Aretha Franklin, Indomitable ‘Queen of Soul,’ Dies at 76
Aretha Franklin, universally acclaimed as the “Queen of Soul” and one of America’s greatest singers in any style, died on Thursday at her home in Detroit. She was 76.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/16/obituaries/aretha-franklin-dead.html
Aretha Franklin, universally acclaimed as the “Queen of Soul” and one of America’s greatest singers in any style, died on Thursday at her home in Detroit. She was 76.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/16/obituaries/aretha-franklin-dead.html
NY Times
Aretha Franklin, Indomitable ‘Queen of Soul,’ Dies at 76 (Published 2018)
With hits like “Respect” and “Chain of Fools,” she defined a female archetype: sensual and strong, long-suffering but ultimately indomitable.
Kofi Annan, Who Redefined the U.N., Dies at 80
Kofi Annan, a soft-spoken and patrician diplomat from Ghana, who became the seventh secretary general of the United Nations, projecting himself and his organization as the world’s conscience and moral arbiter despite bloody debacles that left indelible stains on his record as a peacekeeper, died on Saturday. He was 80.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/18/obituaries/kofi-annan-dead.html
Kofi Annan, a soft-spoken and patrician diplomat from Ghana, who became the seventh secretary general of the United Nations, projecting himself and his organization as the world’s conscience and moral arbiter despite bloody debacles that left indelible stains on his record as a peacekeeper, died on Saturday. He was 80.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/18/obituaries/kofi-annan-dead.html
NY Times
Kofi Annan, Who Redefined the U.N., Dies at 80 (Published 2018)
Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001, he projected himself and his organization as the world’s conscience and moral arbiter, despite a series of failures and scandals.
Michael Cohen Says He Arranged Payments to Women at Trump’s Direction
Michael D. Cohen, President Trump’s former lawyer, made the extraordinary admission in court on Tuesday that Mr. Trump had directed him to arrange payments to two women during the 2016 campaign to keep them from speaking publicly about affairs they said they had with Mr. Trump.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/21/nyregion/michael-cohen-plea-deal-trump.html?7
Michael D. Cohen, President Trump’s former lawyer, made the extraordinary admission in court on Tuesday that Mr. Trump had directed him to arrange payments to two women during the 2016 campaign to keep them from speaking publicly about affairs they said they had with Mr. Trump.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/21/nyregion/michael-cohen-plea-deal-trump.html?7
Nytimes
Michael Cohen Says He Arranged Payments to Women at Trump’s Direction
Mr. Cohen made the admission as he pleaded guilty to tax evasion, bank fraud and campaign finance violations in federal court in Manhattan.
Paul Manafort, Trump’s Former Campaign Chairman, Guilty of 8 Counts
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Paul Manafort, President Trump’s former campaign chairman, was convicted on Tuesday in his financial fraud trial, bringing a dramatic end to a politically charged case that riveted the capital.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/21/us/politics/paul-manafort-trial-verdict.html?6
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Paul Manafort, President Trump’s former campaign chairman, was convicted on Tuesday in his financial fraud trial, bringing a dramatic end to a politically charged case that riveted the capital.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/21/us/politics/paul-manafort-trial-verdict.html?6
Nytimes
Paul Manafort, Trump’s Former Campaign Chairman, Guilty of 8 Counts
The verdict was a victory for the special counsel, Robert S. Mueller III, whose inquiry has drawn withering criticism from President Trump.
Scott Morrison is new Australian PM as Malcolm Turnbull ousted
Scott Morrison has become Australia's new prime minister after Malcolm Turnbull was forced out by party rivals in a bruising leadership contest.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-45292637
Scott Morrison has become Australia's new prime minister after Malcolm Turnbull was forced out by party rivals in a bruising leadership contest.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-45292637
BBC News
Australia gets new PM in brutal party coup
Scott Morrison takes the top job as Malcolm Turnbull is forced out in a week of political drama.
