Matteo Renzi has called on business people to fund repairs to the ancient city of Pompeii
Italian PM Matteo Renzi has called on business people to fund repairs to the ancient city of Pompeii

Matteo Renzi made the request for funding at a news conference on Wednesday.

The Italian government has already called upon the private sector to help restore other ancient monuments, including the Colosseum in Rome and the Trevi fountain.

Italy’s culture budget has suffered from cutbacks in recent years, leading the UN and EU to issue warnings about the state of the country’s historical sites.

The ancient city of Pompeii is one of the world’s greatest archaeological treasures. Every year, some 2.5 million tourists visit the site, near the southern city of Naples.

A 105 million-euro ($145 million) “Great Pompeii” rehabilitation project was launched in 2013, with the EU contributing 41.8 million euros. However, one Italian newspaper said on Tuesday that only 588,000 euros had been spent.

Sulaiman Abu Ghaith: Osama bin Laden’s son-in-law on trial in New York

Roy Siemens
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Sulaiman Abu Ghaith: Osama bin Laden’s son-in-law on trial in New York

The trial of Osama bin Laden’s son-in-law Sulaiman Abu Ghaith has begun in New York.

The prosecutor has said Sulaiman Abu Ghaith used the “murderous power of his words” to rally others against America after the 9/11 attacks.

The statement came during opening arguments in the terrorism trial of Sulaiman Abu Ghaith, who once served as al-Qaeda’s spokesman.

Sulaiman Abu Ghaith, 48, has pleaded not guilty to charges he conspired to kill Americans.

The Kuwaiti national was brought to New York from Turkey last year.

Osama bin Laden's son-in-law Sulaiman Abu Ghaith once served as al-Qaeda's spokesman
Osama bin Laden’s son-in-law Sulaiman Abu Ghaith once served as al-Qaeda’s spokesman

Prosecutors say Sulaiman Abu Ghaith appeared in videos with Osama bin Laden the day after the September 11, 2001, attacks on New York and Washington DC that killed almost 3,000, calling for jihad against “the Jews, the Christians and the Americans”.

Assistant US Attorney Nicholas Lewin described Sulaiman Abu Ghaith as a fiery orator who had spoken to those training in al-Qaeda camps in the months before the attacks in order to inspire them.

Nicholas Lewin said Sulaiman Abu Ghaith had agreed to appear in the group’s videos to call for further violence “while our buildings still burned”.

The Kuwaiti imam is married to the late al-Qaeda leader’s eldest daughter, Fatima. He is the highest-ranking al-Qaeda official to stand trial in the US since the 9/11 attacks.

Sulaiman Abu Ghaith was turned over to US officials in Jordan in 2013 after being deported from Turkey.

On Wednesday, Sulaiman Abu Ghaith’s lawyer mocked the prosecution’s opening statement.

“You’ve just been to the movies ladies and gentlemen,” Stanley Cohen said.

“At the end of the day, there’s really no evidence. There is the substitution for evidence with fright and alarm.”

He told them some of what Sulaiman Abu Ghaith had said was “dumb. It’s stupid”.

The Obama administration’s decision to try Sulaiman Abu Ghaith in civilian court had been criticized by Republicans.

WHO new recommendation: Daily sugar intake should account for 5% of total calories

Kathryn R. Bown
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WHO new recommendation: Daily sugar intake should account for 5% of total calories

According to new World Health Organization (WHO) guidance, people should halve the amount of sugar in their diet.

The recommended sugar intake will stay at below 10% of total calorie intake a day, with 5% the target, says the WHO.

The suggested limits apply to all sugars added to food, as well as sugar naturally present in honey, syrups, fruit juices and fruit concentrates.

The recommendation that sugar should account for no more than 10% of the calories in the diet, was passed in 2002.

It works out at about 50g a day for an adult of normal weight, said the WHO.

The WHO recommended sugar intake will stay at below 10 percent of total calorie intake a day, with 5 percent the target
The WHO recommended sugar intake will stay at below 10 percent of total calorie intake a day, with 5 percent the target

However, a number of experts now think 10% is too high, amid rising obesity levels around the world.

Announcing the new draft measures, the WHO said in a statement: “WHO’s current recommendation, from 2002, is that sugars should make up less than 10% of total energy intake per day.

“The new draft guideline also proposes that sugars should be less than 10% of total energy intake per day.

“It further suggests that a reduction to below 5% of total energy intake per day would have additional benefits.”

Dr. Francesco Branca, WHO’s nutrition director, told a news conference that the 10% target was a “strong recommendation” while the 5% target was “conditional”, based on current evidence.

“We should aim for 5% if we can,” he added.

The plans will now go for public consultation, with firm recommendations expected this summer.

Venezuela divided on first anniversary of Hugo Chavez’s death

Diane A. Wade
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Venezuela divided on first anniversary of Hugo Chavez’s death

The first anniversary of Hugo Chavez’s death is being marked in Venezuela.

Hugo Chavez died of cancer after 14 years as president.

