Worldwide / 1133

'Combustible cladding' - are tower blocks safe?

June 23, 2017

She added that 164 properties have been found to re-house residents and are now undergoing inspection. The panels have been widely blamed for the rapid spread of the fire which consumed the 24-storey public housing block, leaving 79 people presumed dead.

London fire: Tests show 'combustible' cladding

June 23, 2017

The figure emerged as Theresa May told the Commons that tests had shown that combustible cladding had been found in other tower blocks, adding: "We can not and will not ask people to live in unsafe homes". That's a whole tower block on fire. "How is that even possible?" "The test was carried out on the sample panel of the outer layer of the cladding of the Towers".

UK Queen lays out May's policies amid tumult

June 23, 2017

Despite Trump accepting an invitation for a state visit during the premier's visit to Washington in January, the queen only said she and her husband Prince Philip "look forward to welcoming" the king and queen of Spain in July. "We need a detailed investigation into the need we have for different numbers of skilled workers in different sectors of British business and how long it will take to generate homegrown talent, and this is absent from today's speech".

South Sudan no longer in starvation, but situation is critical

June 23, 2017

Starvation is no longer occurring in two counties of Leer and Mayendit where starvation was declared in February, while further shortages were avoided in Koch and Panyijar, but access to food has been dramatically reduced in areas suffering civil conflicts, he said .

Cosby Rape Trial Heads To Jury; Defense Called Only One Witness

June 23, 2017

Prosecutors at his trial have focused mostly on what happened one night in 2004 at his gated estate in suburban Philadelphia. As NBC News reports, Judge Steven O'Neill determined that numerous potential defense witnesses in the Bill Cosby trial would have violated Pennsylvania's iron-clad "rape shield" law.

Trademarks that 'disparage' others allowed under First Amendment

June 23, 2017

Tam appealed to the Federal Circuit, where the en banc court found the disparagement clause facially unconstitutional under the First Amendment. Today's ruling marks the end of a legal saga that started nearly eight years ago when the United States Trademark and Patent Office attempted to prevent The Slants , an Asian-American band, from trademarking their name on the grounds that "slants" disparages Asian Americans.

Queen to outline UK government agenda in scaled-down speech

June 23, 2017

British Prime Minister Theresa May promised today to listen more to businesses' concerns about Brexit as Queen Elizabeth formally opened parliament by announcing the government's programme for the next two years. For its part, the Dublin government - a member of the EU - is anxious by the adverse political and economic effects of May government's courting of the DUP and her negotiations to leave the union.

Here's What The Queen Laid Out In Her Speech To Parliament

June 23, 2017

Reacting to the Queen's Speech today, Nick Molho, Executive Director of the Aldersgate Group, said: "It is encouraging to see the government's desire to make the United Kingdom a leader in new industries and enhance its role on the world stage".

Britain's Prince Philip to spend second night in hospital

June 23, 2017

The Duke was supposed to be accompanying the Queen to Westminster today, but his place has been taken by the Prince of Wales . Prince Philip was reportedly told to head to hospital as a precautionary measure, and was driven to King Edward VII in central London from Windsor Castle on Tuesday night.

So far, Trump effect has led only to GOP victories

June 23, 2017

With the president's approval numbers hovering below 40 percent, should the Democrats be anxious about their losing streak in what could be considered an election year's pre-season? The result comes as relief for Republicans who had grown concerned about whether their party , buffeted by the scandals that have plagued the Republican president, could hold the seat in Georgia's sixth district, which became the most expensive congressional race in USA history.

Health care still up for negotiation, Trump says

June 23, 2017

If legislation is to prevail, Republicans can only lose the support of two of the Senate's 52 Republicans, assuming all 48 Democrats and independents oppose the bill as expected. A number of other GOP senators are avoiding outright supporting the new health care bill unveiled by Republican leaders Thursday morning - saying they need more time to read the fine print before taking a stand.

United States fighter jet shoots down 2nd Iranian-made drone over Syria

June 23, 2017

The incidents mark an escalation in the area around At Tanf - a base near the Syrian-Jordanian border manned by coalition forces that are advising an anti-ISIS Syrian rebel group. Unlike in Iraq, where the U.S.is a partner with Iraqi troops to liberate Mosul and other IS bastions, Washington has refused to work with Assad, who is mired in Syria's civil war that is in its seventh year and has killed more than 400,000 people.

Church of England admits to hiding sex abuse of boys

June 23, 2017

The present Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby , said a review by Dame Moira Gibb showed that under Lord Carey's leadership, the church " colluded and concealed" to protect Ball "rather than seeking to help those [victims] who were fearless enough to come forward".

