Worldwide / 279

Zuckerberg's Old Dormmate Issues a Call to Action

May 09, 2019

The rest of the lengthy piece goes into great detail about how Facebook got so big, why Zuckerberg isn't up to the job of keeping the company reined in, and even how the United States became so lax on flagrantly monopolistic companies. He said that "the way forward is to heavily scrutinize future mergers and to ensure no company has anti-competitive platform privileges". Despite its myriad scandals - Russian propagandists exploiting the platform to spread misinformation and sway US ...

Video of joyful Afghan boy dancing on new prosthetic leg goes viral

May 09, 2019

Watching this video will definitely make up your day, as many try to seek for the true definition of happiness. "Even with all of the people we helped, we aren't coming close to being able to assist everyone in need". A United Nation's report suggests that if the United States of America had the similar share of its citizen killed in conflicts such as Afghanistan in 2018 alone, it will lead to death of nearly 34,000 U.S.

More than 1,000 guns seized from a house in Los Angeles

May 09, 2019

Many were modern, but some were also dated 50 years or more, with a few being fit as collectables as they were dated back to the Civil War, KABC reported . This photo from video provided by KCBS/KCAL-TV shows investigators from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the police inspecting a large cache of weapons seized at a home in the affluent Holmby Hills area of Los Angeles Wednesday, May 8, 2019.

Australia prints A$2.3 billion worth of currency with a typo

May 09, 2019

The bills released late a year ago but it took more than six months for people to spot the mistake. The typo appears in an excerpt of Cowan's maiden speech to Western Australia's parliament, which features on the A$50 note. The central bank is aware of the error, a spokeswoman said. There she was instrumental in opening the legal and other professions to women. It carries a headshot of Edith Cowan, the first woman elected to an Australian legislature from 1921 to 1924.

Deputy of Venezuela's Guaido arrested

May 09, 2019

The three lawmakers-named as Freddy Superlano, Sergio Vergara and Juan Andres Mejia-are accused of high treason and conspiracy. Activists are refusing to leave the Venezuelan embassy in Washington, DC which they have been occupying since President Nicolas Maduro's diplomats were expelled last month .

Democrats slam 'massive failure' of Trump policy after Iran restarts nuclear activity

May 09, 2019

However, those actions could come 60 days from now, if Iran follows through on threats to enrich uranium above the 3.67 percent level enshrined in the JCPOA and start modernization work on the Arak heavy water reactor. "Our opinion is and remains: We want to preserve the agreement, in particular to prevent Iran from coming into possession of nuclear weapons", he told reporters.

In Bulgaria, Pope Francis meets with refugees

May 09, 2019

They were lovely, joyful pictures, as well as the children's choir that accompanied the whole visit, we are talking about children from primary school age from 6 to 10 years, and they really cheered up the whole meeting with these songs. He said the faithful should try to "create conditions in which every person can feel loved, especially those who feel forgotten by God because they are forgotten by their brothers and sisters".

Active weather pattern keeps storms and flooding in the forecast

May 09, 2019

There are no reports of injury from the severe weather. The cold front that brings the rain and storms to KAKEland Wednesday will be responsible for a big time cool down. Large hail, damaging winds and isolated tornadoes will continue to be threats along with locally heavy, and potentially flooding, rains. From east Texas into western Lousiana temperatures may warm enough on Wednesday to increase the risk of tornadoes spawning.

Denver first US city to decriminalize psychoactive ingredient in 'magic mushrooms'

May 09, 2019

Organizers collected more than 9,000 signatures to get decriminalization on the ballot. "We have work to do, we're ready for it and we couldn't be happier". While research has reported that mushrooms actually help treat anxiety and depression in cancer patients, with users describing powerful and positive spiritual experiences, the federal government still classifies psilocybin as a Schedule 1 drug, and considers them to have no medical objective with a high potential for abuse.

