Global oil prices dropped and European shares rose in early trading Monday morning after Iran agreed a deal to curb some of its nuclear activities in return for an easing of international sanctions.
Iran holds the world’s fourth-largest oil reserves, but its exports have been hurt by the tough sanctions against it.
Though Iran will not be allowed to increase its oil sales for six months, the deal has eased tensions in the Middle East – a key oil-producing area.
Brent crude fell more than 2% in early Asian trade on Monday.
Global oil prices dropped after Iran agreed the nuclear deal
It dropped by $2.42 to $108.63 per barrel, while US light sweet crude fell 84 cents to $93.64 per barrel.
Fuel-intensive companies, such as airlines and travel firms, received a boost on the stock markets as a result.
International Airlines Group, the owner of British Airways and Iberia, was up 2.87% in lunchtime trading, while Air France KLM rose 3.11%. Travel operator Thomas Cook lifted 3.68%.
World powers suspect Iran’s nuclear programme is secretly aimed at developing a nuclear bomb – a charge Iran has consistently denied.
In an attempt to force Tehran to curb its programme, the US and other leading economies have imposed a series of tough sanctions aimed at Iran’s oil exports – a key driver of its economy.
The Rhodes Trust has announced that 32 American students have been named Rhodes Scholars and will enter Oxford University in October 2014.
The winners were selected from 857 applicants endorsed by 327 different colleges and universities. The scholarships, announced early Sunday, provide all expenses for two or three years of study at the prestigious university in England.
Rhodes Scholarships were created in 1902 by the will of British philanthropist Cecil Rhodes. Winners are selected on the basis of high academic achievement, personal integrity, leadership potential and physical vigor, among other attributes.
The value of the scholarships averages about $50,000 per year.
The American students will join an international group of scholars selected from 14 other jurisdictions around the world. Approximately 80 scholars are selected annually.
The 32 American students chosen as Rhodes Scholars for 2014, listed by geographical region:
District 1:
Jessica Wamala, Milford, New Hampshire, Villanova University
Alexander Joel Diaz, North Bergen, New Jersey, Harvard University
District 2:
Elizabeth Hockfield Byrne, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard University
Katherine Elida Warren, Bainbridge Island, Washington, Harvard University
District 3:
Isabel Emma Eggleston Beshar, Rye, New York, Yale University
The Rhodes Trust has announced that 32 American students have been named Rhodes Scholars and will enter Oxford University in October 2014
Paolo Poggioni Singer, Bronx, New York, Harvard University
District 4:
Evan Barrett Behrle, Oxford, Pennsylvania, University of Virginia
Alexander Gerard Wang, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, New York University, Abu Dhabi
District 5:
Timothy Michael McGinnis, Charlotte, North Carolina, Princeton University
Charles Samuel Tyson, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, University of Virginia
District 6:
Brian Westfall McGrail, Arlington, Virginia, Williams College
Emma Pierson, Arlington, Virginia, Stanford University
District 7:
James O’Connell, Tampa, Florida, Wake Forest University
Lindsay Evans Lee, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
District 8:
Melissa Loreice McCoy, Dallas, Texas, Georgia Institute of Technology
John Mikhael, Dallas, Texas, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
District 9:
Adam Mastroianni, Monroeville, Ohio, Princeton University
Courtney Wittekind, Mason, Ohio, Carnegie Mellon University
District 10:
Vinay Nayak, Oak Brook, Illinois, Yale University
Calla Glavin, Birmingham, Michigan, US Military Academy
District 11:
Drew Alan Birrenkott, McFarland, Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin
Samuel Martin Greene, Spring Green, Wisconsin, University of Chicago
District 12:
Donald Mayfield Brown, Vicksburg, Mississippi, Mississippi State University
Joshua Allen Aiken, Eugene, Oregon, Washington University, St. Louis
District 13:
Meredith Lukens Wheeler, Fort Collins, Colorado, Stanford University
Erin Alexandra Tanith Mauldin, Albuquerque, New Mexico, US Military Academy
District 14:
Suzanna Marie Fritzberg, Lake Forest Park, Washington, Yale University
Andrew Scott Lea, Richland, Washington, Harvard University
District 15:
Miles William Unterreiner, Santa Barbara, California, Stanford University
Clarke Knight, Henderson, Nevada, Smith College
District 16:
Aurora Catherine Griffin, Westlake Village, California, Harvard University
Zarko Perovic, San Diego, California, University of California, Berkeley
Connecticut prosecutors said they are about to release the long-awaited report on their investigation over the Sandy Hook mass shooting.
However, the public will have to keep waiting for the full police report on the Newtown elementary school massacre.
The report on the December 14, 2012, shooting, in which 20-year-old Adam Lanza took the lives of 20 first graders, six school staffers and his mother before turning the gun on himself, was supposed to be released in June, then was pushed back to the fall.
The Office of the State’s Attorney for Danbury now says it will publish the summary report Monday afternoon on the state’s Division of Criminal Justice website, www.ct.gov/csao.
Connecticut prosecutors said they are about to release the long-awaited report on their investigation over the Sandy Hook mass shooting
Mark Dupuis, a spokesman for Danbury State’s Attorney Stephen Sedensky III, declined to say whether the report has been shared with the families of those who died in the shooting, but he said his office is aware of families’ concerns and has taken steps to address those concerns.
The summary report to be released Monday will not include the full state police report on the shooting, which is expected to run thousands of pages. No date has yet been set for the release of the full police report, and some evidence from the state’s investigation will never be made available to the public.
