Worldwide / 313

Bank CEO charged with trying to trade loans for Trump post

May 23, 2019

William F. Sweeney Jr ., head of New York's Federal Bureau of Investigation office, said Calk "went to great lengths to avoid banking violations in an attempt to secure a senior position in a presidential administration". He is now serving a 7½-year sentence in a federal prison in Pennsylvania. Months later, after Trump was elected president, Calk was recommended for a position in the Trump administration while loans worth more than $6 million were awaiting approval at Calk's bank, they said.

#DeniedMyVote: EU citizens turned away from polling stations

May 23, 2019

Amid suggestions that the proposed bill could be rewritten, her spokesman said she would listen to colleagues' concerns. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said that Scotland "has had enough of being ignored" over Brexit as she urged voters to back the SNP in today's European Parliament elections.

Lawmakers in 2 African nations relax hunting laws on elephants and buffaloes

May 23, 2019

Botswana rejected claims past year by a leading conservation charity that there had been a surge in elephant poaching. Some had warned of tourism boycotts if the ban was lifted, and even American talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres joined the protest.

Pakistan Army conducts successful training launch of ballistic missile Shaheen-II

May 23, 2019

The Pakistan Army on Thursday conducted a successful training launch of the Shaheen-II surface-to-surface ballistic missile, said a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). An official statement said the two countries have agreed to "make all possible efforts to prevent outer space from becoming an arena for military confrontation and to ensure security in our space activities".

Canadian Hurricane Centre releases 2019 Atlantic forecast

May 23, 2019

The official start of the 2019 hurricane season begins June 1st and lasts through November 30th. Regardless of what forms, everyone living in the Atlantic hurricane basin, especially on the coasts, should have a hurricane plan. An update from NOAA on their predictions is coming in August, before the season peaks. NOAA Administrator Neil Jacobs says a current El Nino, a periodic warming of the central Pacific that changes weather worldwide, suppresses hurricane activity in the Atlantic.

United States suspects Syria in new chemical attack and threatens reprisal

May 23, 2019

The United States said that it had detected signs of renewed chemical attacks in Syria and that it would "respond quickly and appropriately" to any reports that are proven true. "We are in close contact with the United States; we are monitoring the situation closely and if any use of chemical weapons is confirmed, we will respond appropriately", May said.

Nigel Farage shelters on campaign bus to avoid milkshake attack

May 23, 2019

Today's drama follows on from Farage being "milkshaked" by a 32-year-old man on Tuesday. Following a tour of Dartford and Gravesend before Thursday's European Union elections, things took an unfortunate turn for Farage in Rochester, where three young men wearing balaclavas with their hoods up were spotted by a supporter.

Infant died after being left inside day care van in Florida

May 23, 2019

Investigators say the girl's mother had called the daycare to check on her, and an employee said she didn't know the child was there. Police said they learned, based on interviews with other day care center employees, that it is the van driver's responsibility to check and make sure children are offloaded from the van at the day care center.

Trump Rants About Tillerson: 'Totally Ill Prepared' To Be Secretary Of State

May 23, 2019

Russian President Vladimir Putin was better prepared than US counterpart Donald Trump for the pair's meeting in August, putting USA officials at a disadvantage, former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee during a secret meeting Tuesday, reports The Washington Post .

Healthy dog euthanized because late owner put it in her will

May 23, 2019

Several days later, on March 22, the executor of the owner's estate arrived at the shelter to retrieve the dog after being left with explicit instructions that the dog be euthanized and laid to rest with the dead woman, WWBT reported . Dr Kenny Lucas, a veterinarian at the Shady Grove animal clinic , said he wouldn't go ahead with such a request. "Whenever we're faced with a euthanasia situation, it's a very emotional situation - and beyond everything we talk about - that we need to do ...