Friends, family to farewell Otto Warmbier

June 23, 2017

Tillerson's remarks followed a meeting at the State Department with Mattis, Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi and General Fang Fenghui , chief of the People's Liberation Army's Joint Staff Department. North Korea has called the USA president a "psychopath" - a criticism some have levelled at the leader in Pyongyang . "Whether it is money laundering, extorting Korean expatriates, or malicious cyberactivity, North Korea has engaged in a number of criminal enterprises that help ...

Senate GOP health bill cuts Medicaid, ends no-coverage fines

June 23, 2017

In a tweet , the Democratic senator from NY said the bill "strips away protections from the [people] who need them most in order to give a tax break to those who need it least". ET. A spokesman for Speaker Paul Ryan said the Wisconsin Republican had yet to sign off on the plan. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer lashed out against the bill later on the floor, labeling it a tax break for wealthy Americans and warning against the cuts to Medicaid .

Combustible cladding found in United Kingdom tower blocks: PM Theresa May

June 23, 2017

Britain has around 4,000 similar high-rise apartment blocks across the country. A spokesman for the communities and local government department, the office in charge of testing the buildings, later said that the 600 figure was an estimate of how many had any form of cladding and not an indication of how many would eventually be found to be risky.

Everything you need to know about the anti-government protests in Russian Federation

June 23, 2017

The judge at the Simonovsky district court ruled after midnight Monday that Navalny should be jailed for repeated violations of the law on public gatherings. It was the largest street protest in Russian Federation since 2012, when thousands demonstrated against election fraud after Putin's reelection. Mr Navalny has announced his candidacy for the presidential election in 2018.

French Defence Minister Sylvie Goulard quits over fake jobs claims

June 23, 2017

Goulard, who was previously a member of the European Parliament, said she could not remain in the government while there was a possibility that she could be investigated over alleged misuse of expenses at that parliament. "This is why I have asked the president, with the agreement of the prime minister, to leave the government". Observers say her decision puts more pressure to resign on Justice Minister Francois Bayrou, the founder and leader of the Modem.

Two Iranian airlines plan to buy 73 Airbus jets

June 23, 2017

It added that another airline, Iran Airtour, would also buy 45 planes of the A320neo type. Airbus said the MoUs were contingent upon all necessary approvals, including from the U.S. Iran has ordered more than 200 planes since worldwide sanctions against the country were lifted past year in return for curbs on the country's nuclear activities.

Senate Republicans unveil Obamacare repeal plan

June 23, 2017

Several medical groups were quick to denounce the newly unveiled Senate bill . For the past few weeks, the bill has been worked on nearly entirely in secret, after a draft of the bill passed through the House of Representatives . Four Republican senators say they are not ready to vote for the GOP health care bill , putting the measure in jeopardy. "It's going to be important to get the president's support to get us across the finish line", No.

Senate GOP leaders unveil health care bill amid concerns

June 23, 2017

Conservative health care experts don't like the bill , and senators have difficulty answering questions about what it will achieve . But Trump says that Republicans would love to have Democratic support. Medicaid is a program for the low-income and disabled, funded with a blend of federal and state dollars, and the 265,000 in ME who have Medicaid consist of mostly the disabled, children and low-income seniors who qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare.

Yulin dog meat festival in China continues despite global outrage

June 22, 2017

But the festival has opened as usual this year, with city officials confirming to media there was no ban in place. The activists had claimed the truck driver did not have health certificates for the dogs, which Chinese animal transport regulations require for each animal .

Sergio Garcia makes positive start to BMW International

June 22, 2017

Ormsby, whose round included eight birdies, sits just one shot clear of Belgian Thomas Detry , who looked like he would be ahead after the first round having set the pace in the morning. That was enough for a one-shot lead ahead of Thomas Detry, who nearly impressed with an opening 65, while Garcia was in a share of third with Joost Luiten and Thorbjorn Olesen .

United Kingdom population sees sharpest rise in almost 70 years

June 22, 2017

However, the 0.8 percent growth rate is still in line with the country's average since 2005, the ONS claims. The population of the United Kingdom has seen its sharpest annual increase in almost 70 years, official figures have revealed. 18 percent of the population was aged 65 or over in mid-2016, whereas it was 17.9 percent in mid-2015. How long will it take to increase by another five million and is this rate of growth sustainable? " These figures for the year up to June 2016 reflect ...