A state law passed after the massacre exempts certain records of a homicide, including photos and film, from freedom-of-information requests from the press and the public if the records are believed to invade the privacy of survivors.
In advance of the summary report being issued, the interim superintendent of schools in Newtown has reached out to parents and sent a letter to ensure they’re prepared.
1. Start tracking store sales in advance. Follow your favorite retailers on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest before Black Friday. Not only will they reveal details about sales before they happen, many stores will also offer exclusive discounts on those sites. In the past, stores like RadioShack have offered savings to shoppers who “checked in” with the brand on Foursquare, a common smartphone app.
2. Shop online in the wee hours of Thanksgiving. Many sellers activate their online deals the day before -typically between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. ET on Thursday morning. So if you have your eye on a particular product or store, look early that morning to see if the savings are live yet. Any sale will usually hold through Friday. True, prices may go lower on Cyber Monday. But the odds of finding a good price are in your favor.
Focus on only Black Friday’s best bargains so you’re not tempted to buy in the heat of the moment
3. On Black Friday, start online. The prices on Friday can be awesome, but about 70% of Black Friday deals are also available online, and 78% of them come with a free shipping offer, according to research from DealNews.com. Check just after midnight on Friday morning for new deals that didn’t go live on Thursday. Bonus: If an online retailer doesn’t have a physical store in your state, you may not have to pay sales tax.
4. Go for electronics. If you have a Blu-ray player or smartphone in mind, Black Friday is the day to shop, both online and in-store, according to experts. In past years, Apple has discounted iPads, iPods and other tech by 10% to 15% on Black Friday. Television prices will be at their lowest, too. In general, the best deal will be on an off-brand flat-screen, which is often discounted more deeply than a brand like Samsung.
5. Wait for Cyber Monday to purchase clothing. If you want a new outfit, hold off until Cyber Monday. Soft goods like cosmetics, shoes and apparel carry bigger discounts that day because retailers don’t want to compete with Friday’s giant tech bargains (a $5 shirt may not impress you when it’s next to a $200 TV). Last year Eddie Bauer gave 40% off on Cyber Monday, versus 30% on Black Friday. Also look for great travel deals on Monday.
Lady Gaga arrived on the red carpet at the 2013 American Music Awards on top of a fake white horse, which was operated by two people.
The singer was dressed in a lavender Versace gown after she was named the face of the fashion house.
Lady Gaga arrived on the red carpet at the 2013 American Music Awards on top of a fake white horse
Speaking of her dramatic entrance at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles, 27-year-old Lady Gaga told E!’s Giuliana Rancic: “So much of ARTPOP is an infusion of disco.”
“It’s very Bianca Jagger arriving at Studio 54 on her white horse.”
Taylor Swift was the biggest winner at the American Music Awards 2013 in Los Angeles last night, winning four prizes.
Taylor Swift, 23, has been awarded with artist of the year, favorite pop/rock female artist, favorite country album and favorite female country artist.
Justin Timberlake picked up three awards including favorite soul and R&B male, while One Direction collected two prizes including best pop/rock group.
Katy Perry, Jenifer Lopez, Miley Cyrus and Lady Gaga were among the performers at the show in Los Angeles.
Taylor Swift was the biggest winner at the American Music Awards 2013 in Los Angeles
Taylor Swift beat Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Bruno Mars and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis to win artist of the year for the third time, the most times an artist has won the category.
After picking up her fourth and final award for best country album for Red, the singer said: “This validates that if you voted for this, that we are heartbroken in the same way and we fall in love the same way and we’re happy in the same way, and if you listen to this, we’re on the same page … we’re pretty much in it together.”
Taylor Swift was also on hand to give out an award.
Rapper 2 Chainz, Kelly Osbourne and Fall Out Boy were among the other presenters at the 41st edition of the event.
Hip-hop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, who led the nominations with six nods, came away with two wins for favorite rap/hip-hop artist and favorite rap/hip-hop album for The Heist.
Rihanna appeared on stage with her mother to pick up the icon award.
The Bajan singer also performed on the night.
Ariana Grande was given the best new artist award and Avicii beat off Calvin Harris, Daft Punk and Zedd to win the favorite electronic dance music artist award.
A deadly wintry storm heading toward East Coast threatens Thanksgiving travel plans for millions of Americans.
The storm threatens to dump snow on inland regions of several Northeast states on the eve of the holiday, a meteorologist said Monday.
The weather system has already heaped up to a foot of snow in the mountain regions of Utah and Colorado, and claimed 13 lives including a 4-year-old girl killed in a rollover smash on icy roads in New Mexico.
A deadly wintry storm heading toward East Coast threatens Thanksgiving travel plans for millions of Americans
With the storm gathering pace and moving northeast, the 43 million people who are expected to travel 50 miles or more for Thanksgiving were warned to avoid driving during the worst conditions slated for Tuesday and Wednesday, said Kevin Roth, lead meteorologist at The Weather Channel.
Three million of these travelers expected to fly, and there is also a good chance flights could be delayed leaving from airports in New York, Boston, Baltimore, and Washington D.C.
Kevin Roth said this was due to forecast low cloud and high wind, however, rather than ice or snow.
Some 300 flights were canceled at DFW International Airport across Saturday and Sunday, with officials there anticipating icy conditions.