Stephen Colbert on Trump, Pelosi, and the so-called 'temper tantrum'

May 23, 2019

While this standoff could benefit him politically in the short term, with his tough talk stirring up supporters, it leaves his trade deals, a new budget and other goals in jeopardy as he heads into a re-election campaign. Even some Republicans noted the shift. As Sen. John Cornyn of Texas proudly stated last month: "We are the firewall". And it just makes me wonder why he did that.

Banned Ozone-Destroying Gases Are Coming From China, Scientists Say

May 23, 2019

Chlorofluorocarbon-11 (CFC-11) is a powerful ozone-depleting chemical that plays a major role in the appearance, each spring, of the ozone "hole" over Antarctica. Scientists used high-frequency atmospheric observations from South Korea and Japan monitoring stations and global monitoring data to run sophisticated simulations that determined the origin of the polluted air samples.

Six dead after election riots erupt in Indonesia's capital

May 23, 2019

Independent observers have said the poll was free and fair. A crowd of protesters swelled outside the supervisory agency's headquarters on Wednesday, some carrying wooden poles and some with toothpaste smeared around their eyes to mitigate the effects of tear gas.

'American Taliban' John Walker Lindh to be released

May 23, 2019

US forces captured Taliban fighter John Walker Lindh , a California-born man named the "American Taliban" in the Afghanistan invasion in 2001, just months after the September 11 terror attacks. Lindh stayed in Osama bin Laden's guest house - eventually meeting and "thanking" the leader of the terrorist organization, court documents said. He was killed in Afghanistan during an uprising of Taliban prisoners.

Episode 914: Trump And Deutsche, A Long Affair : Planet Money

May 23, 2019

The gathering was cut short after the president confronted Pelosi and Schumer over the Democrats' multiple ongoing investigations into him and his associates, despite special counsel Robert Mueller clearing him of criminal conspiracy with Russian Federation during in the 2016 presidential election.

Moscow: Turkey-Russia missile deal unfazed by USA salvos

May 23, 2019

The minister added that Turkey had already received four F-35s and that four of its pilots were training in the United States. The State Department declined specific comment on the CNBC report , but a department official said negative consequences to Turkey if it went ahead with the S-400 included suspension of procurement and industrial participation in the F-35 program and sanctions under CAATSA.

Kremlin denies Russian involvement in Austria's Freedom Party scandal

May 23, 2019

Conservative chancellor Sebastian Kurz, who called for fresh elections on Saturday over the affair, said Kickl would have to leave office to ensure a "complete, transparent investigation" into the scandal that has ended a coalition many on the European right had held up as a model ahead of key European Parliament polls later this week.

US warns Assad against using chemical weapons

May 23, 2019

The US State Department issued a warning to the government of Bashar al-Assad in Syria on Tuesday, saying the US is closely watching the regime's military operations against a rebel enclave in northwest Syria and is looking into allegations that Assad's troops have used chemical weapons in recent days.

U.S. Fighter Jets Again Intercept Russian Bombers Off Alaska

May 23, 2019

In January, a US E-3 aircraft, two F-22 fighter jets and two Canadian CF-18 fighter jets similarly "positively identified" two Russian Tu-160 Blackjack strategic bombers entering the Canadian Air Defence Identification Zone. In Tuesday's incident, two pairs of F-22 fighter jets, each with an E-3 Sentry providing surveillance, intercepted a pair of Tu-95 bombers. The Tu-95MS strategic bombers spent over 12 hours in the air, the ministry specified.

Pentagon mulling military request to send 5,000 troops to Middle East

May 23, 2019

In a separate report, The Associated Press news agency quoted unidentified officials as saying that the Pentagon on Thursday would present plans to the White House to send up to 10,000 more troops to the Middle East . "We do not want the situation to escalate". We are not about going to war. "This is about deterrence, not about war". "Absolutely, but we have not planned for that", Trump told reporters on May 14.