IS 'blows up' Great Mosque of al-Nuri in Mosul

June 22, 2017

Islamic State had accused American planes of destroying the medieval Grand al-Nuri mosque and its famous leaning minaret in the northern Iraqi city. The mosque, which is also known as Mosul's Great Mosque, is where IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a so-called Islamic caliphate in 2014 shortly after Mosul was overrun by the militants.

Theresa May to Woo EU Leaders With Rights for Citizens

June 22, 2017

Tusk and European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker are also expected to report on recent meetings with US President Donald Trump , who has alarmed the EU and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation with his "America First" approach. "I want to say clearly that, for me, shaping the future for the 27 takes priority over the negotiations with Great Britain over withdrawal", she said.

2 more government ministers resign

June 22, 2017

The cabinet shuffle helps Macron cement his leadership after his Republic On the Move party won 308 seats in parliament in Sunday's election while allied MoDem, which is led by Bayrou, took 42, meaning Macron doesn't need Bayrou's group for a majority in the 577-seat National Assembly.

Trump says China tried but failed to help on N Korea

June 22, 2017

North Korea has said Warmbier was in a coma for more than a year before his release. "It is painful that Mr. Warmbier was not among them but our efforts on his behalf never ceased, even in the waning days of the administration, said Price, who was National Security Counsel spokesperson during Obama's administration".

Otto Warmbier: No autopsy for United States student held by North Korea

June 22, 2017

Mr Warmbier was sentenced to 15 years' hard labour in March 2016 after being tried for attempting to steal a propaganda sign from a hotel. Released last week, he was in a coma when he arrived home, unable to see, speak, or respond to verbal commands.

Trump Accuses Qatar of Funding Terrorism at a 'Very High Level'

June 22, 2017

In a strong-worded opening remarks, Trump alleged that Qatar is funding terrorism at the "highest level" and asked other countries doing the same to stop with immediate effect. Moscow's appeal came after US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson encouraged Saudi Arabia and its allies to ease their land and sea "blockade" of gas-rich Qatar.

Pelosi confident of her caucus' support

June 22, 2017

The apparent effectiveness of that messaging suggested to some that the 77-year-old Californian could be a liability for Democrats as they aim to regain their majority. Seth Moulton , D-Mass. Rice said she has significant respect for the long-serving California lawmaker, but not as the ongoing leader of the Democratic Party.

Australia resumes airstrikes on ISIS in Syria despite Russian threats

June 22, 2017

F-15E Strike Eagle at approximately 12:30 a.m. after it displayed hostile intent and advanced on coalition forces ", according to a statement issued by Operation Inherent Resolve , the USA -led coalition fighting ISIS . Australia has said it will resume its military air operations over Syria. Both the United States and Russian Federation contend their forces are in Syria to fight ISIS.

Afghan kills two US soldiers in 'insider attack'

June 22, 2017

The shooting occurred in Achin district, where United States special forces have been fighting with Afghan troops against Islamic State and Taliban militants. Afghan News Agency on Twitter , become a fan on Facebook . Taliban insurgents have made widespread gains in Helmand, seizing numerous province's districts and threatening the provincial capital of Lashkar Gah.

Blumenthal To Hold Second 'Emergency Hearing' On Health Care

June 22, 2017

Senators and their top aides on Capitol Hill have made it clear to the White House as health care legislation makes its way through the Senate that the less involved Trump is, the better for the bill's prospects. She said she heard the bill may not contain a provision sought by conservatives that would restrict tax credits from paying for insurance plans that cover abortion.

Jimmy Kimmel Blasts Mitch McConnell's Super-Secret Guys-Only Trumpcare Cabal

June 22, 2017

The protesters, some of them in wheelchairs, had planned to stage a "die-in" protest to oppose the bill. Tense situation outside McConnell's Russell office as protesters gather. One protester in a wheelchair wearing a breathing apparatus wore a blanket that said "Medicaid" and "life and liberty 4 disabled Americans". When the protestors did not comply, officers began wheeling them out of the area.

U.S. fails to intercept missile in overnight test

June 22, 2017

The destroyer detected and tracked the target on the AN/SPY-1 phased array radar but was unable to intercept it. In February 2017, a similar intercept test was successful, according to the release. The first test was successful, but this latest attempt failed after missing the target for reasons not explained in the statement. Wednesday night's failure is in contrast with the first-ever intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) interception on May 30, when a Ground-Based Midcourse Defense ...

Arab states should give Qatar list of 'actionable' demands - US's Tillerson

June 22, 2017

The vessel marked a change in how essential supplies are being sent to Qatar after it departed the western city of Izmir which housed aid planes to deliver essential supplies, such as dry food, fruits and vegetables. Erdogan spoke with the Saudi leaders on Wednesday evening and "agreement was reached on increasing efforts towards ending tension in the region related to Qatar ", the sources said in a statement.

