The U.S. Navy is moving a warship and a sea-based radar platform closer to the North Korean coast in order to monitor that country's military moves, including possible new missile launches, a Defense Department official said Monday.
The decision to move at least one ship, the destroyer USS John S. McCain, and the oil rig-like SBX-1 are the first of what may be other naval deployments, CNN has learned.
They follow weeks of belligerent rhetoric from North Korea, including threats to use nuclear weapons.
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/04/01/world/asia/us-north-korea-radar/index.html?hpt=hp_t1
Monday, April 1, 2013
Greece to extend bank recapitalization deadline: central bank chief
Greek banks, which are being recapitalized with funds from the country's latest EU/IMF bailout, have been lobbying for the terms of the recapitalization scheme to be sweetened and also sought an extension to an end-April deadline for the plan.
"There will be a small extension of a few weeks, it may be pushed to the end of May," Provopoulos told state TV.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/04/01/us-greece-banks-idUSBRE9300KD20130401
U.S. deploys warship off South Korea amid soaring tensions on peninsula
But Washington also said it had seen no worrisome mobilization of armed forces by the North Koreans despite bellicose rhetoric over a ramping up of international sanctions against Pyongyang over nuclear weapons tests.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/04/02/us-korea-north-idUSBRE93002620130402
'Honesty does not cut it in this corrupt world': Boris Berezovsky daughter speaks out to defend him
The Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky died after spending his life standing up for justice in a “corrupt world”, his daughter claimed.
The former Kremlin critic was found apparently hanged at his Berkshire mansion last week, although the exact circumstances of his death are still unclear.
In a statement issued by Thames Valley Police today, Arina Berezovsky praised her father’s honesty. She said: “Unfortunately, honesty does not ‘cut it’ in this corrupt world and is often mistaken for being manipulative. He had a certain joy for life and never took anything he had for granted.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/honesty-does-not-cut-it-in-this-corrupt-world-boris-berezovsky-daughter-speaks-out-to-defend-him-8555698.html
The former Kremlin critic was found apparently hanged at his Berkshire mansion last week, although the exact circumstances of his death are still unclear.
In a statement issued by Thames Valley Police today, Arina Berezovsky praised her father’s honesty. She said: “Unfortunately, honesty does not ‘cut it’ in this corrupt world and is often mistaken for being manipulative. He had a certain joy for life and never took anything he had for granted.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/honesty-does-not-cut-it-in-this-corrupt-world-boris-berezovsky-daughter-speaks-out-to-defend-him-8555698.html
CDC steps up inspections after H7N9 cases in China
Chinese health authorities on Saturday confirmed three cases of a strain of avian flu that had not before been found in humans.
Two of the patients have died in Shanghai and one is still critically ill in Anhui Province, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said yesterday.
CDC Deputy Director-General Chou Jih-haw (周志浩) said that 88 people have had close contact with the three victims, but the Chinese health agency said that so far they have not displayed any symptoms.
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2013/04/02/2003558578
(Apart from one of the victims two sons)
Two of the patients have died in Shanghai and one is still critically ill in Anhui Province, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said yesterday.
CDC Deputy Director-General Chou Jih-haw (周志浩) said that 88 people have had close contact with the three victims, but the Chinese health agency said that so far they have not displayed any symptoms.
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2013/04/02/2003558578
(Apart from one of the victims two sons)
Bird Flu: Questions in China on how H7N9 flu strain killed 2
Health officials say they still don’t understand how a lesser-known bird flu virus was able to kill two men and seriously sicken a woman in China, but that it’s unlikely that it can spread easily among humans.
Two men in Shanghai became the first known human fatalities from the H7N9 bird flu virus after contracting it in February. A woman in the eastern city of Chuzhou remains in serious condition, China’s National Health and Family Planning Commission said.
It was unclear how the three patients became infected, the health agency said. It sought to calm fears about the virus but provided few details about each case. Authorities have not described the patients’ occupations or said whether they had come into contact with birds or other animals.
The health authority noted, however, that two sons of one of the Shanghai men also suffered from acute pneumonia, one of whom died, and the source of their infection is still unknown.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/383321/questions-in-china-on-how-h7n9-flu-strain-killed-2
Two men in Shanghai became the first known human fatalities from the H7N9 bird flu virus after contracting it in February. A woman in the eastern city of Chuzhou remains in serious condition, China’s National Health and Family Planning Commission said.
It was unclear how the three patients became infected, the health agency said. It sought to calm fears about the virus but provided few details about each case. Authorities have not described the patients’ occupations or said whether they had come into contact with birds or other animals.
The health authority noted, however, that two sons of one of the Shanghai men also suffered from acute pneumonia, one of whom died, and the source of their infection is still unknown.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/383321/questions-in-china-on-how-h7n9-flu-strain-killed-2
MTV Buckwild Star Shain Gandee Found Dead
Kanawha County Sheriff's Department Cpl BD Humphreys says the bodies of 21-year-old Shain Gandee and 48-year-old David Gandee were found in a vehicle.
Cpl Humphreys says relatives had been searching since early Sunday morning for both men. They were last seen around 3am on Sunday at a bar in Sissonville, about 15 miles north of Charleston.
http://news.sky.com/story/1072578/mtv-buckwild-star-shain-gandee-found-dead
Burma: Orphans Killed In Fire At Mosque
Police officer Thet Lwin said the blaze in Rangoon was started by an overheated inverter "and not due to any criminal activity".
Burma has been on edge after sectarian violence between Buddhists and Muslims erupted in the central city of Meikhtila in March.
http://news.sky.com/story/1072639/burma-orphans-killed-in-fire-at-mosque
Fort William Fire: Highlands Blaze Near Homes
First reported on Monday evening, the fire is on grassland and heath north of the B8004 road.
Although wind was blowing smoke in the direction of residential properties, no buildings were on fire or had been evacuated.
http://news.sky.com/story/1072642/fort-william-fire-highlands-blaze-near-homes
Cashpoint Explosion: CCTV Of Thieves' Attack
Police issued a warning after the blast at the Texaco in Weyhill, which they say mirrors similar raids on cash machines in mainland Europe.
Officers were called after a resident reported hearing a loud bang in the early hours of Sunday.
Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Murray said they found the cashpoint on the forecourt blown open and money from inside stolen.