Some of the EU sanctions on Iran could be lifted as early as next month, as part of a nuclear deal with world powers, France’s Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius says.
Laurent Fabius was speaking after crowds in Tehran cheered negotiators who had agreed to curb some of Iran’s nuclear activities in return for sanctions relief.
The six-month interim deal agreed in Geneva prompted a fall in oil prices on markets on Monday.
Meanwhile, Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu has warned the agreement is a “historic mistake”.
President Barack Obama phoned Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the deal on Sunday. He told the Israeli leader he understood Israel “has good reason to be skeptical about Iran’s intentions” and promised to consult its ally closely, the White House said.
Some of the EU sanctions on Iran could be lifted as early as next month, as part of a nuclear deal with world powers
Laurent Fabius told French radio on Monday that “Iran is committed to giving up the prospect of nuclear weapons. It’s perfectly clear”.
However, the French foreign minister insisted that the temporary deal could be reversed if its terms were not adhered to: “As long as some things remained to be settled, nothing is settled.”
EU foreign ministers would meet “in a few weeks” to put forward a proposal partially to lift some sanctions on Iran, which the 28-member bloc would then have to approve. The limited lifting of sanctions would take place “in December”, he added.
France, the UK and Germany, the US, Russia and China took part in the talks with Iran, hosted by EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton.
Under the deal which will last six months, Iran would receive some $7 billion in “limited, temporary, targeted, and reversible [sanctions] relief” while a permanent agreement is sought.
In return, Tehran has agreed to a series of measures surrounding its nuclear programme.
Japan’s PM Shinzo Abe has described China’s move to create a new “air defense identification zone” over disputed waters as “dangerous”.
China’s action had “no validity whatsoever on Japan”, Shinzo Abe added.
China has voiced anger at Japanese and US objections to the new air zone, and lodged complaints with their embassies.
The zone covers disputed islands that are claimed and controlled by Japan. China says aircraft entering the zone must obey its rules.
Shinzo Abe told parliament on Monday that the zone “can invite an unexpected occurrence and it is a very dangerous thing as well”.
“We demand China revoke any measures that could infringe upon the freedom of flight in international airspace,” he added.
US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has called the move a “destabilizing attempt to alter the status quo in the region”.
“This unilateral action increases the risk of misunderstanding and miscalculations,” Chuck Hagel said in a statement.
“This announcement by the People’s Republic of China will not in any way change how the United States conducts military operations in the region,” he added.
Japan described China’s move as an “escalation” on Saturday, after China announced the new zone.
On Sunday, Yang Yujun, a spokesman for China’s Ministry of National Defense, said Japan’s reaction was “absolutely groundless and unacceptable”.
The disputed islands in the East China Sea have been a source of tension between China and Japan for decades
“We strongly require the Japanese side to stop all moves that undermine China’s territorial sovereignty as well as irresponsible remarks that misguide international opinions and create regional tensions,” Yang Yujun said.
He also demanded that the US “earnestly respect China’s national security [and] stop making irresponsible remarks for China’s setup of the East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone”.
Meanwhile, South Korea said it found it “regretful” that China’s new zone partly overlapped with its own military air zone, and covered Ieodo, a submerged rock claimed by Seoul.
“I’d like to say once again that we have unchanging territorial control over Ieodo,” Kim Min-seok, a South Korean defense ministry spokesman, said on Monday.
Taiwan also claims the Japan-controlled disputed islands known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China. Taiwan said that it would “defend its sovereignty over the archipelago.”
China said the air defense zone came into effect from 10:00 local time on Saturday.
Aircraft in the zone must report a flight plan, “maintain two-way radio communications” and “respond in a timely and accurate manner” to identification inquiries, China’s Defense Ministry said.
Aircraft that did not follow such rules would be subject to “defensive emergency measures”, the ministry added.
The disputed islands in the East China Sea have been a source of tension between China and Japan for decades.
In 2012, the Japanese government bought three of the islands from their private Japanese owner, sparking mass protests in Chinese cities.
Since then, Chinese ships have repeatedly sailed in and out of what Japan says are its territorial waters.
China said that any attempt by Japan to shoot down Chinese aircraft would constitute “an act of war”.
China is also engaged in territorial disputes with several South East Asian countries, including Vietnam and the Philippines. The disputes centre around ocean areas and two island chains in the South China Sea.
Hunger Games: Catching Fire has topped the US box office chart this weekend with takings of $161 million.
The Hunger Games sequel narrowly failed to become the biggest opener of the year, falling short of Iron Man 3‘s debut of $174 million.
However, Hunger Games: Catching Fire, starring Jennifer Lawrence, did achieve the most successful November opening of all time.
Its performance dominated cinema-going in North America, with nearest rival Thor taking in a mere $14.1 million.
The only other new entry, Disney comedy Delivery Man, starring Vince Vaughn, had to settled for fourth place and box office returns of $8.2 million.
Catching Fire managed the fourth biggest US opening of all time, behind The Avengers, Iron Man 3 and Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part II.
More complicated box office marketing in recent years has boosted box office returns, with higher-priced Imax and 3D tickets and early Thursday night screenings being taken into account.
Catching Fire earned 8% of its first weekend takings from higher priced Imax tickets.
Hunger Games: Catching Fire has topped the US box office chart this weekend with takings of $161 million
The second outing of the Hunger Games franchise had a more lavish budget, outperforming the first film in its first week at cinemas, and appealing to a wider audience.
The first film, released last year, took $152 million in its opening weekend.