Fugitive says he'll surrender if people like wanted poster

May 23, 2019

They said Simms agreed to turn himself in if the department could get 15,000 likes on the "wanted" picture it posted to its Facebook page . 29-year-old Jose Simms, believed to be laying low in NY, has seven arrest warrants and is wanted by police in Torrington, Connecticut , after failing to show up to a court date.

BJP crosses half-way mark, ahead in 277 seats: EC trend

May 23, 2019

BJP candidates were also leading in South Delhi and North West Delhi parliamentary constituencies . Congress President Rahul Gandhi is now leading against BJP's Smriti Irani in Amethi in what is a backyard for the Gandhis. While opposition parties have expressed doubts over the security of EVMs, the Election Commission officials have assured that all arrangements have been made for counting to be held in a free and fair manner.

S. African lawmakers elect Ramaphosa as state president in 1st parliament sitting

May 23, 2019

Lawmakers were sworn in before the maiden session starting at 2.00 p.m. (1200 GMT). Ramaphosa, 66, is a trade unionist who played a prominent part in the struggle against white minority rule before becoming a successful business after the end of apartheid.

U.S. firms rethink China presence because of trade war

May 23, 2019

Treasury. "It is just a normal Chinese private company", Cui said. "It is time to bring this trade war to an end". The U.S. leader said that if American companies did not like the tariffs on Chinese imports, they could move their production inside the United States or to another country whose manufactured products are not taxed when they are sent to the U.S.

Britain routed in humiliating United Nations vote over islands

May 23, 2019

The United Nations General Assembly handed a resounding defeat to the UK on Wednesday, as a vast majority of member states voted that it hand back the disputed Chagos Islands to Mauritius within 6 months. The latter's United Nations envoy insists that the base is critical to "efforts to ensure global security". Diego Garcia became an important USA base during the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, acting as a launch pad for long-range bombers.

Iran refuses talks with Trump unless U.S. shows 'respect'

May 23, 2019

The Minister's remark comes after Trump in a series of tweets on Sunday asked Iran "never to threaten" the USA and warned Tehran that if it wants a fight, it would be "the official end" of the Islamic nation. Since Trump withdrew America a year ago from the pact, the United States has re-imposed previous sanctions and come up with new ones, as well as warning other nations they would be subject to sanctions as well if they import Iranian oil.

Deutsche Bank employees suspect crime on Trump, Kushner transactions

May 23, 2019

The report didn't give specifics about the nature of the transactions but said some of them involved money being transferred back and forth with foreign entities or individuals. In response to his tweets he buys everything with cash, Trump added: "Where did he get all of that cash?" Could it be Russian Federation? He then claimed that the reason he didn't use many banks was not that they wouldn't do business with him (which has been widely reported) but that he "didn't need money".

Watch This Stolen RV In A Crazy Police Chase

May 23, 2019

The second dog was still in the vehicle when the woman crashed into a Hyundai sedan in Tarzana, then bolted from the RV on foot, with the pooch running behind her. The driver's name and details about injuries weren't immediately available. Rainbird also suffered minor injuries. Investigators learned of the stolen RV after a woman reported her identity stolen and the Simi Valley Police department said the woman's ID was used to purchase a motorcycle.

Canada hires company to bring trash back home from the Philippines

May 23, 2019

But Canada missed a May 15 deadline set by Manila to take back the shipment, prompting the Philippines to withdraw top diplomats from Canada last week. Last month, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte warned Canada that if the garbage was not removed he would "declare a war." Canada says the waste, exported to the Philippines between 2013 and 2014, was a commercial transaction not backed by the Canadian government.

Northam Donor Knew About Racist Yearbook Picture, Kept It Secret

May 23, 2019

The firm also determined, however, that the picture was likely not placed on his page by mistake, something Northam has suggested may have happened. The mystery of whether Virginia Gov. Northam has said he's in the photo, but it's still unclear which is he. The findings are unlikely to have a major effect on state politics or Northam, who has been trying to regain his footing for several months.