http://news.sky.com/story/1072653/cashpoint-explosion-cctv-of-thieves-attack
5.2 Magnitude Earthquake OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN - 2nd April 2013
5.2
Date-Time
Tuesday, April 02, 2013 at 02:08:48 UTC
Tuesday, April 02, 2013 at 12:08:48 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
39.551°N, 143.234°E
Depth
20.3 km (12.6 miles)
Region
OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
Distances
110 km (68 miles) E of Miyako, Japan
5.3 Magnitude Earthquake ICELAND REGION - 2nd April 2013
5.3
Date-Time
Tuesday, April 02, 2013 at 00:59:17 UTC
Tuesday, April 02, 2013 at 12:59:17 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
66.460°N, 17.625°W
Depth
10 km (6.2 miles)
Region
ICELAND REGION
Distances
48 km (29 miles) NNW of Husavik, Iceland
4.8 Magnitude Earthquake SOLOMON ISLANDS - 2nd April 2013
4.8
Date-Time
Tuesday, April 02, 2013 at 00:31:26 UTC
Tuesday, April 02, 2013 at 11:31:26 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
10.428°S, 161.001°E
Depth
60.1 km (37.3 miles)
Region
SOLOMON ISLANDS
Distances
100 km (62 miles) W of Kirakira, Solomon Islands
4.8 Magnitude Earthquake MID-INDIAN RIDGE - 1st April 2013
4.8
Date-Time
Monday, April 01, 2013 at 22:40:16 UTC
Tuesday, April 02, 2013 at 03:40:16 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
23.172°S, 68.590°E
Depth
10 km (6.2 miles)
Region
MID-INDIAN RIDGE
Distances
659 km (409 miles) SE of Ile Rodrigues, Northern Mariana Islands
5.0 Magnitude Earthquake FIJI REGION - 1st April 2013
5.0
Date-Time
Monday, April 01, 2013 at 22:02:04 UTC
Tuesday, April 02, 2013 at 10:02:04 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
20.784°S, 178.486°W
Depth
566.4 km (352.0 miles)
Region
FIJI REGION
Distances
26 km (16 miles) ESE of Ndoi Island, Fiji
5.1 Magnitude Earthquake OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN - 1st April 2013
5.1
Date-Time
Monday, April 01, 2013 at 20:04:30 UTC
Tuesday, April 02, 2013 at 06:04:30 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
39.580°N, 143.156°E
Depth
8.6 km (5.3 miles)
Region
OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
Distances
103 km (64 miles) E of Miyako, Japan
ALERT: CHINESE TROOPS HAVE BEGUN MOBILIZING ON BORDER WITH NORTH KOREA; INFORMATION INCOMING
PEOPLES LIBERATION ARMY, AIR FORCE AND NAVY HAVE BEEN MOVING UNREPORTED SINCE MID-MARCH, INCOMING REPORTS STATE, WITH MOBILIZATION ON THE BORDER WITH NORTH KOREA NOW TAKING PLACE. WE WILL KEEP A CLOSE EYE ON THE STORY AND UPDATE YOU AS INFORMATION COMES IN.
IN THE EVENT OF HOSTILITIES, PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL OTHER NEWS MAY BE CURTAILED ON THE COMING CRISIS. PLEASE STAND BY.
FOX IS NOW REPORTING THIS NEWS
US NAVY HAS DISPATCHED A GUIDED MISSILE DESTROYER, USS MCCAIN, TO SOUTH KOREA, NOT PART OF MILITARY EXERCISES
The U.S. Navy is shifting a guided-missile destroyer in the Pacific to waters off the Korean peninsula in the wake of ongoing rhetoric from North Korea, U.S. defense officials said.
The USS McCain is capable of intercepting and destroying a missile, should North Korea decide to fire one off, the officials said.
http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/03/31/17543980-us-navy-shifts-destroyer-in-wake-of-north-korea-missile-threats?lite
6.0 Magnitude Earthquake OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN - 1st April 2013
6.0
Date-Time
Monday, April 01, 2013 at 18:53:17 UTC
Tuesday, April 02, 2013 at 04:53:17 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
39.528°N, 143.196°E
Depth
12.5 km (7.8 miles)
Region
OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
Distances
106 km (65 miles) E of Miyako, Japan
IRAN: 2013 WILL BE 'FALL OF AMERICAN EMPIRE'
“America should not think that with some diplomatic dialogue it can solve its dossier (problem) with the nation of Iran,” Brig. Gen. Mohammad Reza Naghdi said. “The path of this land is directed by the martyrs. America with its hollow slogans … thinks the Iranian nation will believe it.”
The Basij commander was speaking to an audience of the 10th conference of “Journey of Enlightened Land” commemorating the “martyrs” of the eight-year war with Iraq, according to the Journalist Club, an outlet run by the Revolutionary Guards intelligence division.
Naghdi called President Obama’s actions deceitful, saying, “Obama in letters sent to the Islamic Republic promised to put an end to the Iranian nuclear dossier but … reacted in a different way.”
http://www.wnd.com/2013/03/iran-2013-will-be-fall-of-american-empire/
Teens Beaten by Father For Uploading 'Twerking' Video - WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT
Let's home the authorities track down this Abusive Monster
Berezovsky Girlfriend: Death Wasn't Suicide
Katerina Sabirova told the Russian magazine New Times that the exiled tycoon, who was found dead at his Berkshire mansion last month, had been planning to go on holiday with her to Israel.
An inquest has heard Mr Berezovsky - an outspoken critic of president Vladimir Putin - was found on his bathroom floor with a "ligature around his neck" and that a similar piece of material was on the shower rail above him.
http://news.sky.com/story/1072507/berezovsky-girlfriend-death-wasnt-suicide
Lake Windermere: 36 year old woman and a 10 year old girl have died after Suffering from serious breathing difficulties while out on a Boat
CUMBRIA police can confirm that at approximately 4pm today, they attended an incident at Lake Windermere, where it was reported that three people on a private on a boat on Lake Windermere were having serious breathing difficulties.
Police attended along with an Ambulance crew. A 36 year old woman and a 10 year old girl, both from the Leyland area, were treated at the scene and then air lifted to Royal Lancaster Infirmary, unfortunately both have since tragically died. A man, who was also on the boat, is still receiving treatment at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary.
Police are currently investigating the circumstances of this tragic incident and trying to establish the full facts about what has happened. The coroner has been informed.
http://www.nwemail.co.uk/home/police-confirm-two-people-dead-in-cumbria-tragedy-1.1046557?referrerPath=home
Police attended along with an Ambulance crew. A 36 year old woman and a 10 year old girl, both from the Leyland area, were treated at the scene and then air lifted to Royal Lancaster Infirmary, unfortunately both have since tragically died. A man, who was also on the boat, is still receiving treatment at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary.
Police are currently investigating the circumstances of this tragic incident and trying to establish the full facts about what has happened. The coroner has been informed.
http://www.nwemail.co.uk/home/police-confirm-two-people-dead-in-cumbria-tragedy-1.1046557?referrerPath=home
Maryland: Three people taken to hospital after exposure to 'white powder' in Abingdon - 28th March 2013
Three people were taken to the hospital Thursday afternoon after what was described as a "white powder" was found at a business in Abingdon, the Harford County Volunteer Fire & EMS Association said.
The substance was found to be not hazardous, association spokesman Rich Gardiner said.
The powder was found at about 1:30 p.m. at Bogan's Plumbing, in the 1300 block of Continental Drive, near Governor Court. Eddie Hopkins, spokesman for the Harford County Sheriff's Office, said the powder was found in a package mailed to the business.
Three people were taken to a local hospital for minor injuries, Gardiner said.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/harford/abingdon/ph-ag-white-powder-0329-20130328,0,235460.story
The substance was found to be not hazardous, association spokesman Rich Gardiner said.
The powder was found at about 1:30 p.m. at Bogan's Plumbing, in the 1300 block of Continental Drive, near Governor Court. Eddie Hopkins, spokesman for the Harford County Sheriff's Office, said the powder was found in a package mailed to the business.
Three people were taken to a local hospital for minor injuries, Gardiner said.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/harford/abingdon/ph-ag-white-powder-0329-20130328,0,235460.story
INDIA - Harda - 4 Tested Positive For Swine Flu In MP
Four more patients tested positive for swine flu, taking the total number of people affected due to the endemic in Madhya Pradesh's commercial capital to 35, health officials said.
