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Kevin Spacey testifies in his own defense in his sexual assault trial at a London court

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:54:49 GMT

LONDON (AP) — Kevin Spacey testified Thursday in his sexual assault trial, swearing in a clear and loud voice to tell the “full truth and nothing but the truth” in what could be the most consequential speaking part of his life.Spacey began by discussing how he got involved in the theater, joking that his mother would say he began acting the moment he emerged from the womb.The testimony provided some light history on his life before delving into the serious matter before the court. Four men have accused the two-time Oscar winner of sexually assaulting them between 2001 and 2013, describing disturbing encounters that escalated from unwanted touching to aggressive crotch grabbing.One man who called Spacey a “vile sexual predator” said he passed out or fell asleep at the actor’s London flat and woke up to find the actor performing oral sex on him.Spacey has denied the charges and is expected to provide a vigorous defense.The 63-year-old American actor was one of the biggest stars of the...

Venezuela government’s ban on longtime foe draws attention to the opposition’s presidential primary

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:54:49 GMT

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Maria Corina Machado has been a longtime foe of Venezuela’s government, and not exactly a unifying figure for its critics. But the government’s move to ban her from public office has helped rally the fractured opposition and focus much-needed attention on their effort to hold an independent presidential primary. The ban was issued just days after she entered the race, and Machado says it shows that the government knows that it could face defeat.“If anyone had doubts about the strategic importance, the value, of the primaries, … the actions of the regime have made this clear: The primary is an opportunity to build civic and citizen strength,” Machado told reporters. Opposition factions have been organizing a primary since late last year to choose a candidate for the arduous task of facing President Nicolás Maduro in the 2024 election under a system that independent observers say gives all the advantages to his socialist party. Disagreements over who can vote...

Sweden’s highest court rejects extradition requests for two men wanted by Turkey

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:54:49 GMT

STOCKHOLM (AP) — Sweden’s highest court rejected extradition requests Thursday for two men wanted by Turkey, saying the Scandinavian country does not criminalize the act they are accused of committing.The men, who are refugees in Sweden but otherwise were not identified, cannot be sent to Turkey because “the requirement of dual criminality is not met,” the Swedish Supreme Court said in a statement. Turkey wants the men because it says they have joined the movement of United States-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen “by downloading and using a mobile application, which is used by the movement’s members.” Turkey blames Gulen for the failed 2016 coup and lists his network as a terror organization. “Downloading and using a mobile application cannot in itself be considered to constitute such participation as is required for criminality under the Terrorist Crimes Act,” the court said.In May, Sweden tightened its anti-terrorism laws, a move expected to help persuade Turkey to approv...

Kim vows to boost North Korea’s nuclear capability after observing new long-range missile launch

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:54:49 GMT

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to further bolster his country’s nuclear fighting capabilities as he supervised the second test flight of a new, powerful intercontinental ballistic missile designed to strike the mainland United States, state media reported Thursday.Kim’s statement suggested North Korea would ramp up weapons testing activities to expand its arsenal in response to recent U.S. steps to enhance its security commitment to ally South Korea.“(Kim) clarified again that there will be no change and vacillation in the strategic line and policy of (the North Korean) government to steadily accelerate the development of more developed, effective and reliable weapon system,” the Korean Central News Agency said.Kim said North Korea is compelled to bolster the country’s “nuclear war deterrent” because the security environment on the Korean Peninsula “is being seriously threatened by the hostile forces every moment.”The Korean Central News ...

Record monsoon rains have killed more than 100 people in northern India this week

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:54:49 GMT

NEW DELHI (AP) — Schools and colleges were closed after record monsoon rains led to massive waterlogging, road caves-in, collapsed homes and gridlocked traffic in large parts of northern India this week, killing more than 100 people, officials said Thursday.At least 88 people died and more than 100 were injured in the worst hit-mountainous Himachal Pradesh state where cars, buses, bridges and houses were swept away by swirling flood waters, a state government statement said. The region is nearly 500 kilometers (310 miles) north of New Delhi.Twelve people have died of rain-related incidents since Wednesday in Uttar Pradesh state, said Shishir Singh, a state government spokesman.Nine of them drowned, two died after being struck by lightning and one was killed by a snake bite, Singh said.One person died in New Delhi and four were killed in the Indian-controlled section of Kashmir, officials said.Authorities used helicopters to rescue nearly 300 people, mostly tourists, who were strande...