The latest film is based on Suzanne Collins’ trilogy of dystopian novels where young people fight one another to the death on live television.
Indonesia has raised the alert for the Mount Sinabung volcano in North Sumatra to the highest level.
The status was raised from “stand-by” to “caution” – the highest alert for volcanic activity – on Sunday.
People have also been warned to stay at least 3 miles from the crater.
Mount Sinabung has been showing signs of life since September, after being dormant for three years. Over the weekend, it shot ash and rocks far into the air, prompting the alert move.
More than 15,000 villagers in the area had already been moved to temporary shelters, disaster management officials said in a statement.
Indonesia has raised the alert for the Mount Sinabung volcano in North Sumatra to the highest level
Airlines have also been advised not to fly near the area.
The disaster management agency said they had changed the alert level because they anticipated there would “more eruptions and because the intensity of eruptions has been increasing”.
A local official told Agence-France Presse agency that “loud thunderous sound and vibrations” accompanied the eruptions.
No casualties have been reported so far.
When the volcano last erupted in 2010, at least two people were killed and 30,000 others were displaced.
Before 2010, Mount Sinabung had not erupted in 400 years. It is one of around 130 active volcanoes in the country.
Tens of thousands of protesters marched on Bangkok streets for a second day of anti-government demonstrations in Thailand, forcing their way into the finance ministry.
The protesters, who began their action over the weekend, want the government of PM Yingluck Shinawatra to step down.
After a huge rally on Sunday, crowds marched on Monday to several different locations in the city.
The protests have been triggered by a controversial political amnesty bill.
The legislation, which the opposition say would have allowed ousted leader Thaksin Shinawatra – the current prime minister’s brother – to return to Thailand without serving a jail sentence for corruption, failed to pass in the Senate earlier this month.
But the proposed legislation led to a fresh outbreak of street protests, reigniting simmering political divisions and raising the specter of renewed political turmoil in the South East Asian nation.
On Monday the anti-government protesters, who are led by a former opposition Democratic Party lawmaker, marched to state offices, military headquarters and television stations.
Campaign leader Suthep Thaugsuban had said the protest would be peaceful, with crowds “blowing whistles and handing out flowers”.
But at the finance ministry, a group of around 40 people swarmed into the compound.
Tens of thousands of protesters marched on Bangkok streets for a second day of anti-government demonstrations in Thailand
“Tomorrow [Tuesday] we will seize all ministries to show to the Thaksin system that they have no legitimacy to run the country,” AFP news agency quoted Suthep Thaugsuban as saying.
Sunday’s demonstration drew an estimated 100,000 people, who called on the government to step down.
“We have stood by silently while her [PM Yingluck Shinawatra’s] brother calls the shots and she runs the country into the ground with loss-making policies,” Reuters news agency quoted protester Suwang Ruangchai, 54, as saying.
About 40,000 government supporters held a separate rally in another part of the capital on Sunday.
Thailand has been bitterly divided since Thaksin Shinawatra was ousted in a military coup in 2006.
Groups opposed to him occupied Bangkok’s main airport in 2008, shutting it down. Then in 2010, those who backed him and his allies held two months of street protests that paralyzed Bangkok.
Those demonstrations ended in a military crackdown. More than 90 people – mostly civilian protesters – died over the course of the two-month sit-in.
A government led by Thaksin Shinawatra’s sister was subsequently elected and since then Thailand has remained relatively politically stable.
But the opposition accuses Thaksin Shinawatra of running the government from self-imposed exile overseas, and the now-shelved amnesty bill has served as a spark for renewed protests.
The bill applied to offences committed during the upheaval after Thaksin Shinawatra was removed from office. Yingluck Shinawatra’s government had argued that the legislation was a necessary step towards reconciliation.
But critics said it would allow human rights abuses – such as the killing of civilian protesters – to go unpunished.
And the opposition viewed it as a way of overturning the jail sentence given to Thaksin Shinawatra, paving the way for his return.
Thaksin Shinawatra is a deeply polarizing figure in Thai politics. He drew huge support from Thailand’s rural poor but strong opposition from other sectors in society, and the divisions dating from the 2006 coup continue to dominate the political landscape.
Both main candidates in the presidential election in Honduras are claiming victory.
With 42% of votes declared, the conservative Juan Orlando Hernandez leads with 34.15%, while Xiomara Castro has 28.45%, say election officials.
However, Xiomara Castro, wife of ousted ex-president Manuel Zelaya, has announced to reporters that she has won.
Turn-out was high in Honduras, with millions voting for a new president, members of parliament and local mayors.
Voting took place amid tight security, but no serious incidents were reported in Honduras, which has the highest murder rate in the world.
Polling was extended for one hour due to a big turn-out.
“Thank God and thank you to the Honduran people for this triumph,” posted Juan Orlando Hernandez on his Twitter page, at that stage with 24% of votes declared.
Xiomara Castro also used her Twitter account to announce that she had won: “Based on the exit poll results that I have received from the whole country, I can tell you: I am the president of Honduras.”
Both main candidates in the presidential election in Honduras are claiming victory
She is bidding to become the first female president of Honduras
“Today, we can say that we have won,” Xiomara Castro told reporters.
David Matamoros, president of the electoral court, said final results were not expected until early Monday.
“The preliminary results we have given so far do not show any tendency or declare any winner,” he said.
Opinions polls had pointed to a close race between Xiomara Castro and Juan Orlando Hernandez, the two leading candidates in the presidential race.