All the four patients are receiving treatment at private hospitals. A 58-year-old woman patient belongs to the city, while three other patients hail from Sanwer, Dhamnod and Harda.
Besides, six suspected swine flu patients are receiving treatment at private hospitals. Their swab samples have been sent for examination to Indian Council of Medical Research laboratory in Jabalpur.
http://news.webindia123.com/news/articles/India/20130329/2180161.html
Envelope full of mysterious powder forces evacuation of Umatilla prison's administration building (29th March 2013)
An envelope full of white powder reached the mail room of Umatilla's Two Rivers Correctional Institution on Friday morning, causing an evacuation of the prison's administration building.
Two staffers who came in contact with the powder at about 10:30 a.m. quickly hit the showers and a state hazardous materials unit reached the building in Haz-Mat suits, according to Vicki Reynolds, a prison spokeswoman.
The powder, which came in a standard-sized envelope, was examined by officials with the State Fire Marshal's Hazardous Materials Unit and the Umatilla Fire Department. They ruled the material posed no harm at 12:15 p.m., Reynolds said.
http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2013/03/post_117.html
Two staffers who came in contact with the powder at about 10:30 a.m. quickly hit the showers and a state hazardous materials unit reached the building in Haz-Mat suits, according to Vicki Reynolds, a prison spokeswoman.
The powder, which came in a standard-sized envelope, was examined by officials with the State Fire Marshal's Hazardous Materials Unit and the Umatilla Fire Department. They ruled the material posed no harm at 12:15 p.m., Reynolds said.
http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2013/03/post_117.html
RUSSIA - African Swine Flu Outbreak In North Ossetia
In the study of the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Veterinary Virology and Microbiology samples of pathological material, selected from six domestic pigs died in Alagir area and one of dead pigs in the Nart-Ardon's Republic of North Ossetia - Alania, identified the genetic material of the African swine fever, reports Rosselkhoznadzor RF.
At the outbreak of the disease state veterinary service of the republic under the control of Rosselkhoznadzor for the Republic of North Ossetia - Alania being taken to contain and prevent further spread of the disease.
The last outbreak of African swine fever in the Republic was registered in 2009 in domestic pigs. One of the affected areas was Alagirsky.
http://prodmagazin.ru/2013/03/27/v-severnoy-osetii-vspyishka-achs/
At the outbreak of the disease state veterinary service of the republic under the control of Rosselkhoznadzor for the Republic of North Ossetia - Alania being taken to contain and prevent further spread of the disease.
The last outbreak of African swine fever in the Republic was registered in 2009 in domestic pigs. One of the affected areas was Alagirsky.
http://prodmagazin.ru/2013/03/27/v-severnoy-osetii-vspyishka-achs/
Zambia: 3 swine flu patients on treatment, says Mbewe
ONLY three swine flu patients are currently receiving treatment at Mumbwa district hospital, Ministry of Health spokesperson Dr Kamoto Mbewe has confirmed.
In a statement released in Lusaka on Thursday, Dr Mbewe stated that the outbreak of swine flu, medically known as Influenza H1N1, in Serenje and Mumbwa districts in Central Province had continued to stabilise as the ministry had put up stringent measures to prevent the disease from spreading to other provinces.
"Currently, there are no reports of any new infections in Serenje and only three people are being treated for the disease in Mumbwa district. The Ministry of Health continues to be vigilant in monitoring the disease to ensure that it does not spread to other parts of Zambia. Among the measures that government has put in place to control the spread of the outbreak is the sensitisation of the public in the affected areas to avoid crowded places, cover their months with handkerchiefs when coughing and to avoid unnecessary handshakes," Dr Mbewe stated.
http://www.postzambia.com/post-read_article.php?articleId=30816
In a statement released in Lusaka on Thursday, Dr Mbewe stated that the outbreak of swine flu, medically known as Influenza H1N1, in Serenje and Mumbwa districts in Central Province had continued to stabilise as the ministry had put up stringent measures to prevent the disease from spreading to other provinces.
"Currently, there are no reports of any new infections in Serenje and only three people are being treated for the disease in Mumbwa district. The Ministry of Health continues to be vigilant in monitoring the disease to ensure that it does not spread to other parts of Zambia. Among the measures that government has put in place to control the spread of the outbreak is the sensitisation of the public in the affected areas to avoid crowded places, cover their months with handkerchiefs when coughing and to avoid unnecessary handshakes," Dr Mbewe stated.
http://www.postzambia.com/post-read_article.php?articleId=30816
Swine flu claims two more lives, India
Two more persons have died of swine flu, one in Pune and the other in Pimpri Chinchwad, taking the total number of deaths due to the infection in both cities to 20 since January. Of these, 13 have occurred in March.
"Santosh Gawade (32), of Jawale village in Ambegaon taluka in Pune district, died of swine flu infection in KEM Hospital at 4.45 am on Thursday," said S T Pardeshi, medical officer of health (MoH), Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).
The victim had symptoms like joint pain, cough and fever since March 18 and breathlessness from March 20. "However, he did not seek medical treatment till March 22," said another civic health official.
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-03-29/pune/38124971_1_s-t-pardeshi-milind-jawale-swine-flu
"Santosh Gawade (32), of Jawale village in Ambegaon taluka in Pune district, died of swine flu infection in KEM Hospital at 4.45 am on Thursday," said S T Pardeshi, medical officer of health (MoH), Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).
The victim had symptoms like joint pain, cough and fever since March 18 and breathlessness from March 20. "However, he did not seek medical treatment till March 22," said another civic health official.
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-03-29/pune/38124971_1_s-t-pardeshi-milind-jawale-swine-flu
A final cigarette... then the hangman's noose: Three murderers put to death in Kuwaiti car park in country's first execution in six years - WARNING GRAPHIC IMAGES
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2302330/Kuwait-executions-A-final-cigarette-flight-stairs-justice-done.html
Dr W. Scott Harrington who 'put thousands at risk of HIV and hepatitis' is tracked down to Arizona hideaway
As some 7,000 patients began getting checked for hepatitis or HIV on the weekend, the Tulsa oral surgeon, Dr W. Scott Harrington, who has refused to comment on the allegations of dangerously poor hygiene at his clinics, was holed up at his second home in Phoenix, ABC News reported.
Health officials opened their investigation into Harrington's surgeries after a patient with no known risk factors tested positive for both hepatitis C and HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. It turned out the person was a patient of Harrington's and had recently had a dental procedure at one of his clinics.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2302384/Dr-W-Scott-Harrington-Dirty-dentist-slams-door-face-ABC-reporter-hes-hiding-Arizona.html
Aquarius - The Age of Evil (Full)
'Aquarius: The Age of Evil' examines the history of the new world order. It demonstrates that the new world order is New Age oriented. The Zeitgeist films and movement are exposed and shown to have ties to the New Age, Theosophy, Freemasonry and the new world order movements.
Tourist raped on minibus in Rio, police say
A female foreign tourist was kidnapped, raped and robbed on a minibus in Rio de Janeiro, police said, highlighting security concerns in the Brazilian city that will host matches in the 2014 World Cup and will put on the Summer Olympics two years later.
A male foreign tourist on the minibus was also held captive and robbed, according to Rio police.
Police said they would not release the identities or nationalities of the victims.
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/04/01/world/americas/brazil-tourist-rape/
A male foreign tourist on the minibus was also held captive and robbed, according to Rio police.