John McCain, War Hero, Senator, Presidential Contender, Dies at 81
John S. McCain, the proud naval aviator who climbed from depths of despair as a prisoner of war in Vietnam to pinnacles of power as a Republican congressman and senator from Arizona and a two-time contender for the presidency, died on Saturday at his home in Arizona. He was 81.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/25/obituaries/john-mccain-dead.html
John S. McCain, the proud naval aviator who climbed from depths of despair as a prisoner of war in Vietnam to pinnacles of power as a Republican congressman and senator from Arizona and a two-time contender for the presidency, died on Saturday at his home in Arizona. He was 81.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/25/obituaries/john-mccain-dead.html
NY Times
John McCain, War Hero, Senator, Presidential Contender, Dies at 81 (Published 2018)
A naval aviator who endured torture in Vietnam, Mr. McCain rose to the heights of power in Washington until cancer felled him.
Brazil's 200-year-old national museum hit by huge fire
A huge fire has broken out at the National Museum of Brazil in Rio de Janeiro, the oldest scientific institution in the country.
Firefighters are tackling the blaze at the building, which contains more than 20 million items in its collection.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-45392668
A huge fire has broken out at the National Museum of Brazil in Rio de Janeiro, the oldest scientific institution in the country.
Firefighters are tackling the blaze at the building, which contains more than 20 million items in its collection.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-45392668
BBC News
Brazil's national museum hit by huge fire
The National Museum of Brazil, home to some 20m items spanning centuries, is devastated.
Trump Lashes Out After Reports of ‘Quiet Resistance’ by Staff
WASHINGTON — President Trump sought to assert command of his administration on Wednesday amid reports of a “quiet resistance” among some of his own advisers who have secretly and deliberately tried to thwart from the inside what one official called his “reckless decisions.”
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/05/us/politics/trump-new-york-times-anonymous-editorial.html?2
WASHINGTON — President Trump sought to assert command of his administration on Wednesday amid reports of a “quiet resistance” among some of his own advisers who have secretly and deliberately tried to thwart from the inside what one official called his “reckless decisions.”
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/05/us/politics/trump-new-york-times-anonymous-editorial.html?2
Nytimes
Trump Lashes Out After Reports of ‘Quiet Resistance’ by Staff
An Op-Ed column by an unnamed senior administration official added to the impression left by Bob Woodward’s book of aides seeking to thwart a president’s “reckless decisions.”
Les Moonves, Longtime CBS Chief, Steps Down
Leslie Moonves, the longtime chief executive of the CBS Corporation, stepped down on Sunday night from the company he has led for 15 years. His fall from Hollywood’s highest echelon was all but sealed after the publication earlier in the day of new sexual harassment allegations against him.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/09/business/les-moonves-longtime-cbs-chief-may-be-gone-by-monday.html
Leslie Moonves, the longtime chief executive of the CBS Corporation, stepped down on Sunday night from the company he has led for 15 years. His fall from Hollywood’s highest echelon was all but sealed after the publication earlier in the day of new sexual harassment allegations against him.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/09/business/les-moonves-longtime-cbs-chief-may-be-gone-by-monday.html
Nytimes
CBS Chief Executive Les Moonves Steps Down After Sexual Harassment Claims
Mr. Moonves had already been negotiating his departure before a report on Sunday detailed new sexual harassment allegations against him.