Florida governor signs bill to arm more teachers

May 09, 2019

DeSantis did not make a public statement after the private bill signing Wednesday, but over the weekend expressed optimism about what the bill could do for school safety. DeSantis fired Broward County Sherriff Scott Israel in January after a preliminary investigation into the Parkland shooting by a state commission found police and school officials' incompetence largely to blame for the carnage.

Meng Wanzhou: Huawei CFO seeks halt to extradition after Trump comments

May 09, 2019

Meng's lawyers will also look for a stay in the proceedings by saying she was searched and interrogated before being told she was under arrest. Meng lawyers said comments by Trump, who told Reuters the charges against Meng could be dropped if that would help China trade talks , disqualify the United States from pursuing the case further in Canadian courts.

Tripura Congress burns Modi's effigy for his remarks on Rajiv Gandhi

May 09, 2019

Bhowmik said, "Modi should no longer remain as Prime Minister as he has disrespected the dignity of his post by making such a statement against former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi ". "Recently, BJP's Manoj Tiwari publicly conceded that the Modi government would demolish unauthorised colonies and would replace these colonies with high-rise buildings, in which residents of unauthorised colonies will be given flats", Kejriwal said.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Reveal Baby Sussex's Name

May 09, 2019

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry debuted their royal baby boy on Wednesday morning. While the Duchess of Cambridge faced the media outside the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital a few hours after all three of their children were born, American-born Meghan is said to have considered the idea as archaic.

Trump presents Kushner's immigration plan to Republican leaders

May 09, 2019

A senior administration official told reporters that the total number of immigrants allowed into the country would not change under the plan - only the types of immigrants admitted. Conservative Republicans are likely to oppose a plan that does not cut rates of legal immigration, while Democrats have made clear they will not accept changes without new protections for "Dreamer" immigrants who were brought to the country as children and are here illegally.

Trump businesses reportedly lost more than $1 billion over a decade

May 09, 2019

Trump's apparent losses are greater than almost any other individual American taxpayer, so much so that he managed to avoid paying income taxes for eight of the 10 years . Mr Mnuchin said the request "lacks a legitimate goal", and raised constitutional questions and threatened taxpayer privacy. Plus, from 1991 to 1992, four of Trump's businesses declared bankruptcy-so we can cross-reference reality to back-up the NYT's reporting.

Senate Intel Committee Subpoenas Trump Jr. About Russia Probe

May 09, 2019

The Republican-led Senate intelligence committee on Wednesday issued a subpoena to Donald Trump Jr . seeking to compel him to answer questions about testimony he previously gave to the committee in relation to the Russian Federation investigation.

Iran: US military deployment in Middle East bluff

May 09, 2019

The USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and a bomber task force have been sent to the US Central Command region, which includes potential deployment the Middle East. According to Israel's Channel 13, Israeli officials conveyed information gathered largely by the Mossad on an Iranian plan to attack either a USA or US-allied target, details of which were not provided to the network.

Taliban attacks United States aid group's office in Kabul

May 09, 2019

The assault began shortly before midday, when a vehicle bomb exploded in the compound of the non-profit Counterpart International, in the Shahr Naw area of Kabul , the latest assault by Taliban insurgents even as they hold peace talks. Wednesday's bombing comes after Taliban insurgents vowed to attack Afghan government and foreign installations in their annual spring offensive. "Two floors of the building have been cleared and to avoid civilian casualties, the operation is being undertaken ...

British soldier Matthew Talbot dies while tackling poachers in Malawi

May 09, 2019

Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt said Guardsman Talbot served with "great courage and professionalism", and was carrying out "vital" anti-poaching work. Botswana, which has been hosting an elephant summit over the past few days, has perhaps 130,000 of the animals - more than anywhere else - and has problems with human and elephant conflict.