Police said they would not release the identities or nationalities of the victims.
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/04/01/world/americas/brazil-tourist-rape/
Detroit airport terminal reopens after suspicious device removed
The north terminal -- the smaller of the two at the airport -- was cleared to reopen around 8:30 a.m., an airport spokesman said.
Earlier, screeners with the Transportation Security Administration noticed something suspicious in a passenger's carry-on luggage, said airport spokesman Michael Conway. Explosive teams looked into it, and in the meantime passengers in the terminal were moved "a safe distance away," he said.
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/04/01/travel/michigan-airport-terminal-evacuated/index.html
Hamas orders schools in Gaza to be segregated by gender
Gender segregation is already in effective in the majority of schools in the Palestinian territory but from the next school year, it will be enforced by law in every one of Gaza's education establishments, including Christian and private schools and those run by the United Nations.
"We are a Muslim people. We do not need to make people Muslims and we are doing what serves our people and their culture," Waleed Mezher, a legal advisor to the ministry of education told Reuters, explaining that the Hamas government was attempting to protect conservative Muslim values with legislation.
This is the latest in a string of recent announcements from the Hamas regime in Gaza tightening restrictions on Palestinian girls and women.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/palestinianauthority/9965274/Hamas-orders-schools-in-Gaza-to-be-segregated-by-gender.html
"We are a Muslim people. We do not need to make people Muslims and we are doing what serves our people and their culture," Waleed Mezher, a legal advisor to the ministry of education told Reuters, explaining that the Hamas government was attempting to protect conservative Muslim values with legislation.
This is the latest in a string of recent announcements from the Hamas regime in Gaza tightening restrictions on Palestinian girls and women.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/palestinianauthority/9965274/Hamas-orders-schools-in-Gaza-to-be-segregated-by-gender.html
4.6 Magnitude Earthquake NIAS REGION, INDONESIA - 1st April 2013
Region NIAS REGION, INDONESIA
Date time 2013-04-01 16:40:47.0 UTC
Location 1.10 N ; 97.03 E
Depth 10 km
Distances
168 km SE of Sinabang, Indonesia / pop: 15,000 / local time: 23:40:47.0 2013-04-01
China Ups Bird Flu Monitoring After H7N9 Deaths
The government's National Health and Family Planning Commission said over the weekend that two men - aged 87 and 27 - died in Shanghai in early March after being infected by H7N9 avian influenza.
A 35-year-old woman in the eastern province of Anhui, near Shanghai, is in a critical condition after developing the sub-type which has not previously been transmitted to humans.
The city's health bureau has ordered hospitals to strengthen monitoring and supervision of respiratory illness cases, but authorities are unsure how the three became infected, according to the Shanghai Daily newspaper.
http://news.sky.com/story/1072440/china-ups-bird-flu-monitoring-after-deaths
Sergeant Michael Cable Killed By Afghan Teen
Sergeant Michael Cable, 26, was guarding a meeting of Afghan and US officials in Nangarhar province when the attack happened last Wednesday.
The soldier was playing with a group of children outside when the assailant stabbed him from behind.
http://news.sky.com/story/1072458/us-soldier-stabbed-in-neck-by-afghan-teen
4.8 Magnitude Earthquake OFF W COAST OF NORTHERN SUMATRA - 1st April 2013
Region OFF W COAST OF NORTHERN SUMATRA
Date time 2013-04-01 15:26:36.1 UTC
Location 2.63 N ; 90.22 E
Depth 10 km
Distances
652 km SW of Banda Aceh, Indonesia / pop: 250,757 / local time: 22:26:36.1 2013-04-01
North Korea War Training Shown Off In Video
The video from state TV emerged days after the country warned it was in a "state of war" with the South.
It is not clear when the footage was filmed, but it comes after Pyongyang voiced anger over joint US-South Korean military drills south of the border.
http://news.sky.com/story/1072452/north-korea-war-training-shown-off-in-video
Was it a hoax? Police say kidnapping of young couple from a Manhattan street in broad daylight could have been staged by friends
The alleged abduction of a man and a woman at gunpoint occurred at 6.55 pm on Friday near 173rd Street and Haven Avenue, in Washington Heights, New York.
After the kidnapping, the NYPD released video surveillance footage of the incident in the hope that a member of the public would be able to identify the masked abductors and help the investigation.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2302313/Police-believe-kidnapping-young-couple-gunpoint-Manhattan-street-broad-daylight-hoax.html
4.7 Magnitude Earthquake SOUTH OF THE FIJI ISLANDS - 1st April 2013
4.7
Date-Time
Monday, April 01, 2013 at 13:43:43 UTC
Tuesday, April 02, 2013 at 01:43:43 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
22.384°S, 179.609°W
Depth
587.4 km (365.0 miles)
Region
SOUTH OF THE FIJI ISLANDS
Distances
213 km (132 miles) SSW of Ndoi Island, Fiji
4.5 Magnitude Earthquake MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES - 1st April 2013
Region MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES
Date time 2013-04-01 13:33:38.3 UTC
Location 5.88 N ; 126.01 E
Depth 113 km
Distances
38 km E of Mangili, Philippines / pop: 3,020 / local time: 21:33:38.3 2013-04-01
Lawless Libyans kidnap prime minister's aide just days after two British women were raped in front of their father
An adviser to the Libyan Prime Minister was grabbed from his car by unknown assailants on the outskirts of Tripoli last night, it has been claimed.
Mohammad Ali Gatous, in his 50s, was seized after passing a checkpoint into the eastern Tripoli suburb of Tajoura.
The government source said: 'Nobody knows where he is. They left his car behind, probably they thought it could be traced.'
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2302344/Now-lawless-Libyans-kidnap-prime-ministers-aide-just-days-British-women-raped-father.html
Mohammad Ali Gatous, in his 50s, was seized after passing a checkpoint into the eastern Tripoli suburb of Tajoura.
The government source said: 'Nobody knows where he is. They left his car behind, probably they thought it could be traced.'
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2302344/Now-lawless-Libyans-kidnap-prime-ministers-aide-just-days-British-women-raped-father.html
Judge Peter Bowers provoked fury by describing a burglar as courageous. Now the same judge has refused to lock up this paedophile 'because he'd have a hard time in prison'
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2302300/Judge-branded-burglar-courageous-refuses-jail-paedophile-caught-child-porn-hed-hard-time-prison.html
India Bus Rape: Female Tourist Visits Down
And it says that since December, when the attack occurred, the number of women tourists going to the country has gone down by 35%.
A survey by the Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India (Assocham) says foreigners' fears and the global economic slowdown have combined to hit badly the number of visitors.
http://news.sky.com/story/1072426/india-bus-rape-female-tourist-visits-down
Magnitude 6.0 EARTHQUAKE - OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
Earthquake Details
This event has been reviewed by a seismologist.
