At least 19 people were injured in a stampede at a memorial service on Monday for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/grammy-nominated-us-rapper-nipsey-hussle-shot-dead-rihanna-snoop-dogg-pay-tribute-207257">slain rapper Nipsey Hussle</a> in Los Angeles, the city's fire department said.

Almost hundreds of people had gathered outside Hussle's The Marathon Clothing store to pay their tributes to the Grammy-nominated musician, who was gunned down on Sunday in a suspected gang-linked attack that wounded two other people.

The stampede occurred around 8:00 pm during the service but it is yet not clear what triggered it.

"Reports of shots fired at the vigil do not appear to be accurate. We do have injured in the chaos and are attempting to restore order," the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said on Twitter.

The LAPD said in a statement that there was no evidence of gunshot wounds and that most people sustained injuries. In a separate statement posted on Twitter on Monday, the LAPD identified the suspected shooter as 29-year-old Eric Holder, who is still at large.

At least 19 people were injured in a stampede at a memorial service on Monday for slain rapper Nipsey Hussle in Los Angeles, the city's fire department said. Almost hundreds of people had gathered outside Hussle's The Marathon Clothing store to pay their tributes to the Grammy-nominated musician, who was gunned down on Sunday in a suspected gang-linked attack that wounded two other people.

At least 19 people were injured in a stampede at a memorial service on Monday for slain rapper Nipsey Hussle in Los Angeles, the city's fire department said. Almost hundreds of people had gathered outside Hussle's The Marathon Clothing store to pay their tributes to the Grammy-nominated musician, who was gunned down on Sunday in a suspected gang-linked attack that wounded two other people. The stampede occurred around 8:00 pm during the service but it is yet not clear what triggered it. "Reports of shots fired at the vigil do not appear to be accurate. We do have injured in the chaos and are attempting to restore order," the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said on Twitter. The LAPD said in a statement that there was no evidence of gunshot wounds and that most people sustained injuries. In a separate statement posted on Twitter on Monday, the LAPD identified the suspected shooter as 29-year-old Eric Holder, who is still at large.

At least 19 injured in stampede during Nipsey Hussle's memorial

A "meteor" that tore across the Los Angeles skyline set Twitter alight with speculation it was a real life "Deep Impact".

A bright orange fireball that arced over Hollywood —&nbsp;home of countless disaster movies —&nbsp;sent people scrambling to capture the scene for social media —&nbsp;even if it later turned out to be more fiction than fact.

"Anyone else just see the Meteor over LA?", one person wrote on Twitter. "Incredible. Coolest thing I’ve seen."

"Anyone else see a giant meteor or fireball in the middle of downtown Los Angeles like a few minutes ago? It looked like a meteor but it was WAY too low to the ground," wrote Kasey Clark.

The Los Angeles Police Department weighed in to calm people's nerves with a Public Service Announcement, and remind them that theirs is the city of fantasy and dreams.

"PSA: A meteor did not crash into Downtown Los Angeles, and no, it's not an alien invasion ... just a film shoot. This is Tinseltown after all," the LAPD wrote on Twitter.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
WAS THAT A METEOR, DTLA?! Caught this from my balcony— it burned out right behind the Intercontinental! <a href="https://t.co/BtbvbwzcVV">pic.twitter.com/BtbvbwzcVV</a>
— Celeste M. Perez (@_empressLA) <a href="https://twitter.com/_empressLA/status/1108558052465111041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The phenomenon was a publicity stunt by Red Bull, which fitted skydivers with LEDs and pyrotechnics as they plunged out of a helicopter 4,000 feet (1,200 meters) above the city.

Still -- for a few moments at least -- the people of Los Angeles were allowed to dream.

"Is Captain Marvel back?" wrote Twitter user @MightyMisterX.

A "meteor" that tore across the Los Angeles skyline set Twitter alight with speculation it was a real life "Deep Impact". A bright orange fireball that arced over Hollywood — home of countless disaster movies — sent people scrambling to capture the scene for social media — even if it later turned out to be more fiction than fact.

A "meteor" that tore across the Los Angeles skyline set Twitter alight with speculation it was a real life "Deep Impact". A bright orange fireball that arced over Hollywood — home of countless disaster movies — sent people scrambling to capture the scene for social media — even if it later turned out to be more fiction than fact. "Anyone else just see the Meteor over LA?", one person wrote on Twitter. "Incredible. Coolest thing I’ve seen." "Anyone else see a giant meteor or fireball in the middle of downtown Los Angeles like a few minutes ago? It looked like a meteor but it was WAY too low to the ground," wrote Kasey Clark. The Los Angeles Police Department weighed in to calm people's nerves with a Public Service Announcement, and remind them that theirs is the city of fantasy and dreams. "PSA: A meteor did not crash into Downtown Los Angeles, and no, it's not an alien invasion ... just a film shoot. This is Tinseltown after all," the LAPD wrote on Twitter. WAS THAT A METEOR, DTLA?! Caught this from my balcony— it burned out right behind the Intercontinental! pic.twitter.com/BtbvbwzcVV — Celeste M. Perez (@_empressLA) March 21, 2019 × The phenomenon was a publicity stunt by Red Bull, which fitted skydivers with LEDs and pyrotechnics as they plunged out of a helicopter 4,000 feet (1,200 meters) above the city. Still -- for a few moments at least -- the people of Los Angeles were allowed to dream. "Is Captain Marvel back?" wrote Twitter user @MightyMisterX.