Stock market today: Global shares jump on Wall Street’s return to its highest level in over a year

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:54:49 GMT

TOKYO (AP) — Global shares rose Thursday, boosted by Wall Street’s return to its highest level in more than a year after a report showed U.S. consumer inflation cooled a bit more than expected last month. France’s CAC 40 added 0.2% in morning trading to 7,350.45. Germany’s DAX edged up 0.2% to 16,048.19. Britain’s FTSE 100 gained 0.1% to 7,425.73. U.S. shares were set to drift higher with Dow futures up nearly 0.2% to 34,608.00. S&P 500 futures up 0.3% to 4,521.25. In Asia, Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 jumped 1.5% to finish at 32,419.33. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng surged 2.6% to 19,350.62, while the Shanghai Composite gained 1.3% to 3,236.48, even as China reported a slump in trade in June. Chinese exports tumbled 12.4% in June from a year earlier as demand weakened after central banks raised interest rates to curb inflation even as Chinese leaders struggled to keep a post-COVID recovery from faltering. The customs data released Thursday showed imports s...

Austin Pets Alive! to host Puppy 300 race Thursday

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:54:49 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) – Austin Pets Alive! said Wednesday it was hosting a puppy race as a combination fundraiser and adoption promotion. APA! said the first-ever Puppy 300 race would happen Thursday afternoon from 4 to 6 p.m. According to APA!, the event will be streamed live, with an Instagram broadcast at 4:15 p.m. followed by a Twitch stream at 4:30 hosted by MJ "Widow" Austyn. Meet the competitors in Thursday's Puppy 300. (Courtesy: Austin Pets Alive!)Meet the competitors in Thursday's Puppy 300. (Courtesy: Austin Pets Alive!)Meet the competitors in Thursday's Puppy 300. (Courtesy: Austin Pets Alive!)Meet the competitors in Thursday's Puppy 300. (Courtesy: Austin Pets Alive!)Meet the competitors in Thursday's Puppy 300. (Courtesy: Austin Pets Alive!)You can also watch the event in-person at the large conference room at the shelter’s Town Lake Center location at 1156 W Cesar Chavez. APA! said it will waive adoption fees for all race participants and onsite pets as part of APA!’s “...

Siena women look to carry momentum into summer workouts

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:54:49 GMT

LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Siena women's basketball team made a huge jump last year, falling one point shy of a MAAC Championship appearance. Now they're looking to make another leap, and that process is already underway. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! The Saints are currently holding their summer workouts. They have 10 of their 15 players, with the other five currently playing internationally. The Saints are looking to bridge their success from last season to the upcoming season with this summer work. "We want to build on last year," said head coach Jim Jabir. "We had a lot of success. We set up a lot of good habits and I think the kids have grown a lot. Last year we wanted to teach them how to play, not necessarily give them a bunch of plays. Now we're starting to see some payoff on that so it's just a matter of building on that and continuing to grow, while incorporating the new kids."Junior guard and Guilderland...

Tommy Kahnle has provided a steady presence out of the Yankees' bullpen

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:54:49 GMT

BRONX, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- At the midway point of the Major League Baseball season, the New York Yankees boast the second-best bullpen earned-run average in the big's (3.11). And the return of Tommy Kahnle to staff has been a huge part of their success. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! The Shaker High School graduate has yet to allow a run in the 16 games he's appeared in since making his season debut on June 2 after starting the year on the injured list with bicep tendinitis. Not only has Kahnle held opponents scoreless, his 0.717 WHIP is the lowest on the team (Jonathan Loaisiga has a .600 WHIP, but has only pitched 3.1 innings.) But Kahnle - a seasoned veteran in his age 33 season - doesn't pay too much attention to the numbers. He's more pleased with how his role progressed in the first half of the season; seeing more late-game opportunities similar to when he first burst onto the scene for the Bombers in 2017."I don't wan...

Sustainable products: 'It will be a small revolution for consumers' 

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:54:49 GMT

It’s time for industry to play its part in ending throw-away consumption, says MEP Biljana Borzan. Borzan (S&D, Croatia) sits on the consumer protection committee and is leading Parliament’s work on new rules to help consumers make environmentally-friendly choices and push companies to offer longer-lasting products. Check how this will make a difference for you in her interview with Parliament’s Youtube channel. Read some extracts below.The European Parliament is working on several new initiatives related to consumer protection. You are leading talks on the update of banned commercial practices. What does Parliament want to see included in the new legislation?I am quite proud of this work because I believe that in the end it will be a small revolution for consumers. We want to protect consumers, but also have responsible and progressive industries. We want to ban all practices and claims that are not based on excellent environmental performance and claims based on offsetting, be...