Magnitude 6.0
Date-Time
Monday, April 01, 2013 at 18:53:17 UTC
Tuesday, April 02, 2013 at 04:53:17 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location 39.528°N, 143.196°E
Depth 12.5 km (7.8 miles)
Region OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
Distances 106 km (65 miles) E of Miyako, Japan
107 km (66 miles) E of Yamada, Japan
112 km (69 miles) E of Otsuchi, Japan
116 km (72 miles) ENE of Kamaishi, Japan
Location Uncertainty horizontal +/- 16.9 km (10.5 miles); depth +/- 5.6 km (3.5 miles)
Parameters NST=137, Nph=137, Dmin=277.2 km, Rmss=0.73 sec, Gp= 86°,
M-type="moment" magnitude from initial P wave (tsuboi method) (Mi/Mwp), Version=9
Source
Magnitude: USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)
Location: USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)
Event ID usb000fxh7
San Jose Walmart Crash: Deranged man crashes his car INTO Wal-Mart and begins attacking customers with a steel bar
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2302176/San-Jose-Walmart-crash-Four-hurt-deranged-man-crashes-car-begins-attacking-customers.html
4.2 Magnitude Earthquake POTOSI, BOLIVIA - 1st April 2013
4.2
Date-Time
Monday, April 01, 2013 at 09:00:06 UTC
Monday, April 01, 2013 at 05:00:06 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
20.402°S, 67.885°W
Depth
164.5 km (102.2 miles)
Region
POTOSI, BOLIVIA
Distances
99 km (61 miles) W of Colchani, Bolivia
RICHARD LITTLEJOHN: WPC Kelly Jones is not fit to wear the same uniform as a proper copper
As usual, I should have known better. Years of writing about the absurdity of modern policing have taught me there’s virtually no limit to the stupidity and opportunism of some coppers.
Kelly Jones has instructed Pattinson Brewer solicitors to take action against a petrol station owner for ‘failing to ensure’ her safety during a routine break-in investigation.
She claims to be entitled to substantial compensation after allegedly tripping over a kerb and hurting her left leg and right wrist.
Her lawyers maintain that the owner had a legal duty to ensure her, you guessed, ‘health and safety’.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2302069/WPC-Kelly-Jones-fit-wear-uniform-proper-copper.html
Facebook and Twitter-linked sex crimes quadruple in four years as paedophiles exploit social network users
A total of 1,642 cases where the social networking sites were used to commit a crime or were involved in some way afterwards have been reported to police since 2009, new figures reveal.
The number of cases each year soared from 139 to 614 over that period, while the number of alleged rapes has risen from 22 to 117.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2302237/Facebook-Twitter-linked-sex-crimes-quadruple-years-paedophiles-exploit-social-network-users.html
The number of cases each year soared from 139 to 614 over that period, while the number of alleged rapes has risen from 22 to 117.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2302237/Facebook-Twitter-linked-sex-crimes-quadruple-years-paedophiles-exploit-social-network-users.html
Death toll hits 34 in Tanzania building collapse
Rescue workers at the site in a district in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam have now cleared most of the debris and reached the basement of the building that caved in on Friday morning. It is likely more bodies could be found.
Tanzania's buoyant economy has fuelled a building boom, especially in Kariakoo and the city center. But the speed of construction has raised concerns about safety standards.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/04/01/us-tanzania-collapse-idUSBRE93004K20130401
Germany sees itself as Europe's grown-up
Buoyed by solid finances, roaring exports and low unemployment, Germany increasingly sees itself as the only grown-up in Europe, responsible for bringing wayward children into line to hold the family together.The children are not enjoying it. Some, such as the Cypriots and Greeks and many Italians and Spaniards, are openly resentful of "Mutti" (mum), as Berlin officials privately call Chancellor Angela Merkel. Others, such as the French, are sulking.
The mood among German politicians and officials is one of economic self-confidence tinged with a sense of parental duty to provide the euro zone with stiff-backed leadership, even if that makes them unpopular in Europe.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/04/01/us-eurozone-germany-idUSBRE93003P20130401
James Holmes: Prosecutors to reveal death penalty plans in Colorado theater shooting case
It is widely expected that Arapahoe County District Attorney George Brauchler will attempt to win a death sentence against the 25-year-old California native.
Brauchler already has announced he has a death penalty lawyer on the prosecution team and he rejected a defense offer to let Holmes plead guilty and serve a life sentence if capital punishment is taken off the table.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/04/01/us-usa-shooting-denver-idUSBRE93006520130401
Peterborough: Stab Victim Found In Ditch
A member of the public discovered the body by the A16 at Newborough on Saturday morning.
A post-mortem examination confirmed the man died as a result of stab wounds. Detectives investigating the man's death are treating it as suspicious.
Last night, police arrested a 23-year-old man from Peterborough on suspicion of murder.
http://news.sky.com/story/1072195/stab-victim-found-in-ditch-near-peterborough
'Easter Bunny' Biker Pulled Over By Police in California
Highway Patrol officer Adam Griffiths radioed in to colleagues in San Diego on Saturday to say: "I'm stopping the Easter Bunny."
http://news.sky.com/story/1072320/easter-bunny-stopped-for-not-wearing-helmet
White Supremacist Link To Prosecutor Shooting
That killing followed a statewide alert last December which said the Aryan Brotherhood, an organised crime syndicate, was "actively planning retaliation against law enforcement officials".
Kaufman Police Chief Chris Aulbaugh told the Dallas Morning News: "It was a shock with Mark Hasse, and now you can just imagine the double shock and until we know what happened, I really can't confirm that it's related but you always have to assume until it's proven otherwise."
The newspaper reported that authorities were providing security at the homes of others who feared they could also be targeted.
"Everybody's a little on edge and a little shocked," said Darren Rovell, mayor of the nearby town of Forney. "It appears this was not a random act."
http://news.sky.com/story/1072144/texas-prosecutor-and-wife-shot-dead-at-home
Kaufman Police Chief Chris Aulbaugh told the Dallas Morning News: "It was a shock with Mark Hasse, and now you can just imagine the double shock and until we know what happened, I really can't confirm that it's related but you always have to assume until it's proven otherwise."
The newspaper reported that authorities were providing security at the homes of others who feared they could also be targeted.
"Everybody's a little on edge and a little shocked," said Darren Rovell, mayor of the nearby town of Forney. "It appears this was not a random act."
http://news.sky.com/story/1072144/texas-prosecutor-and-wife-shot-dead-at-home
Weather: Jet Stream Blamed For UK Cold Snap
As Britain leaves behind what looks to have been the coldest March for more than 50 years, forecasters are warning it will stay cold for another week at least.
Meteorologists are blaming the bad weather on the position of the jet stream, a narrow band of very strong winds which tends to move from west to east across the Atlantic, bringing our weather systems with it.
Sky News weather presenter Isobel Lang said: "The jet stream is currently displaced well to the south of its usual position across the north Atlantic and Europe, located across the Azores, Spain and the Mediterranean.
http://news.sky.com/story/1072350/weather-jet-stream-blamed-for-uk-cold-snap
Meteorologists are blaming the bad weather on the position of the jet stream, a narrow band of very strong winds which tends to move from west to east across the Atlantic, bringing our weather systems with it.
Sky News weather presenter Isobel Lang said: "The jet stream is currently displaced well to the south of its usual position across the north Atlantic and Europe, located across the Azores, Spain and the Mediterranean.
http://news.sky.com/story/1072350/weather-jet-stream-blamed-for-uk-cold-snap
Bag snatcher crashes through glass then escapes, Perth, Western Australia
A bag snatcher has been caught on camera knocking himself out after running through a glass door as he tried to make his getaway.
The man had just snatched a purse from a 50-year-old woman at a newsagent in Perth, Western Australia, when he unwittingly hurtled through the pane and fell flat on his face.
Police said the witnesses assisted the man before an accomplice arrived on the scene and threatened them.