Juan Orlando Hernandez, whose National Party backed the military coup in 2009 against Manuel Zelaya, has vowed to restore order with more soldiers and police on the streets.
Xiomara Castro has proposed a community police force to tackle local crime, with more soldiers deployed to the borders to combat drug trafficking.
Around 5.4 million Hondurans were registered to vote and authorities say there was a “massive turn-out”.
Honduras is one of the poorest countries in Latin America. It also has the world’s highest murder rate, averaging 20 a day.
Much of the violence is blamed on gang violence and drug traffickers.
A margin of just one vote is needed for a win – there is no run-off election.
David Richards and his family have put up 502,165 Christmas lights around their home in Canberra, setting a new world record.
The Australian family set the record for the most Christmas lights on a residential property, Guinness World Records confirmed.
David Richards told reporters he had started working on the display in October.
The family first held the world record in 2011, before losing the title to a family in New York.
David Richards and his family have put up 502,165 Christmas lights around their home in Canberra, setting a new world record
The Richards family had put up 331,038 Christmas lights in 2011.
“I took a week off in [the] October school holidays and then have worked every weekend since,” David Richards said.
“I have always loved Christmas. Having the Christmas lights with the community coming in and sharing it is a time when you get to know people you probably should know better,” he added.
David Richards did not rule out doing this again in the future, but said he would need a generator to get any more electricity for his home, AP news agency reported.
The Richards family will open the display to visitors in the coming weeks, to raise money for a children’s charity.
Pope Francis has decided to put on public display nine tiny fragments of bone which may belong to St Peter, the world’s first Pope.
The fragments were placed in a case on the altar during an open air mass in St Peter’s Square.
The bones reputed to be of St Peter were held aloft by Pope Francis at mass on Sunday – the first time the relics have ever been shown to the public.
Discovered during the excavation of tombs under St Peter’s Basilica in the 1940s, the alleged bones of the saint and apostle who lived 2,000 years ago – and who is considered the first pope – have always been stored in the chapel of the papal apartment.
But to mark the end of the Vatican’s Year of Faith, during which 8.5 million people have visited St Peter’s tomb, the bronze box containing the fragments was brought into St Peter’s Square for an open air mass on Sunday.
Placed on the altar, the box was opened, revealing the fragments – each measuring about an inch long – laid on an ivory base and held down with wire. Pope Francis first wafted incense towards the bones, then held the box aloft during the mass, although he did not refer to them.
The Catholic Church has long been undecided on whether the bones are truly those of St Peter, even though, in 1968 archeologist Margherita Guarducci persuaded Pope Paul VI to say the bones had been “identified in a way we can hold to be convincing”.
Pope Francis has decided to put on public display nine tiny fragments of bone which may belong to St Peter, the world’s first Pope
Prof. Margherita Guarducci had noticed Greek graffiti near the excavated tomb graffiti that she translated as “Peter is here”, while tests on the bones showed they came from a man in his 60s. But her conclusion was rejected by fellow experts involved in the dig.
A Latin inscription on the outside of the bronze box in which the bones are contained states they are “considered” to be St Peter’s.
Ahead of the unveiling, archbishop Rino Fisichella, the head of the pontifical council for the promotion of new evangelization, said the relics were merely “traditionally recognized” as belonging to Saint Peter.
“It has finally been decided to produce the bones for the public, but these relics have a low profile at the Vatican,” said Marco Ansaldo, a Vatican expert at Italy’s La Repubblica.
“It seems clear the Vatican is not yet sure about the relics and is therefore rather embarrassed” he added.
The Vatican also has an ambivalent view of the Turin Shroud, the length of cloth bearing the image of a man, which was reputedly used to wrap the corpse of Christ. Without confirming if they believe the shroud is genuine, Vatican officials say it has earned its role as an object of veneration.
Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said that producing the bones on Sunday was “a way to feel spiritually close to the story of the tomb and of the apostle. There is a serious possibility they are St Peter’s bones, but we don’t go beyond that”.
A wintry storm, which started in the Southwest on Thursday, could affect a good chunk of the country by the time its westward march comes to an end.
The storm making its way through New Mexico and Texas, with the possibility of advancing to the Northeast and hindering holiday travel plans along the way.
The inconveniently-timed storm will especially be a concern for the 43 million people who are expected to travel 50 miles or more for the Thanksgiving holiday, according to AAA.
Three million of those are slated to fly to their destinations, AAA predicted.
The “Nordic outbreak” will “produce a mixed bag of wily weather that will end up impacting much of the nation,” said National Weather Service meteorologist Joe Harris.
More than a foot of snow was reported on Sunday in many mountain regions of Utah and Colorado, but the greatest accumulation reached almost four feet in Abajo Peak in southeast Utah, according to the Weather Channel. Even Flagstaff, Ariz. has seen 6 inches of snow since the storm started Thursday night, according to AZ Central.
On Sunday, most of New Mexico and Texas and parts of Oklahoma were placed under National Weather Service winter storm warnings until Monday.
In New Mexico, forecasters predicted 5 inches of snow and temperatures as low as 20. The snow that began late Saturday, paired with the freezing temperatures, created dangerous driving conditions, and many roads were closed.
The icy roads there led to a rollover accident that killed a 4-year-old girl, State Police Sergeant Emmanuel Gutierrez said.