Two students open fire at Colorado school, killing 1, wounding 8

May 08, 2019

A court hearing had not yet been set for the second suspect, a juvenile, as of early Wednesday morning. Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock told reporters that the suspects had a "number of weapons". The school is near a sheriff's department substation and authorities responded quickly and in force to the shooting. They advised that the public should avoid the area; parents were advised to go to a nearby recreational center to pick up their children.

Abe and Trump discuss North Korea's projectile drill in phone call

May 08, 2019

In a statement Tuesday, South Korea confirmed the launches of several short-range projectiles in North Korea over the weekend. Speaking to reporters after his phone conversation with Trump, Abe said Japanese and US experts will analyze the nature of the projectiles, and that he is still willing to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un "without conditions" despite the latest development.

Mnuchin refuses to turn over Trump taxes to House Democrats

May 08, 2019

The request by the House Committee on Ways and Means "lacks a legitimate objective", meaning the US Treasury is not authorised to release tax filings by Trump and his businesses, Mnuchin said in a letter to the committee's chairman. When they took control of the House this year, they gained the power to demand to see the information under section 6103 of the tax code, which gives chairs of certain committees power to request returns.

China's backtracking on trade commitments triggered USA tariff hike

May 08, 2019

China's apparent reversals prompted Trump's ire, who announced via Twitter on Sunday the dramatic ratcheting up of tariffs , which USA trade representative Robert Lighthizer subsequently confirmed would take effect on Friday. Exports to the United States, China's biggest foreign market, were down 13 per cent at $31.4 billion. Washington also wants more access to China's vast markets for US businesses, curbs on industrial subsidies and increased purchases of American products.

Texas bartender charged for serving gunman before mass shooting

May 08, 2019

Lindsey Glass is charged under a Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code (TABC) titled "Sale to Certain Persons", which states that "a person commits an offense if the person with criminal negligence sells an alcoholic beverage to an habitual drunkard or an intoxicated or insane person", reported NBC San Diego .

Major Stock Indexes Plunge As US Threatens Higher Tariffs On Chinese Goods

May 08, 2019

The stock market falls come after a period of strong first-quarter earnings for USA companies. Despite the tougher United States rhetoric, China said Tuesday its top trade negotiator, Vice Premier Liu He, would lead Beijing's delegation to the talks in Washington on Thursday and Friday, a day later than originally scheduled.

PM Modi greets nation on beginning of holy month of Ramzan

May 08, 2019

What is the significance of Ramadan? Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, which also include declaration of faith, prayer, charity and pilgrimage to Mecca, Fields said. They repeat the grueling routine every day for a month. People who suffer from any illness, or those who are travelling, elderly people, pregnant women and those going through their menstrual cycle are barred from keeping a fast.

Iran announces partial withdrawal from nuclear deal

May 08, 2019

Netanyahu has been an outspoken critic of the 2015 agreement between Iran and world powers, and welcomed Trump's withdrawal from the deal previous year. Russia , one of the signatories to the JCPOA, slammed the U.S. for its actions against Iran, arguing that they have led to Tehran's decision to backtrack on some of its commitments under the accord.

Aasia Bibi leaves Pakistan, reaches Canada: lawyer

May 08, 2019

If confirmed, it will be the latest chapter in a saga that has sparked violent demonstrations and high-profile assassinations while spotlighting rising religious extremism across wide sections of Pakistani society. Islamic extremists have rioted over the case and threatened to kill her. It carries a maximum death penalty under the country's penal code. Asia Bibi has left Pakistan and reached Canada.

China will keep calm in face of trade talk challenges

May 08, 2019

President Donald Trump . US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, who has been an advocate for tough structural changes in China, said Beijing reneged on commitments it had made previously that would have changed the agreement substantially.

Michael Cohen Allegedly Helped Falwell Jr Handle Racy ‘Personal’ Photos

May 08, 2019

According to two people familiar with the matter who spoke with Reuters, Cohen was also crucial in the effort to convince Falwell - the president of Liberty University and a prominent Evangelical voice - to endorse Trump in 2016 just before the Iowa caucuses.