The injured man stumbled to his feet before he and his accomplice made off in a stolen green Lexus. They are still at large.
http://news.sky.com/story/1072369/bag-snatcher-runs-into-glass-door-in-getaway
4.6 Magnitude Earthquake KYUSHU, JAPAN - 1st April 2013
4.6
Date-Time
Monday, April 01, 2013 at 08:45:16 UTC
Monday, April 01, 2013 at 05:45:16 PM at epicenter
Location
30.613°N, 130.969°E
Depth
49.7 km (30.9 miles)
Region
KYUSHU, JAPAN
Distances
117 km (73 miles) SSE (160°) from Kagoshima, Kyushu, Japan
EU launches attack on Cameron over planned immigration crackdown 'which risks stoking kneejerk xenophobia'....That's rich!, seen reports from France, Netherlands and Germany Lately?
David Cameron has been accused of stoking 'kneejerk xenophobia' by a European commissioner over his 'unintelligent' accusations of benefit tourism among EU migrants.
Responding to the Prime Minster's speech last week in which he vowed to restrict access to housing benefits and the NHS for those coming to the UK under EU free-movement rules, the European commissioner for employment, social affairs and inclusion, László Andor, told the Observer his claims were misleading.
'There is a serious risk of pandering to knee-jerk xenophobia,' he said. 'Blaming poor people or migrants for hardships at the time of economic crisis is not entirely unknown, but it is not intelligent politics in my view.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2301878/EU-launches-attack-Cameron-planned-immigration-crackdown-risks-stoking-kneejerk-xenophobia.html
German interior minister agitates against immigrants
At a meeting of EU interior ministers in Brussels last week, German Interior Minister Hans-Peter Friedrich (Christian Social Union, CSU) reiterated that he would prevent the inclusion of Romania and Bulgaria in the Schengen agreement, which lifts routine border controls between most EU countries. He indicated that he would use Germany’s veto if necessary.
http://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2013/03/11/immi-m11.html
Responding to the Prime Minster's speech last week in which he vowed to restrict access to housing benefits and the NHS for those coming to the UK under EU free-movement rules, the European commissioner for employment, social affairs and inclusion, László Andor, told the Observer his claims were misleading.
'There is a serious risk of pandering to knee-jerk xenophobia,' he said. 'Blaming poor people or migrants for hardships at the time of economic crisis is not entirely unknown, but it is not intelligent politics in my view.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2301878/EU-launches-attack-Cameron-planned-immigration-crackdown-risks-stoking-kneejerk-xenophobia.html
German interior minister agitates against immigrants
At a meeting of EU interior ministers in Brussels last week, German Interior Minister Hans-Peter Friedrich (Christian Social Union, CSU) reiterated that he would prevent the inclusion of Romania and Bulgaria in the Schengen agreement, which lifts routine border controls between most EU countries. He indicated that he would use Germany’s veto if necessary.
http://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2013/03/11/immi-m11.html
Bushra al-Rahimi Jobless Iraqi 'benefit queen' who sublets her taxpayer-funded £2million flat for £4,000 a week
An unemployed Iraqi 'benefit queen' charged £4,000 a week to sublet a taxpayer funded £2million flat, it has been claimed.
Bushra al-Rahimi is claimed to have rented out the flat to a family of Kuwaiti tourists, while also being in receipt of housing benefits from Westminster city council to cover the cost of the city centre five-bedroom property.
Al-Rahimi and her family have now been re-housed at taxpayers' expense in nearby Islington, in a block of flats where another property is let at £5,000 a month.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2301874/Bushra-al-Rahimi-Jobless-Iraqi-benefit-queen-sublets-taxpayer-funded-2m-flat-4-000-week.html
Bushra al-Rahimi is claimed to have rented out the flat to a family of Kuwaiti tourists, while also being in receipt of housing benefits from Westminster city council to cover the cost of the city centre five-bedroom property.
Al-Rahimi and her family have now been re-housed at taxpayers' expense in nearby Islington, in a block of flats where another property is let at £5,000 a month.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2301874/Bushra-al-Rahimi-Jobless-Iraqi-benefit-queen-sublets-taxpayer-funded-2m-flat-4-000-week.html
Jonathan Taylor died on school ski trip in Austria after falling from 4m-high wall and landing on his head
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2301953/Jonathan-Taylor-death-Teacher-dies-school-ski-trip-Austria-falling-metre-high-wall.html
Ryan Harrison crushed to death by a train 'after argument at station', 3 Arrested
It is understood that following a row with a group of men, Ryan Harrison either fell or was pushed down the side of the platform next to a stationary train.
The 22-year-old was killed minutes later when the train moved away, trapping him between it and the edge of the platform.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2302155/Ryan-Harrison-crushed-death-train-argument-Guildford-station.html
Oklahoma Dentist's Patients Begin HIV Tests
Hundreds of patients of a dentist accused of poor hygiene at his clinics have been queuing for tests to see if they have been exposed to hepatitis or the virus that causes Aids.
On Friday, patients were sent letters warning them of problems at the clinics of Dr W Scott Harrington in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Hundreds of people arrived early and stood through torrential downpours outside a health centre to be among the first tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.
http://news.sky.com/story/1072313/oklahoma-dentists-patients-begin-hiv-tests
On Friday, patients were sent letters warning them of problems at the clinics of Dr W Scott Harrington in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Hundreds of people arrived early and stood through torrential downpours outside a health centre to be among the first tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.
http://news.sky.com/story/1072313/oklahoma-dentists-patients-begin-hiv-tests
WPC Kelly Jones: Backlash grows over WPC demanding £50,000 from burglary victim for tripping over kerb
In a case that has caused uproar, a policewoman is suing the man who dialled 999 to report a burglary because she tripped over a kerbstone at his property.
Kelly Jones, 33, is seeking a five-figure sum for injuries to her leg and wrist last August. She was well enough however to carry on the search for the suspected intruder.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2302068/Police-20million-injury-claims-bonanza-backlash-grows-WPC-demanding-50K-burglary-victim-tripping-kerb.html
Cyprus bailout: Feeling unloved in Germany
German taxpayers donate, the argument runs, to help those less industrious than themselves. And what, they wonder, do they get in return? Nothing but ingratitude and insult. So it seems to some Germans.
Outside the country, on the other hand, it does not seem like that at all. Perceptions are inverted. Instead of gratitude for the gifts donated, Germans feel the coldness of ingratitude for the strings attached.
Or the heat of angry insult. The Spanish daily El Pais published (and then apologised for) a piece which said that conservative Chancellor Angela Merkel "like Hitler, has declared war on the rest of the continent".
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21974496
Nigerian army says kills 14 Islamist insurgents in raid
Nigerian soldiers killed 14 suspected Islamist insurgents on Sunday during a dawn raid on a house in the main northern city of Kano, the military said.
Islamist sect Boko Haram wants to carve an Islamic state out of Nigeria. It and other Islamist groups have become the main threat to stability on Africa's top oil-producing state and increasingly menace neighbours like Cameroon.
Boko Haram has killed hundreds in gun and bomb attacks, including 25 in Kano earlier in March, since it intensified an insurgency two years ago.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/03/31/uk-nigeria-violence-idUKBRE92U02V20130331
Islamist sect Boko Haram wants to carve an Islamic state out of Nigeria. It and other Islamist groups have become the main threat to stability on Africa's top oil-producing state and increasingly menace neighbours like Cameroon.