Panicked neighborhoods evacuate as gas blasts destroy homes
LAWRENCE, Mass. (AP) — A series of gas explosions caused fires at more than 20 homes across three communities north of Boston on Thursday, forcing entire neighborhoods to evacuate as crews scramble to douse the flames and shut off gas and electric lines in an attempt to prevent further damage.
https://www.apnews.com/9930dc6f2b254b6481ed75cc98008e56/Panicked-neighborhoods-evacuate-as-gas-blasts-destroy-homes
LAWRENCE, Mass. (AP) — A series of gas explosions caused fires at more than 20 homes across three communities north of Boston on Thursday, forcing entire neighborhoods to evacuate as crews scramble to douse the flames and shut off gas and electric lines in an attempt to prevent further damage.
https://www.apnews.com/9930dc6f2b254b6481ed75cc98008e56/Panicked-neighborhoods-evacuate-as-gas-blasts-destroy-homes
AP News
'It looked like Armageddon:' Deadly gas blasts destroy homes
LAWRENCE, Mass. (AP) — A series of gas explosions an official described as "Armageddon" killed a teenager, injured at least 10 other people and ignited fires in at least 39 homes
Kim Jong-un Will Visit South Korea, Leaders Announce
SEOUL, South Korea — Kim Jong-un, the North Korean leader, will visit South Korea “in the near future,” he said on Wednesday after meeting with the South’s president, Moon Jae-in.
https://nyti.ms/2D3m0qB
SEOUL, South Korea — Kim Jong-un, the North Korean leader, will visit South Korea “in the near future,” he said on Wednesday after meeting with the South’s president, Moon Jae-in.
https://nyti.ms/2D3m0qB
Nytimes
Kim Jong-un Will Visit South Korea, Leaders Announce
The North Korean leader will make his first trip to Seoul, the South’s capital, he said Wednesday in Pyongyang after meeting with President Moon Jae-in of South Korea.
Breaking News
Bill Cosby Found Guilty of Sexual Assault After Years of Accusations https://nyti.ms/2HtzAoZ
Bill Cosby, Once a Model of Fatherhood, Is Sent to Prison for Sexual Assault
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — Bill Cosby, who for years dodged accusations that he had preyed on women while brightening America’s living rooms as a beloved father figure, left a courtroom in handcuffs on Tuesday after he was sentenced to three to 10 years in prison for sexually assaulting a woman in his home.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/25/arts/television/bill-cosby-sentencing.html
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — Bill Cosby, who for years dodged accusations that he had preyed on women while brightening America’s living rooms as a beloved father figure, left a courtroom in handcuffs on Tuesday after he was sentenced to three to 10 years in prison for sexually assaulting a woman in his home.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/25/arts/television/bill-cosby-sentencing.html
Nytimes
Bill Cosby, Once a Model of Fatherhood, Is Sent to Prison for Sexual Assault
Mr. Cosby was sentenced to serve three to 10 years for drugging and assaulting Andrea Constand. He has said he will appeal the conviction.
Facebook Network Breach Affects Up to 50 Million Users
SAN FRANCISCO — Facebook on Friday said an attack on its computer network led to the exposure of information from nearly 50 million of its users.
The company discovered the breach earlier this week, finding that attackers had exploited a feature in Facebook’s code that allowed them to take over user accounts. Facebook fixed the vulnerability and notified law enforcement officials.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/28/technology/facebook-hack-data-breach.html
SAN FRANCISCO — Facebook on Friday said an attack on its computer network led to the exposure of information from nearly 50 million of its users.
The company discovered the breach earlier this week, finding that attackers had exploited a feature in Facebook’s code that allowed them to take over user accounts. Facebook fixed the vulnerability and notified law enforcement officials.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/28/technology/facebook-hack-data-breach.html
NY Times
Facebook Security Breach Exposes Accounts of 50 Million Users (Published 2018)
The attack added to the company’s woes as it contends with fallout from its role in a Russian disinformation campaign.