His successor, Nicolas Maduro, is leading a parade and a ceremony later at the military headquarters in Caracas where Hugo Chavez is buried.

The anniversary comes at a time of tension, with people staging daily anti-government demonstrations.

Venezuelans are deeply divided about Hugo Chavez’s legacy.

His supporters point to the significant reductions in inequality, poverty and malnutrition which Venezuela experienced under his leadership to explain their unwavering backing for “Chavismo”, his distinct brand of socialism.

The first anniversary of Hugo Chavez’s death is being marked in Venezuela
The first anniversary of Hugo Chavez’s death is being marked in Venezuela

Hugo Chavez’s critics accused him of being “dictatorial” and of championing the poor at the expense of Venezuela’s middle class.

They say he and current President Nicolas Maduro, who has promised to continue the policies of his predecessor, have ruined the economy of the oil-rich country by alienating foreign investors.

Tens of thousands of people have taken part in marches over the past month demanding that more be done to curb insecurity and improve the economy.

Venezuela has one of the world’s highest murder rates and official figures published in December put inflation at 56.2%.

There have also been pro-government marches, during which thousands of people have expressed their support for Nicolas Maduro, whom they describe as Hugo Chavez’s “son” and “heir”.

Wednesday’s ceremonies will be attended by left-wing leaders from the region, including Cuba’s Raul Castro, Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua, and Bolivia’s Evo Morales.

Opposition leaders have asked their supporters to “respect” the anniversary and to avoid further clashes with security forces, although a march has been scheduled to take place in the central city of Valencia.

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Phone leak: Kiev snipers hired by Maidan leaders – Estonian FM Urmas Paet to EUs Catherine Ashton

Diane A. Wade
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Phone leak: Kiev snipers hired by Maidan leaders – Estonian FM Urmas Paet to EUs Catherine Ashton

A recording of a phone conversation between EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton and Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet on Ukraine has been leaked online.

In the recording, Urmas Paet told Baroness Catherine Ashton that there was an “increasing understanding” in Ukraine that ousted President Viktor Yanukovych’s government was not responsible for the deaths of police and protesters during clashes last month in Kiev.

Urmas Paet said some Ukrainians believed elements from within the new regime in Kiev had employed snipers.

He said Ukrainian doctor Olga Bogomolets had told him that victims from both sides were shot by snipers using the same weapons.

However, Dr. Olga Bogomolets told the UK’s Telegraph newspaper that she had never had access to victims from the government side and was unable to comment on how they had been killed.

The phone conversation between EU’s Catherine Ashton and Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet on Ukraine has been leaked online
The phone conversation between EU’s Catherine Ashton and Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet on Ukraine has been leaked online

Urmas Paet confirmed that the conversation with Baroness Ashton had taken place on February 26.

In a news conference on Wednesday, Urmas Paet called for an inquiry into the deaths in Kiev, but warned against using his comments to discredit the new government.

“I call for journalists to treat this recording very carefully. I was talking about the theories there were about what happened in Ukraine,” he said.

Viktor Yanukovych fled Ukraine shortly after the bloodshed and is now in Russia.

Moscow has since flooded the Crimea region with military personnel, claiming that Viktor Yanukovych had asked for their help.

However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov earlier insisted Moscow had no power to remove what it calls “self-defense forces” currently guarding key sites in Crimea, explaining that they were not Russian troops.

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) says it has sent 35 unarmed military monitors to Ukraine in response to a request from Kiev.

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Sergei Lavrov holds Ukraine talks with US and EU diplomats in Paris

Diane A. Wade
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Sergei Lavrov holds Ukraine talks with US and EU diplomats in Paris

The foreign ministers from Russia, the US and key EU states are holding talks in Paris to try to resolve Ukraine crisis.

The US wants independent observers in the flashpoint region of Crimea and direct talks between Kiev and Moscow.

Russia was expected to call for greater representation for Ukraine’s Russian-speaking areas in the Kiev government.

The EU earlier offered 11 billionn euros ($15 billion) of aid to Ukraine and froze the assets of 18 Ukrainians.

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said the package of loans and grants over the next couple of years was “designed to assist a committed, inclusive and reforms-oriented government” in Kiev.

Russian soldiers at Sevastopol naval base in Ukraine
Russian soldiers at Sevastopol naval base in Ukraine (photo Itar-Tass)

Ukraine’s finance ministry has predicted it needs $35 billion to rescue the economy.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met US Secretary of State John Kerry and counterparts from France, Germany and the UK on the sidelines of a long-planned conference on Lebanon in Paris.

NATO and Russia have been holding parallel talks in Brussels.

The Paris gathering is being seen above all as a chance to test the waters for a dialogue about Ukraine.

In the US, Pentagon chief Chuck Hagel announced plans to expand US military co-operation with Poland and Baltic states.

Chuck Hagel said the US would step up joint aviation training with Poland, and increase its participation in NATO’s mission to police the air space of Baltic countries.

The announcement was a direct response to concerns raised last week by Poland, he said.

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