Coroner to investigate Otto Warmbier's death

June 22, 2017

USA lawmakers are pressing for a tough response against Pyongyang over its treatment of the 22-year-old university student, who was accused of trying to steal a propaganda banner while visiting with a tour group and was convicted of subversion.

Former middle school teacher accused of raping student

June 22, 2017

An indictment charges Jarvis with sodomizing the victim in May 2016 and having sex with him a month later. Jarvis is accused of having a sexual relationship with the student under the age of 16 while she was a teacher at Woodford County Middle School and Veterans Park Elementary School, WKYT reported .

U.S. shoots down another pro-regime drone in Syria

June 22, 2017

The latest incident occurred in a part of Syria seen as strategically important for the Syrian government and Iran as Tehran seeks to secure a land corridor between forces it backs in Syria and Iraq. It is still unclear what the missiles struck, and Iran has provided few details. Syrian opposition activists say a truce that went into effect three days ago in the southern city of Daraa has collapsed amid a government offensive near the Jordanian border.

US Senate Unveils Health Care Bill

June 22, 2017

If the bill comes to the Senate floor without hearings, they should offer as many amendments as possible to slow Senate proceedings to a crawl. "Republicans are writing their healthcare bill under the cover of darkness because they are ashamed of it", Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer charged.

President Donald Trump drives cart over green at own golf club

June 22, 2017

Every course has the same rule, assuming even those owned by President Donald Trump. During a recent round reportedly at his club in Bedminster, N.J., Trump sent shivers through the golf community when he - gasp! - drove his cart on the putting green.

China 'tried but failed' to help on N Korea

June 22, 2017

The meeting of top USA and Chinese diplomats and defense chiefs was held a day after President Donald Trump said China's efforts to use its leverage with Pyongyang had failed, raising fresh doubts about his administration's strategy for countering the threat from North Korea.

Senate GOP promises to unveil health overhaul Thursday; votes expected next week

June 22, 2017

On Tuesday, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said that there's " more work to do" before the bill adequately cuts premiums. Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) took to Facebook yesterday, complaining that despite serving as a member of the Senate's health care working group, he has not seen the bill yet.

Boy killed by log in surf as tropical storm churns in Gulf

June 22, 2017

Cindy's maximum sustained winds had decreased to near 40 miles per hour with additional weakening expected, the U.S. Heavy rains associated with the storm are raising the possibility of life-threatening flash floods over a wide area of the coast.

Sanders: Senate GOP's Obamacare Repeal Bill 'Worse Than Expected'

June 22, 2017

Yet it faces an uncertain fate in the Senate . Among the critics has been Sen. That score could have a major impact as McConnell seeks to secure 50 votes to ensure passage of the measure by the July 4 recess. Cassidy said senators had also been told the legislation would continue funding cost-sharing subsidies made available to help low-income Americans under Obamacare "for a couple of years".

New GOP health bill overhauls Obama law

June 22, 2017

Republicans plan to make their plan public later Thursday. Like the House bill, the Senate version guts Obamacare's controversial individual and employer mandates. Senate leaderships staffers plan to walk President Trump's representatives through the proposal, according to a White House official. Democrats say GOP characterizations of Obama's law as failing are wrong, while the Republican effort would boot millions off coverage and leave others facing higher out-of-pocket costs.

How Chinese Stocks Got a Huge Boost From New York: QuickTake Q&A

June 22, 2017

However China has since attempted to make its markets more attractive to foreign investors, with MSCI and market participants appearing to warm to this . The value of QFI holdings increased more than 3.5 times during Q1 of 2017, while value traded on the Exchange increased by 19.9 percent month-over-month in May 2017.

United Nations refugee report warns South Sudan could be next Syria

June 22, 2017

Most people who were forced from their homes fled within their own country and were defined as internally displaced people , or IDPs. The conflict in Syria, now in its seventh year, was the world's biggest producer of refugees (5. Lebanon cares for the largest number of refugees relative to its national population, with one in six people a refugee, followed by Jordan (one in 11) and Turkey (one in 28).

Remembering the victims of the Pulse nightclub massacre

June 22, 2017

Bob Johnson, owner of the Apartment Lounge, said the goal of the vigil was to bring people together and raise awareness for " Orlando United Day ". At 2:02 a.m., the time of the shooting , all 49 names were read. During a standoff with police, Mateen claimed allegiance to Islamic State before he was killed in an exchange of gunfire. Federal Bureau of Investigation agents arrested Mateen's wife, Noor Salman, in January.

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