Breaking News
Brett Kavanaugh Is Trump’s Pick for Supreme Court WASHINGTON — President Trump on Monday selected Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh, a politically connected member of Washington’s conservative legal establishment, to fill Justice Anthony M. Kennedy’s seat on the Supreme…
Trump Agrees to Open ‘Limited’ F.B.I. Investigation Into Accusations Against Kavanaugh
WASHINGTON — President Trump, ceding to a request from Senate Republican leaders facing an insurrection in their ranks, ordered the F.B.I. on Friday to reopen a background investigation of Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh, his nominee to the Supreme Court, and examine the allegations of sexual assault that have been made against him.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/28/us/politics/brett-kavanaugh-senate-judiciary.html
WASHINGTON — President Trump, ceding to a request from Senate Republican leaders facing an insurrection in their ranks, ordered the F.B.I. on Friday to reopen a background investigation of Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh, his nominee to the Supreme Court, and examine the allegations of sexual assault that have been made against him.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/28/us/politics/brett-kavanaugh-senate-judiciary.html
Nytimes
Trump Agrees to Open ‘Limited’ F.B.I. Investigation Into Accusations Against Kavanaugh
The investigation must be completed “in less than a week,” the president said, bowing to a request from Senate Republican leaders facing an insurrection in their ranks.
Tsunami and Earthquake in Indonesia Kill Nearly 400, Officials Say
BANGKOK — Indonesian officials said Saturday that nearly 400 people had been killed in a strong earthquake and a tsunami on the central island of Sulawesi. Rescue workers had yet to reach some areas thought to have been affected, and it was feared that the toll could still rise.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/28/world/asia/tsunami-palu-indonesia-earthquake.html?2
BANGKOK — Indonesian officials said Saturday that nearly 400 people had been killed in a strong earthquake and a tsunami on the central island of Sulawesi. Rescue workers had yet to reach some areas thought to have been affected, and it was feared that the toll could still rise.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/28/world/asia/tsunami-palu-indonesia-earthquake.html?2
Nytimes
Tsunami and Earthquake in Indonesia Kill Nearly 400, Officials Say
Hundreds were killed in the city of Palu alone, and it was feared that the toll could rise further still.
Elon Musk and Tesla Settle With S.E.C. in Fraud Case
Elon Musk, Tesla’s chief executive, reached a deal with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Saturday to resolve a securities fraud case. The settlement will force Mr. Musk to step aside as chairman for three years and pay a $20 million fine.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/29/business/tesla-musk-sec-settlement.html
Elon Musk, Tesla’s chief executive, reached a deal with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Saturday to resolve a securities fraud case. The settlement will force Mr. Musk to step aside as chairman for three years and pay a $20 million fine.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/29/business/tesla-musk-sec-settlement.html
NY Times
Elon Musk Steps Down as Chairman in Deal With S.E.C. Over Tweet About Tesla (Published 2018)
After walking away from a deal, Tesla’s chief agreed to give up the chairmanship for three years and pay a $20 million fine.
California Becomes First State to Require Women on Corporate Boards
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California has become the first state to require publicly traded companies to include women on their boards of directors, according to a law signed Sunday by Gov. Jerry Brown.
The measure requires at least one female director on each board of California-based corporations by the end of next year. Companies would need up to three female directors by the end of 2021, depending on the number of board seats.
https://apnews.com/8d8da31d577b4e63bf1a13154b1de75c/California-is-1st-state-to-require-women-on-corporate-boards
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California has become the first state to require publicly traded companies to include women on their boards of directors, according to a law signed Sunday by Gov. Jerry Brown.
The measure requires at least one female director on each board of California-based corporations by the end of next year. Companies would need up to three female directors by the end of 2021, depending on the number of board seats.
https://apnews.com/8d8da31d577b4e63bf1a13154b1de75c/California-is-1st-state-to-require-women-on-corporate-boards
AP News
California is 1st state to require women on corporate boards
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California has become the first state to require publicly traded companies to include women on their boards of directors, one of several laws boosting or
2018 Nobel Peace Prize Awarded to Congolese Doctor and Yazidi Activist
In the midst of a global reckoning over sexual violence, a Congolese gynecological surgeon and a Yazidi woman who was a captive of the Islamic State were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for their campaigns to end the use of mass rape as a weapon of war.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/05/world/nobel-peace-prize.html?2
In the midst of a global reckoning over sexual violence, a Congolese gynecological surgeon and a Yazidi woman who was a captive of the Islamic State were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for their campaigns to end the use of mass rape as a weapon of war.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/05/world/nobel-peace-prize.html?2
Nytimes
2018 Nobel Peace Prize Awarded to Yazidi Activist and Congolese Doctor
Nadia Murad, a former ISIS captive, and Denis Mukwege, a Congolese gynecological surgeon, were rewarded “for their efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict.”