Boko Haram has killed hundreds in gun and bomb attacks, including 25 in Kano earlier in March, since it intensified an insurgency two years ago.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/03/31/uk-nigeria-violence-idUKBRE92U02V20130331
Who is killing prosecutors in Texas?
A Texas community is on edge after a district attorney who said he would put away the "scum" who killed a colleague two months ago was shot to death alongside his wife in his home Saturday night.
Kaufman County Judge Bruce Wood said he thought there was a "strong connection" between the slayings of Mike and Cynthia McLelland and the shooting death of Kaufman County Assistant District Attorney Mark Hasse, who was killed on his way to work in January.
Hasse and McLelland "worked on similar cases very closely," said Wood, the county's top elected official.
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/03/31/justice/texas-da-killed/index.html?hpt=hp_t3
Emerging markets dump euro reserves
The euro's challenge to the international status of the US dollar has been set back a generation as new data show developing countries dumping the European currency from their official reserves.
Central banks in developing countries sold €45bn of euros in 2012, according to data compiled by the International Monetary Fund, cutting their holdings of the currency by 8 per cent.
This highlights the damage Europe's sovereign debt crisis has done to its standing in the international financial system as the chance of rivalling the dollar -- one dream of the single currency's founders -- slips away.
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/03/31/business/emerging-markets-euro/index.html?hpt=hp_t3
Central banks in developing countries sold €45bn of euros in 2012, according to data compiled by the International Monetary Fund, cutting their holdings of the currency by 8 per cent.
This highlights the damage Europe's sovereign debt crisis has done to its standing in the international financial system as the chance of rivalling the dollar -- one dream of the single currency's founders -- slips away.
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/03/31/business/emerging-markets-euro/index.html?hpt=hp_t3
Scramble to find Cypriot cash escape route
The hunt is on to find ways to circumnavigate the new draconian capital controls in Cyprus and get money off the island.
At least three people have attempted to flee the island in recent weeks with more than €200,000 in cash on their person, according to official sources. The money was in all cases confiscated and the people questioned by the authorities.
Individuals have only been allowed to take €1,000 a day out of the country since Thursday under strict capital controls designed to prevent a bank run. The imposition of the eurozone's first ever capital controls followed the re-opening of the country's two banks for the first time after the European Union and International Monetary Fund bailout.
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/03/31/business/cyprus-cash-smuggler/index.html?hpt=hp_t3
At least three people have attempted to flee the island in recent weeks with more than €200,000 in cash on their person, according to official sources. The money was in all cases confiscated and the people questioned by the authorities.
Individuals have only been allowed to take €1,000 a day out of the country since Thursday under strict capital controls designed to prevent a bank run. The imposition of the eurozone's first ever capital controls followed the re-opening of the country's two banks for the first time after the European Union and International Monetary Fund bailout.
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/03/31/business/cyprus-cash-smuggler/index.html?hpt=hp_t3
U.S. flies stealth fighter jets over South Korea
The United States deployed stealth fighter jets to South Korea on Sunday as part of ongoing joint military exercises between the two countries, a senior U.S. defense official said.
The F-22 Raptors were sent to the main U.S. Air Force Base in South Korea amid spiking tensions on the Korean peninsula. The U.S. military command in South Korea said they were deployed to support air drills as part of the annual Foal Eagle training exercises, which are carried out in accordance with the armistice that put an end to armed hostilities in 1953.
North Korea has been ramping up its rhetoric and military show of force in response to the annual joint military exercises, declaring the armistice invalid on March 11, 10 days after Foal Eagle began. It is something Pyongyang has done before during heightened tensions.
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/03/31/world/asia/us-korea-f-22s/index.html?hpt=hp_t1
The F-22 Raptors were sent to the main U.S. Air Force Base in South Korea amid spiking tensions on the Korean peninsula. The U.S. military command in South Korea said they were deployed to support air drills as part of the annual Foal Eagle training exercises, which are carried out in accordance with the armistice that put an end to armed hostilities in 1953.
North Korea has been ramping up its rhetoric and military show of force in response to the annual joint military exercises, declaring the armistice invalid on March 11, 10 days after Foal Eagle began. It is something Pyongyang has done before during heightened tensions.
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/03/31/world/asia/us-korea-f-22s/index.html?hpt=hp_t1
Russia won't help out Cyprus depositors, says minister
The Russian government will not aid businesses that have lost money in Cyprus, First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov said, underscoring Moscow's resolve to clamp down on the flight of capital to offshore financial centers.
Major account holders, many of them Russian, will lose up to 60 percent of their deposits over 100,000 euros ($128,400) at Cyprus's largest bank under a European Union bailout to save the Mediterranean island from bankruptcy.
If Russians lose money "it's a terrible shame, but the Russian government will not take any action in such a situation," Shuvalov was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying in a television interview on Sunday night.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/04/01/us-eurozone-cyprus-russia-idUSBRE93003M20130401
Major account holders, many of them Russian, will lose up to 60 percent of their deposits over 100,000 euros ($128,400) at Cyprus's largest bank under a European Union bailout to save the Mediterranean island from bankruptcy.
If Russians lose money "it's a terrible shame, but the Russian government will not take any action in such a situation," Shuvalov was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying in a television interview on Sunday night.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/04/01/us-eurozone-cyprus-russia-idUSBRE93003M20130401
South Korea vows fast response to North; U.S. deploys stealth jets
South Korea will strike back quickly if the North stages any attack on its territory, the new president in Seoul warned on Monday, as tensions ratcheted higher on the Korean peninsula amid shrill rhetoric from Pyongyang and the U.S. deployment of radar-evading fighter planes.
North Korea says the region is on the brink of a nuclear war in the wake of United Nations sanctions imposed for its February nuclear test and a series of joint U.S. and South Korean military drills that have included a rare U.S. show of aerial power.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/04/01/us-korea-north-idUSBRE93002620130401
North Korea says the region is on the brink of a nuclear war in the wake of United Nations sanctions imposed for its February nuclear test and a series of joint U.S. and South Korean military drills that have included a rare U.S. show of aerial power.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/04/01/us-korea-north-idUSBRE93002620130401
Small businesses spell big problems for Italy and Spain
Small companies struggling to repay loans in Italy and Spain signal bigger problems on the horizon for the euro zone after the dust has settled on Cyprus's last-ditch bailout this week.
Defaults by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), easily the biggest employers in Spain and Italy, are rising at a worrying clip, spelling trouble for the banks and two countries at the heart of Europe's debt crisis.
"You can be sure that if these companies' bad debts rise, you're going to see more bad loans to families, and credit card bills that won't be paid," said Javier Santoma, finance professor at Spain's IESE business school.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/28/us-italy-spain-banks-idUSBRE92R03K20130328
Defaults by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), easily the biggest employers in Spain and Italy, are rising at a worrying clip, spelling trouble for the banks and two countries at the heart of Europe's debt crisis.
"You can be sure that if these companies' bad debts rise, you're going to see more bad loans to families, and credit card bills that won't be paid," said Javier Santoma, finance professor at Spain's IESE business school.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/28/us-italy-spain-banks-idUSBRE92R03K20130328
China's losing battle against polluters
"If you want to move, you'll have to move the Zijin Mountain to Xiamen as well," the official told Chen, referring to a vast local mine that has helped transform the firm into China's top gold producer and second-biggest copper miner.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/04/01/us-china-environment-zijin-insight-idUSBRE92U08V20130401
Exxon cleans up Arkansas oil spill; Keystone plan assailed
Exxon spokesman Alan Jeffers said on Sunday that crews had yet to excavate the area around the pipeline breach, a needed step before the company can estimate how long repairs will take and when the line might restart.