South Africans vote in test for ruling ANC

May 08, 2019

Early results will emerge on Thursday with an official victor declared on Saturday. Ramaphosa, 66, took office last year when Zuma was forced to resign as president by the ANC after nine years dominated by corruption allegations and economic problems.

Trump supports plan for humanitarian food aid to North Korea, says Seoul

May 08, 2019

Asked by reporters in April whether he was prepared to ease some sanctions on North Korea, Trump said he and Moon were discussing "certain humanitarian things" and the possibility of South Korea helping North Korea with food. State media confirmed that North Korean leader gave the order of firing to increase the combat ability of the country. Japan claims that 17 of its citizens were abducted in the late 1970s and early 1980s, five of whom were repatriated in 2002, and suspects North Korea ...

Bodies, flight recorders recovered from burned Russian plane

May 08, 2019

Its fuel tanks were full on landing and it's reported the crew decided it too risky to ditch fuel over Moscow, having lost contact with air traffic control. "It was dark and there was gas, a very high temperature". "He didn't succeed and started helping people to leave the plane". Some of those who escaped were carrying luggage, raising concerns that grabbing their bags may have delayed an evacuation in which every second was critical.

Trump threatens more tariffs on China ahead of crucial meetings

May 08, 2019

The swift deterioration in negotiations between the world's two largest economies hit global financial markets as investors faced the prospect of an escalation rather than an end to a 10-month-old trade war. A spokesperson at the Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to queries about the U.S. assertions. "On the basis of mutual respect and equality, we will resolve each other's legitimate concerns and strive to reach an agreement of mutual benefit and win-win".

White House blocks McGahn from producing documents subpoenaed by House Judiciary Committee

May 08, 2019

The committee wants to speak to McGahn and review certain documents after he cooperated extensively with special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian election interference and whether President Donald Trump obstructed justice.

Four dead after blast near major Sufi shrine in Lahore

May 08, 2019

Lahore police chief Ghazanfar Ali said that police officers were the apparent target of the bombing outside the shrine which is known as Data Darbar. As per initial reports, a vehicle of the police, deployed at gate no 2 of the Data Darbar was targeted, resulting in death of five people and injuries to the score.

Denver votes on whether to become first city to decriminalize ‘magic mushrooms’

May 08, 2019

In 2005, Denver became the first major USA city to legalize possession of small amounts of marijuana for adults aged 21 or older. If passed, the measure would bar officials from "spending resources to impose criminal penalties" for personal use and possession of the drug.

Pamela Anderson Says She Feels "Sick" After Visiting Julian Assange In Prison

May 08, 2019

The Australian publisher is being held in England's high-security Belmarsh Prison after he was sentenced to 50 weeks incarceration for a bail violation after he breached his bail to take up an offer of asylum in the Ecuadorean embassy in 2012 while facing extradition to Sweden to face rape charges.

Iran tensions rise ahead of anniversary of deal pullout

May 08, 2019

On Monday, Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA) reported that Iran's President Hassan Rouhani may announce on Wednesday "counteractions against US' withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA )". "We have mobilized all of the country's resources and are selling oil on the grey market,"said Amir Hossein Zamaninia, Iran's deputy oil minister, as quoted by IRNA news agency".

Trump Tax figures show businesses lost $1.17 billion over 10 years

May 08, 2019

On Monday, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin formally denied a request from the House Ways and Means Committee for Trump's last six years of tax returns, a period not covered by the documents reported by The Times on Tuesday. Compared to IRS data, Trump lost more money than most other taxpayers during that time . The paper said a White House official had earlier claimed: "The president got massive depreciation and tax shelter because of large-scale construction and subsidized ...