Breaking News
Trump Agrees to Open ‘Limited’ F.B.I. Investigation Into Accusations Against Kavanaugh WASHINGTON — President Trump, ceding to a request from Senate Republican leaders facing an insurrection in their ranks, ordered the F.B.I. on Friday to reopen a background…
Kavanaugh Is Sworn In After Close Confirmation Vote in Senate
WASHINGTON — Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh was confirmed to the Supreme Court on Saturday by one of the slimmest margins in American history, locking in a solid conservative majority on the court and capping a rancorous battle that began as a debate over judicial ideology and concluded with a national reckoning over sexual misconduct.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/06/us/politics/brett-kavanaugh-supreme-court.html?3
WASHINGTON — Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh was confirmed to the Supreme Court on Saturday by one of the slimmest margins in American history, locking in a solid conservative majority on the court and capping a rancorous battle that began as a debate over judicial ideology and concluded with a national reckoning over sexual misconduct.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/06/us/politics/brett-kavanaugh-supreme-court.html?3
Nytimes
Kavanaugh Is Sworn In After Close Confirmation Vote in Senate
The judge took the oath in a private ceremony soon after the Senate vote. Hundreds of protesters were massed on the steps of the Supreme Court and later the Capitol.
Limo Crash Kills 20 in Upstate New York; Nation’s Deadliest Accident in 9 Years
SCHOHARIE, N.Y. — It was an intersection of two highways, one a steep downhill road, that residents had long warned was notoriously dangerous.
On Saturday afternoon, their worst fears were realized: A limousine lost control, careening through the intersection and striking an empty car. The crash killed all 18 people in the white limousine and two pedestrians in an accident that left deep tire tracks in the ground and a small upstate New York town reeling.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/07/nyregion/wedding-limo-crash-schoharie-ny.html
SCHOHARIE, N.Y. — It was an intersection of two highways, one a steep downhill road, that residents had long warned was notoriously dangerous.
On Saturday afternoon, their worst fears were realized: A limousine lost control, careening through the intersection and striking an empty car. The crash killed all 18 people in the white limousine and two pedestrians in an accident that left deep tire tracks in the ground and a small upstate New York town reeling.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/07/nyregion/wedding-limo-crash-schoharie-ny.html
Nytimes
20 Killed in Limo Crash in New York; Deadliest U.S. Accident in 9 Years (Published 2018)
The stretch limousine held the driver and 17 friends headed to celebrate a birthday at a brewery in upstate New York. Two pedestrians were also killed.
Brazil Election Heads to Runoff as Far-Right Candidate Falls Just Short of Outright Win
RIO DE JANEIRO — Brazilians on Sunday expressed their disgust with politics as usual and endorsed an iron-fist approach to fighting crime and corruption by giving the far-right candidate Jair Bolsonaro an ample lead in the first round of the presidential election.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/07/world/americas/jair-bolsonaro-brazil-election.html
RIO DE JANEIRO — Brazilians on Sunday expressed their disgust with politics as usual and endorsed an iron-fist approach to fighting crime and corruption by giving the far-right candidate Jair Bolsonaro an ample lead in the first round of the presidential election.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/07/world/americas/jair-bolsonaro-brazil-election.html
NY Times
Brazil Election: Jair Bolsonaro Heads to Runoff After Missing Outright Win (Published 2018)
Fed up with corruption and violence, Brazilians tilted toward the far-right candidate and his promise of an iron fist. He will face Fernando Haddad of the Workers’ Party.