"I can't speculate on when it will happen," Jeffers said. "Excavation is necessary as part of an investigation to determine the cause of the incident."
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/04/01/us-exxon-pipeline-spill-idUSBRE92U00220130401
South Korea vows fast response to North
North Korea says the region is on the brink of a nuclear war in the wake of United Nations sanctions imposed for its February nuclear test and a series of joint U.S. and South Korean military drills that have included a rare U.S. show of aerial power.
North Korea said on Saturday it was entering a "state of war" with South Korea in response to what it termed the "hostile" military drills being staged in the South. But there have been no signs of unusual activity in the North's military to suggest an imminent aggression, a South Korean defense ministry official said last week.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/04/01/us-korea-north-idUSBRE93002620130401
Three believed dead after helicopter carrying Alaska State Troopers and rescued snowmobiler crashes
An Alaska State Trooper helicopter carrying two troopers and a rescued snowmobiler crashed Saturday night in the south-central part of the state, and no survivors have been found, an agency spokeswoman said.
Trooper spokeswoman Megan Peters said the crash site was spotted Sunday, but she could not immediately confirm that the three on board were killed.
Wreckage of the helicopter burned, but Peters said it was not known how the fire started or how long it lasted.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/presumed-dead-alaska-rescue-helicopter-crash-article-1.1304189
Trooper spokeswoman Megan Peters said the crash site was spotted Sunday, but she could not immediately confirm that the three on board were killed.
Wreckage of the helicopter burned, but Peters said it was not known how the fire started or how long it lasted.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/presumed-dead-alaska-rescue-helicopter-crash-article-1.1304189
Helicopters and fire crews battle forest blaze | New Zealand
Five helicopters and seven fire crews are fighting a 30-hectare pine forest fire east of Martinborough.
Two further helicopters are expected to join firefighters shortly.
Wairarapa principal rural fire officer Phill Wishnowsky said it could take days to extinguish the large forestry blaze.
"We've got a large forest fire, very active and quite extreme conditions.
The fire is an active fire so of course everywhere it goes it's obviously destroying the forest.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10874721
Two further helicopters are expected to join firefighters shortly.
Wairarapa principal rural fire officer Phill Wishnowsky said it could take days to extinguish the large forestry blaze.
"We've got a large forest fire, very active and quite extreme conditions.
The fire is an active fire so of course everywhere it goes it's obviously destroying the forest.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10874721
Virginia Vehicle Pileup: 3 Killed In 95-Vehicle Crash Near Virginia-North Carolina Border
Nearly 100 vehicles crashed Sunday along a mountainous, foggy stretch of interstate near the Virginia-North Carolina border, killing three people and injuring 25 others.
Police said traffic along Interstate 77 in southwest Virginia backed up for about 8 miles in the southbound lanes after the accidents. Authorities closed the northbound lanes so that fire trucks, ambulances and police could get to the series of chain-reaction wrecks.
Virginia State Police determined there were 17 separate crashes involving 95 vehicles within a mile span near the base of Fancy Gap Mountain, spokeswoman Corinne Geller said. The crashes began around 1:15 p.m. Sunday when there was heavy fog in the area.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/31/virginia-vehicle-pileup_n_2989782.html
Lassa fever: 33-yr-old man killed in Rivers, Nigeria
Port Harcourt – Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sampson Parker, has confirmed the death of one patient from Lassa fever in the state.
Parker, weekend, in Port Harcourt, said the victim, a 33-year- old man, died a few days ago at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.
He said: “Just a few days ago, my attention was drawn to the isolation of the virus in a suspected case and we lost the patient.”
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/03/lassa-fever-33-yr-old-man-killed-in-rivers/
Parker, weekend, in Port Harcourt, said the victim, a 33-year- old man, died a few days ago at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.
He said: “Just a few days ago, my attention was drawn to the isolation of the virus in a suspected case and we lost the patient.”
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/03/lassa-fever-33-yr-old-man-killed-in-rivers/
1 killed, 3 hurt when heavy equipment falls on workers at Arkansas nuclear plant
One worker died and three others were injured Sunday morning when a heavy piece of equipment fell on them at an Arkansas nuclear plant, officials said.
The workers were moving the equipment from the turbine building at an Entergy Arkansas plant in Russellville, about 70 miles northwest of Little Rock. The three injured workers were taken to a hospital. The company stressed that there is no danger to the public.
The Arkansas Nuclear One plant provides about 30 percent of the state’s energy demand, according to Entergy.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/1-killed-3-hurt-when-equipment-falls-on-workers-at-arkansas-nuclear-plant/2013/03/31/cdb67174-9a2b-11e2-9219-51eb8387e8f1_story.html
The workers were moving the equipment from the turbine building at an Entergy Arkansas plant in Russellville, about 70 miles northwest of Little Rock. The three injured workers were taken to a hospital. The company stressed that there is no danger to the public.
The Arkansas Nuclear One plant provides about 30 percent of the state’s energy demand, according to Entergy.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/1-killed-3-hurt-when-equipment-falls-on-workers-at-arkansas-nuclear-plant/2013/03/31/cdb67174-9a2b-11e2-9219-51eb8387e8f1_story.html
Flash floods kill at least 10 people in Mauritius
At least 10 people have been killed in flash floods in Mauritius and more downpours could be on the way, officials and the Indian Ocean island's meteorological service said on Sunday.
The deaths occurred on Saturday and most of the victims were trapped in an underpass leading to the Caudan Waterfront, a commercial area in Port Louis.
Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam said on Sunday that Port Louis had a torrential downpour with 152 mm falling in two hours.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/03/31/uk-mauritius-floods-idUKBRE92U06N20130331
The deaths occurred on Saturday and most of the victims were trapped in an underpass leading to the Caudan Waterfront, a commercial area in Port Louis.
Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam said on Sunday that Port Louis had a torrential downpour with 152 mm falling in two hours.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/03/31/uk-mauritius-floods-idUKBRE92U06N20130331
Man Hit By Train At Guildford: Three Arrests
The victim, from Woking in Surrey, was with a friend on the station platform at about 11.40pm on Saturday night when he became involved in a confrontation with a number of other men.
The man was killed by the train shortly afterwards.
http://news.sky.com/story/1072227/man-hit-by-train-at-guildford-three-arrests
4.2 Magnitude Earthquake TAIWAN - 1st April 2013
Region TAIWAN
Date time 2013-04-01 06:18:29.2 UTC
Location 23.88 N ; 121.05 E
Depth 6 km
Distances
12 km SE of Buli, Taiwan / pop: 86,406 / local time: 14:18:29.2 2013-04-01
4.3 Magnitude Earthquake BANDA SEA - 1st April 2013
4.3
Date-Time
Monday, April 01, 2013 at 00:09:04 UTC
Monday, April 01, 2013 at 09:09:04 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
5.969°S, 130.572°E
Depth
115.8 km (72.0 miles)
Region
BANDA SEA
Distances
233 km (144 miles) NNW of Saumlaki, Indonesia