Police file New Zealand's first terrorism charge over mosque shootings

May 23, 2019

Australian Brenton Harrison Tarrant, 28, was already facing murder and attempted murder charges from the March 15 shootings. "An additional murder charge and two additional attempted murder charges have also been filed". Tarrant, a 28-year-old Australian, is now in a high security prison undergoing tests to determine if he is mentally fit to stand trial. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 14.

Avenatti charged with stealing $300,000 from Stormy Daniels

May 23, 2019

Avenatti was previously charged in NY with trying to extort up to $25m from the sportswear giant Nike by threatening to expose claims that the shoemaker paid off high school basketball players in order to steer them to Nike-sponsored colleges.

Transgender woman who was brutally attacked last month found dead

May 22, 2019

In the video, Booker can be seen being repeatedly kicked and punched by a group of men. Edward Thomas , 29, was arrested and jailed on a charge of aggravated assault. Booker said the vehicle accident was her fault. Booker spoke out in the days after the attack to thank the community for supporting her. Assistant Chief Avery Moore told the Dallas Morning News that police didn't have enough information to say if Booker's death was motivated by hate or retaliation.

New York lawmakers OK congressional access to Trump’s state tax returns

May 22, 2019

But Republicans argue Democrats were merely targeting Trump and losing sight of NY issues, like high taxes and crumbling infrastructure. Republicans also blasted Democrats for going after the president instead of focusing on challenges closer to home.

Illinois zoo euthanizes flamingo hit by rock thrown by child

May 22, 2019

After examining the animal, zoo staff "determined the best course of action" was to euthanize it, he added. Pictured is a flamingo. Officials from the zoo said the rock broke the flamingo's leg, causing injuries that lead to the euthanization.

Trump calls out Biden as he touts his 2020 chances

May 22, 2019

U.S. President Donald Trump reacts as he addresses a Trump 2020 re-election campaign rally in Montoursville, Pennsylvania, U.S. May 20, 2019. Trump a year ago also imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum. Pennsylvania and MI are two borderline states in which voter support for the incumbent USA president has begun to crumble, with Pennsylvania alone potentially enough to change the next Oval Office dweller, according to a CNN report.

Migrant holding center in Texas temporarily closes after teen's death

May 22, 2019

In a statement to CBS News late Tuesday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said a large number of detainees in its processing center in McAllen, Texas had high fevers and were displaying signs of a flu-related illness. Within the last week, two Guatemalan children have died after journeying to the United States and being apprehended by authorities - one died in custody and the other died in a Texas hospital .

Man Shot Dead In North Dublin

May 22, 2019

It has been reported that he died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds. A man - believed to be aged in his 20s - was found dead beside a vehicle on fire at Walshestown, Balbriggan at 11:20pm on Tuesday night. Gardaí at Coolock Garda Station are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. "Gardaí at Balbriggan Co Dublin are investigating a fatal shooting incident which occurred at Rowans Little, Walshstown, Balbriggan, Co Dublin at approximately 11.20pm last ...

Mnuchin Does 'Not Believe' IRS Memo Contradicts Him

May 22, 2019

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin falsely claimed he had not only the right but the obligation to not follow the law, saying House Ways and Means Committee Chairman had no "legislative objective". With heat intensifying over the congressional push for information on President Trump , Mnuchin told the House Financial Services Committee he had been unfamiliar with the memo, which argued that the law required him to hand over Trump's tax information after it was requested.

Call Our Leader Abe Shinzo, Not Shinzo Abe, Japan Tells The World

May 22, 2019

As it enters the new Reiwa Era this month , the Japanese government would like to settle the matter once and for all. Abe's entry on the online encyclopedia is now topped by the notification: "It has been requested that the title of this article be changed to Abe Shinzo".