The inconveniently-timed storm will especially be a concern for the 43 million people who are expected to travel 50 miles or more for the Thanksgiving holiday
New Mexico NBC affiliate KOB reported strong winds and near white-out conditions late Saturday night along a stretch of I-40, about 80 miles west of Albuquerque.
On Saturday, a storm-related crash involving nearly a dozen vehicles left three dead in the Texas Panhandle.
Three more were killed due to the storm in California, where the storm first hit. A man was killed when he crashed his car into a tree and a woman was killed when a tree collapsed onto her parked car. A third person in California was found dead near power lines that were down due to heavy winds and flooding.
Additional flooding in Arizona swept a man into the Santa Cruz River. Firefighters recovered his body on Friday.
The wild weather system will spread east to Arkansas and northern Louisiana Sunday night into early Monday, according to the Weather Channel.
From there, it will most likely bring heavy rain to the Southeast through Tuesday, according to Weather Channel meteorologist Dr. Tom Niziol.
The storm is expected to dump rain on areas from Atlanta to the Carolinas on Monday and Tuesday then turn to snowfall over Tennessee through West Virginia as it continues to progress Northeast on Wednesday, Tom Niziol said.
Conditions in the Northeast were largely dry Sunday, but the region experienced a cold blast that bought temperatures down to 10 degrees overnight – conditions “considered cold by January standards,” according to the National Weather Service.
The region might see the second waves of the winter storm system on Wednesday, as many last minute travelers attempt to fly or drive long distances.
A blast of cold air from the north could merge with the storm system from the south and lead to snow accumulation in western and northern New England, Pennsylvania and New York, according to the Weather Channel.
In a second possibility, the two systems would not meet, but low pressure could produce snow in main northeast coastal cities.
Whether or not travelers make it to their destinations, the storm will have moved out to sea by Thanksgiving Day, allowing for dry conditions across most of the country, according to the Weather Channel.
Still, the Weather Channel predicts temperatures in the eastern part of the country will be 10 to 20 degrees below average on the holiday.
Thursday morning wind gusts between 20 and 30 mph in the Northeast could have the potential to damper the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, according to AccuWeather.com.
The 87th annual America’s Thanksgiving Parade in downtown Detroit, Michigan, begins at 8:45 a.m. on November 28.
The parade route runs along Woodward Avenue from Kirby to Congress at Campus Martius. Grandstand seats are available from between $35 to $55 (depending on location and whether breakfast is included). The parade will be broadcast on WDIV-TV and WJR 760 AM from 9 to 10 a.m.
The 87th annual America’s Thanksgiving Parade route runs along Woodward Avenue from Kirby to Congress at Campus Martius
This year’s America’s Thanksgiving Parade is made possible through the efforts of over 4500 volunteers.
The 80th Annual McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade kicks off the season with a fun-filled morning in the heart of Chicago downtown.
From 8 am – 11 am on November 28, watch the colorful procession makes its way up State Street from Congress Parkway to Randolph Street at this free, all-ages event.
Only at the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade in Chicago you can catch a 50-foot helium turkey balloon float down iconic State Street and Ronald McDonald working the crowd.
Originally called the Christmas Caravan in the 1930s, the parade was created to help lift the spirits of residents suffering though the Great Depression. What started out as an attempt to boost Chicago’s economy has evolved into a full-scale holiday spectacle and cherished tradition for Chicagoans and Americans alike.
The 80th Annual McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade kicks off the season with a fun-filled morning in the heart of Chicago downtown
Join the crowd of 400,000 spectators as they line up in the Loop along State Street. At the front, Mr. Ronald McDonald is your honorary grand marshal and he leads a parade of over 100 units, a lively mix of everything from equestrian performers and fire twirlers to ballerinas and soul steppers.
Gaze upward as the skyline fills up with giant inflatable helium balloons. You’ll see a cast of familiar faces from Garfield the Cat outfitted as a pilgrim to Bullwinkle J. Moose looking sharp in his suit.
Wave at the entertainers atop decorative floats. Don’t miss fan favorite Santa Claus as he ushers in the holidays with his trademark red suit, white beard and jolly smile.
On the ground, talented equestrian groups, high school marching bands and specialty units keep the crowd entertained for hours. Catch miniature horses, cowgirls and beautiful Arabians. Marvel at the Samoan Fire Dancers and Jesse White Tumblers. Move to the music with Bolivian dancers, Irish steppers, Taiwanese puppets – even a dancing Chinese dragon.
Topping it all off are incredible staged performances throughout the day within the main stage area between Washington and Randolph Street.
Join Teddy the Turkey, the parade’s official mascot, for Chicago’s annual holiday tradition.
For additional details on the 80th McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade, including the full lineup of performer groups and information on VIP Experience tickets, visit chicagofestivals.org.
The 94th Annual 6abc Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off on Thursday, November 28, at 8:30 a.m. with a half hour preview show followed by three hours of parade action.
Action News’ Rick Williams and Cecily Tynan will co-host the broadcast, with Karen Rogers and Adam Joseph LIVE along the parade route.
Philadelphia Phillies’ first baseman, Ryan Howard, is making his second 6abc Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade appearance this year.
Returning for his 6th Philly parade appearance is Good Morning America’s Sam Champion. New this year, Actor/Comedian Cedric The Entertainer of Who Wants to be a Millionaire.
Chad Duell and Kristen Alderson of ABC’s General Hospital, join the parade team again this year for the 2013 star-studded lineup.