Brunei suspends stoning of homosexuals amid outcry

May 08, 2019

In his speech , Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah announced that Brunei Darussalam will ratify the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Amid that uproar five years ago, the Beverly Hills City Council asked Brunei to divest itself of the Beverly Hills Hotel and condemned the government "for adopting laws that impose extreme and inhumane penalties including execution by stoning, flogging and severing of limbs".

Barney Frank Says Openly Gay Pete Buttigieg's Sexuality Is An Advantage

May 08, 2019

Frank, the first openly gay man to serve in Congress, said that being gay had help Buttigieg, the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, stand out in a crowded Democratic field. The hecklers were organized by Randall Terry, who also organized the heckling Buttigieg received when he was in Iowa last month. The South Bend mayor elaborated, "I hear about taking care of the marginalized and defending the weak and supporting the poor and visiting the prisoner and welcoming the stranger and humility and ...

US Military Confirms 'Recent and Clear' Iranian Threat

May 08, 2019

The top American diplomat's unannounced trip to the Iraqi capital began and ended after nightfall under heavy security following the abrupt cancellation of a visit to Germany. John Bolton, US President Donald Trump's national security advisor, said at the time that it was to send "a clear and unmistakable message to the Iranian regime that any attack on United States interest or on those of our allies will be met with unrelenting force".

India will address trade issues after elections: US commerce secretary

May 08, 2019

India has been Iran's second-largest oil customer after China and has been buying Iranian oil at discount rates as Iran was offering very attractive terms to Indian buyers, including nearly free shipping and an extended credit period for payment.

Pelosi: 'Trump is goading us to impeach him'

May 08, 2019

Pelosi has previously said Democrats should try to not focus on impeaching Trump , saying it could be a "gift to Republicans". Pelosi has consistently emphasized that impeachment is extremely divisive, and in March she said Trump is "just not worth it".

Brexit talks fail again as Government confirms Euro elections will go ahead

May 08, 2019

David Lidington, May's de facto deputy, said that despite the country taking part in the European elections on May 23, there was still time to avoid those elected taking their seats. However leaked details on a possible compromise have angered Labour's negotiators, and lawmakers from both sides have expressed their opposition to a cross-party deal.

New Cell Phone Footage of Sandra Bland's Arrest Released

May 08, 2019

Bland, a black 28-year-old from suburban Chicago, was found dead in jail on July 13, 2015. Bland is not doing anything warrant the man pulling a weapon on her beyond filming the encounter. Encina previously said that he feared for his life during the traffic stop, but this footage clearly shows otherwise. The video was discovered on Bland's phone by the Texas Rangers and the Federal Bureau of Investigation two months after Bland's death.

Backers ‘failed to follow through’ in abortive uprising: Guaido

May 08, 2019

Moreover, a number of senior United States officials, including President Donald Trump, have repeatedly stated that all options remain on the table with regard to the Venezuelan crisis, including military action. has seen this happen repeatedly in recent decades and should avoid the possibility of a repeat. Guaido, who Maduro dismisses as a US puppet trying to foment a coup, has won the backing of a number of Western powers.

7 victims in shooting at STEM School in Colorado, authorities say

May 08, 2019

Some students remained in the school and authorities are now working to evacuate the elementary school, Nicholson-Kluth said. "And we have multiple students that have been injured". PHOTO: People walk past emergency vehicles after reports of a shooting at STEM School Highlands Ranch in Highlands Ranch, Colo ., May 7, 2019 . The school was surrounded by first responders, Paulson said.

Here's What Michael Cohen's Prison Life Will Be Like

May 08, 2019

Prior to his sentencing, the special counsel's office credited Cohen with providing "wide ranging and helpful" information on matters related to its probe, and Mueller cited Cohen's testimony dozens of times in his 448-page report. Cohen and his wife, Laura Shusterman, 49, have two adult children, Samantha and Jake. Although the prosecutors may again meet with Mr. Cohen about ongoing investigations, the people said, his hope that they would support a reduced sentence has all but vanished.

Information