Oreo Mocks Ben Carson Confusion: REO Stands For 'Really Excellent Oreo'

May 22, 2019

After Pressley reclaimed her time and continued to reiterate the question, Carson said , "Reclaiming my time", to which Presley responded, "You don't get to do that". After the hearing concluded, Carson tweeted a photo of himself with a pack of Double Stuf Oreos he sent to the congresswoman. Carson's "stammering would be amusing if it weren't so scary", Porter said in a later statement to Huffington Post after the hearing.

Iran: 'Situation' Not Suitable for Talks With US, Resistance Only Choice

May 22, 2019

The Pentagon has already drawn up plans to deploy at least 120,000 troops to the region should Iran attack USA interests or if it begins to develop nuclear weapons. The US resorted its sanctions on Iran previous year and extended them this month, ordering all countries to halt imports of Iranian oil or face sanctions of their own.

Eiffel Tower climber forces evacuation

May 22, 2019

The esplanade underneath the monument was also evacuated , as was a large section of the adjacent Champ de Mars park. Authorities have advised tourists to postpone their visit until further notice. The lattice tower, named after its designer and builder Gustave Eiffel, is one of the world's most recognisable landmarks. This isn't the first time someone has tried to scale the tower.

Kamala Harris wants to fine companies that pay men more than women

May 22, 2019

Companies that continue to allow a pay gap to exist would be fined 1% of their daily profits, CNN reports . It is not the case that women made 80 cents on the dollar for the same work as men , as politicians and pundits so often claim. "This is Harris" plan to try and end gender pay gap in US. Harris' campaign said 28 million USA workers would be covered by such executive action.

North Korea slams Joe Biden for criticizing leader Kim Jong Un

May 22, 2019

North Korean media in a commentary on Tuesday slammed former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden , condemning the prominent Democratic politician for recent comments in which he criticized DPRK leader Kim Jong Un as a "dictator". After a rapid diplomatic rapprochement in 2018, a summit between Kim and Trump collapsed earlier this year and talks over North Korea's nuclear weapons have been deadlocked since.

Zuma should have been charged in 2005 with Shaik - defence

May 22, 2019

Zuma, 77, appeared at the High Court in Pietermaritzburg in eastern KwaZulu-Natal province Monday on charges of receiving bribes when the government purchased arms in 1999. Manyathela says Zuma's counsel says he may not like the former president but he can not be treated outside the bounds of the Constitution. "Suppose we know that he may well have done what we suspect he did".

McGahn Defies House Subpoena After White House Claims Immunity

May 22, 2019

House Judiciary Chairman Jerold Nadler held a scheduled hearing anyway, blasting Trump for "intimidating" the witness, and saying: 'Our subpoenas are not optional'. "I think it's time for us to, at the very least, open an impeachment inquiry. we've been given no choice I think, in this scenario", Ocasio-Cortez said outside the House of Representatives.

2 killed in second Taquan Air floatplane crash in a week

May 22, 2019

Coast Guard personnel and other search and rescue teams, there were no survivors of the Taquan Air Beaver Floatplane's crash, Ketchikan Gateway Borough said in a news release. The city says the pilot and sole passenger are both dead. The plane in that was operated by Taquan Air. Thomas says the floatplane was being towed to land.

Billionaire Commencement Speaker Stuns Morehouse Students by Paying Their Student Loans

May 22, 2019

Billionaire Robert F. Smith accepted an honorary doctorate at the HBCU on Sunday in Atlanta , and the commencement speaker surprised the almost 400 seniors with the news. Last month, the MA senator Elizabeth Warren won widespread praise when she published a plan to cancel much student debt and make public college free, funded by a tax on the super rich.

Far-right bribes scandal sinks Austria coalition

May 22, 2019

Elsewhere in the footage, Strache appears to hint at ways political donations could escape legal scrutiny. "It would be nearly naive for Kurz to assume that we, the FPO, have no distrust of him following his distrust in us", Kickl told the mass-circulation newspaper Oesterreich, saying his party would back a no-confidence motion if one were brought.

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