The 6abc Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade is known for having “something for everyone” with 14 balloons, 15 floats 17 marching bands from across our nation, and fan favorites from stage and screen.
The 94th Annual 6abc Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off on November 28 with a half hour preview show followed by three hours of parade action
Music performances include, Radio Disney’s Coco Jones with Holidays Unwrapped’, the cast of Jersey Boys, Debbie Gibson, Jay Sean, Regina Belle, Danielle Bradbery from The Voice, American Idol runner up, Elliott Yamin and Pretty Poison’s Jade Starling.
Additional entertainment will include, Jerry Blavat, Irish Tenor Anthony Kearns, and the cast of Elf.
In attendance especially for young parade-goers will be Walt Disney World’s Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse. Also included will be a special performance from the Sesame Place characters including Elmo, Zoe, Ernie, Bert, Count, Cookie Monster, Grover, Murray, Rosita and Abby. Plus, a parade tradition continues as we feature a special appearance by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.
Additional appearances include the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders, Miss America 2008, Kirsten Haglund, Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2014 – Leah Sykes, Miss New Jersey, Miss Delaware, Miss Pennsylvania, Miss New Jersey’s Outstanding Teen, Miss Delaware’s Outstanding Teen, Miss Pennsylvania’s Outstanding Teen and The Pennsbury High School Marching Band.
This year’s telecast will feature behind-the-scenes videos and interactive opportunities for viewers. Viewers both in and out of the Philadelphia television market can get a unique viewing experience on 6abc.com, with two live camera options. The first camera will offer a birds-eye view of the entire parade. The second camera will follow Meteorologist Adam Joseph as he traverses the Parkway with the Dunkin’ Donuts Fan Cam. The “Parade Fan Cam” can be seen starting at 9 a.m. Thanksgiving morning on 6abc.com. There, Adam Joseph will be LIVE, giving viewers a unique view of the parade, while uploading photos and chatting with viewers via Twitter and Facebook.
Philadelphia’s most time-honored event is the longest running Thanksgiving Day parade in America.
Cold and wind will challenge those attending some of the biggest Thanksgiving Day parades next week.
The most notable parade is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in the heart of New York City.
Following some tricky travelling weather on Wednesday, Thanksgiving Day will be dry with sunshine.
Cold and wind will challenge those attending some of the biggest Thanksgiving Day parades next week
Thanksgiving is anticipated as a brisk day for New York City. Wind gusts on Thursday morning are expected to be between 20 and 30 mph. There could be a few isolated gusts to 35 mph.
These winds will make it feel even colder than the afternoon high in the lower 30s. Parade-time temperatures will be in the 20s, and will likely be in the teens early.
Not only will the winds make it feel colder, but they could also cause problems for the large floats and those helping to carry balloons.
Also in the I-95 corridor, the 6ABC Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia will be fighting similar wind gusts.
Temperatures on Thursday morning for the oldest Turkey Day Parade in the country will also be in the 20s.
In the Midwest, the America’s Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit and the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Chicago will both be battling the cold. Like the Northeast, temperatures will be in the mid-20s for the morning, rising to the lower 30s in the afternoon.
Wind speeds are expected to be at or below 10 mph, so it will not feel quite as cold.
Vinnie Jones revealed he has had several lumps removed after being diagnosed with skin cancer.
The 48-year-old actor and footballer noticed a small blemish below his eye in February, thinking it was “a blackhead or a wart”.
A check-up revealed it was melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, which kills 1,300 men and 900 women every year.
Doctors have since found more tumors, but Vinnie Jones told The Sun he would fight it with “everything I’ve got”.
“When the doctor said I had skin cancer, the first thing I thought was <<how long have I got?>>” Vinnie Jones told the newspaper.
“It’s weighing very heavily on me all the time,” he said.
Malignant Melanoma is largely preventable by avoiding strong sunlight and using high-factor sun creams.
Vinnie Jones revealed he has had several lumps removed after being diagnosed with skin cancer
Treatment is more likely to be successful if melanoma is spotted early.
Vinnie Jones said that, subsequent to the removal of the tumor under his eye, doctors had found more cancer in the same area and, two months ago, he had a third operation to remove a tumor from the back of his head.
He blamed his outdoor lifestyle for the cancer – noting that after growing up on the football pitch, he had moved to Los Angeles to pursue a film career.
Now working with the Melanoma Research Foundation, Vinnie Jones urged people to be more aware of exposure to the sun.
“Footballers never put on sunblock and they should all be wearing it,” he said.
“Kids should all be wearing it every time they play sport.”
“If you spot something on your skin that doesn’t feel right… get it checked out immediately.”
Vinnie Jones also revealed his wife Tanya had been fighting skin cancer, a result of drugs she had been taking since having a heart transplant 26 years ago.
The star, who has appeared in films including X-Men: The Last Stand and Lock,Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, was previously captain of the Welsh Football Team and played for Wimbledon, Chelsea and QPR, among others.
Vinnie Jones’ revelation comes days after fellow actor Hugh Jackman disclosed he had been treated for skin cancer.
Willie Nelson has decided to suspend his tour after three members of his band were hurt when their bus plowed into a bridge pillar in Texas during rainy conditions.
The Texas Department of Public Safety says Willie Nelson was not aboard in the weather-related accident around 3:30 a.m. CST Saturday on Interstate 30 near Sulphur Springs, 75 miles northeast of Dallas.
Willie Nelson has decided to suspend his tour after three members of his band were hurt when their bus plowed into a bridge pillar in Texas
A statement posted on Willie Nelson’s website, hours after the accident, says this year’s tour has been suspended indefinitely.
Trooper Sylvia Jennings says seven people were on the westbound bus, including the driver who was dealing with wet roads and high winds.
Two band members have minor injuries while the third was seriously hurt. All were transported to a Sulphur Springs hospital. Their names and conditions weren’t immediately released.
More than 100,000 people are protesting against Ukrainian government’s move to delay the EU trade deal under pressure from Russia.
Opposition leaders joined the Kiev protest, said to be the largest since the Orange Revolution in 2004.
Police fired tear gas as protesters tried to break through a cordon around government buildings.
A pro-government rally a few miles away attracted about 10,000 people.
Kiev police said they had fired tear gas after protesters threw a smoke grenade at officers in an attempt to break into the Cabinet of Ministers building.
Police fired tear gas as protesters tried to break through a cordon around government buildings
Ukraine made the decision on the EU deal last week, saying it could not afford to break ties with Moscow. Russia is trying to bring Kiev into its own customs union.
Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the EU of blackmailing Ukraine to sign the deal during a summit in Vilnius next week.
People arrived at the rally, on European Square, with families and children, many holding banners with slogans like “I want to live in Europe” or “Ukraine is part of Europe”.
Several rallies in Kiev and other cities have been held over the last few days, but Sunday’s has been the largest so far.
World heavyweight boxing champion Vitali Klitschko, who leads the Udar movement and attended Friday’s rally, was not present.
Ukrainian news agency Unian said he had been flying back from the US after celebrating his daughter’s birthday but his plane was not allowed to land in Kiev because of weather conditions.
On Friday, Ukrainian PM Mykola Azarov said the decision not to sign the deal was motivated solely by economics and was “tactical”. He said it did not alter Ukraine’s overall development strategy.
The Ukrainian government says it is now looking into setting up a joint commission to promote ties between Ukraine, Russia and the EU.
The new Iran nuclear deal has been called a “historic mistake”by Israel and some Republicans in US Congress.
“What was achieved last night in Geneva is not a historic agreement. It was a historic mistake,” Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu told a cabinet meeting Sunday morning.
“Today the world become a much more dangerous place, because the most dangerous regime in the world took a significant step towards getting the most dangerous weapon in the world.”
The agreement between Iran and the US, France, Germany, Britain, China and Russia aims to halt the progress of the Iranian nuclear program and rolls back key parts of it.
Earlier, Israel’s Deputy Defense Minister Danny Danon called the agreement “extremely dangerous for the free world.”
“It goes without saying that all options remain on the table and that Israel has the capability – and the responsibility – to defend itself using any means necessary,” Danny Danon said in a statement.
The West and Israel fear that Iran has been seeking to develop a nuclear weapons capability. Tehran denies this, saying its nuclear program is a peaceful energy project.
The White House has tried to reassure Israel that its fear that a deal would leave it vulnerable was unfounded. Late Saturday, President Barack Obama admitted huge challenges remain and said Iran’s promises will be put to the test over the next six months.
“As we go forward, the resolve of the United States will remain firm, as will our commitment to our friends and allies – particularly Israel and our Gulf partners, who have good reason to be skeptical about Iran’s intentions,” the president said.
Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu called the new nuclear agreement with Iran as a historic mistake
Emphasizing the US commitment to Israel as well as his personal relationship with Benjamin Netanyahu, John Kerry said on Sunday that the two allies continue to share the same strategy and the US will not tolerate a nuclear Iran threatening Israel.
“There is no difference whatsoever between the United States and Israel about what the end goal is,” John Kerry said.
Earlier in the news conference, John Kerry said the agreement could not have been reached without the Iranians’ decision to come to the negotiating table. He said the next phase of talks, while even more difficult will also be more important
“If this first step leads to what is our ultimate goal – which is a comprehensive agreement – that will make the world safer,” he said.
An agreement with Iran will likely also affect US relations with Saudi Arabia, a Sunni nation, which is threatened by signs of improved US relations with Shiite Iran.
The UAE officially has welcomed the deal but at least one senior Gulf diplomat was much more critical and expressed skepticism over the deal.
The deal stipulates that Iran will commit to halt uranium enrichment above 5% and also to neutralize its stockpile of near-20% uranium. The Islamic Republic has also committed to halt progress on its enrichment capacity. Iran will also halt work at its plutonium reactor and provide access to nuclear inspectors.
In exchange, the US and its allies have agreed to offer Iran “modest relief” from economic sanctions and access to a portion of the revenue that the country has been denied through these sanctions. No new sanctions will be imposed.
The Obama administration also faces skeptics in Congress. Reaction poured in late Saturday and early Sunday and appeared to be divided along party lines.
Rep. Ed Royce, R-California, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, warned that the deal does not meet the standards necessary to protect the US and its allies.
“Instead of rolling back Iran’s program, Tehran would be able to keep the key elements of its nuclear weapons-making capability. Yet we are the ones doing the dismantling – relieving Iran of the sanctions pressure built up over years,” Ed Royce said in a statement.
House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Virginia, echoed those concerns, saying in a statement he found it “troubling” that the agreement “still permits the Iranians to continue enriching.”
“Iran’s long history of noncompliance with the U.N. Security Council is well known, as is its use of secret facilities to pursue its nuclear program,” Eric Cantor added.