Deep impact? Los Angeles 'meteor' sets internet alight

A mall in Los Angeles in the United States was evacuated on Friday after the police responded to unconfirmed reports of a man seen with a gun at or near the shopping centre.

The shopping centre was evacuated shortly after 1 pm, but there was no evidence of any shooting, according to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).

"If you are at the Century City Mall we ask that you remain calm and shelter in place until you receive instructions from the officers on scene," LAPD wrote on Twitter.

According to investigators, no injuries or casualties have been reported so far. Some people are locked inside stores inside the mall awaiting further orders from the police, local media reported.

Police are also investigating reports of a suspicious package inside the mall.

"Police responded to a radio call about a man with a gun at an unknown location inside the mall at 12:42 pm (local time)", LAPD Officer Jeff Lee said.

Police said that no evidence of shots fired have been found and are still searching for the suspect.

Other areas surrounding the mall have been placed on lockdown due to the incident as a precautionary measure.

"If you’re sheltering in place within the Century City Mall you can begin to calmly exit the location. We ask that you remain calm and follow instructions of the officers at scene. We have NO evidence of a shooting or any victims at this time," read another tweet by the LAPD.

The incident comes hours after mass shootings at two mosques took place in Christchurch, New Zealand, which killed 49 people and wounded 48 others.

A mall in Los Angeles in the United States was evacuated on Friday after the police responded to unconfirmed reports of a man seen with a gun at or near the shopping centre.

A mall in Los Angeles in the United States was evacuated on Friday after the police responded to unconfirmed reports of a man seen with a gun at or near the shopping centre. The shopping centre was evacuated shortly after 1 pm, but there was no evidence of any shooting, according to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). "If you are at the Century City Mall we ask that you remain calm and shelter in place until you receive instructions from the officers on scene," LAPD wrote on Twitter. According to investigators, no injuries or casualties have been reported so far. Some people are locked inside stores inside the mall awaiting further orders from the police, local media reported. Police are also investigating reports of a suspicious package inside the mall. "Police responded to a radio call about a man with a gun at an unknown location inside the mall at 12:42 pm (local time)", LAPD Officer Jeff Lee said. Police said that no evidence of shots fired have been found and are still searching for the suspect. Other areas surrounding the mall have been placed on lockdown due to the incident as a precautionary measure. "If you’re sheltering in place within the Century City Mall you can begin to calmly exit the location. We ask that you remain calm and follow instructions of the officers at scene. We have NO evidence of a shooting or any victims at this time," read another tweet by the LAPD. The incident comes hours after mass shootings at two mosques took place in Christchurch, New Zealand, which killed 49 people and wounded 48 others.

Los Angeles mall evacuated after police respond to reports of man with gun

David Beckham called his former team LA Galaxy his "family" and thanked Los Angeles for embracing him at the unveiling of his statue before the Major League Soccer club's season-opener on Saturday.

The statue, a first for an MLS player, honours the former England captain who was the first big European name to join the league, boosting its popularity and paving the way for other global stars to make the leap.

Beckham won back-to-back championships in 2011 and 2012 during his six years and 98 appearances with the Galaxy.

"Our city, our home," Beckham said outside the Galaxy's home stadium, the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, before their opener against the Chicago Fire.

"From day one when my family arrived in this city, we felt at home and for that we will be forever grateful.

"When I talk about LA Galaxy and when I talk about LA, I talk about it as family because it is a big family."

The statue unveiling came a day after Beckham helped open a football field for underprivileged youth in downtown Los Angeles.

"Taking care of the next generation of soccer stars in this country is really important and we did it in a community that really needed support and a safe environment for children," added 43-year-old Beckham, his parents and wife Victoria among the audience.

Former Galaxy teammate Robbie Keane paid tribute to Beckham as a loyal friend and family man.

"The David Beckham the public know is a global superstar and icon throughout the world," said Keane.

"But the one I know is even better."

Retired NBA star Kobe Bryant also gave a video-taped tribute to the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder Beckham, the owner of expansion side Inter Miami CF, which is set to join the MLS in 2020.

"He was the first truly big name to come to the states and really draw attention to the sport," said the former Los Angeles Lakers forward.

David Beckham called his former team LA Galaxy his "family" and thanked Los Angeles for embracing him at the unveiling of his statue before the Major League Soccer club's season-opener on Saturday.

David Beckham called his former team LA Galaxy his "family" and thanked Los Angeles for embracing him at the unveiling of his statue before the Major League Soccer club's season-opener on Saturday. The statue, a first for an MLS player, honours the former England captain who was the first big European name to join the league, boosting its popularity and paving the way for other global stars to make the leap. Beckham won back-to-back championships in 2011 and 2012 during his six years and 98 appearances with the Galaxy. "Our city, our home," Beckham said outside the Galaxy's home stadium, the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, before their opener against the Chicago Fire. "From day one when my family arrived in this city, we felt at home and for that we will be forever grateful. "When I talk about LA Galaxy and when I talk about LA, I talk about it as family because it is a big family." The statue unveiling came a day after Beckham helped open a football field for underprivileged youth in downtown Los Angeles. "Taking care of the next generation of soccer stars in this country is really important and we did it in a community that really needed support and a safe environment for children," added 43-year-old Beckham, his parents and wife Victoria among the audience. Former Galaxy teammate Robbie Keane paid tribute to Beckham as a loyal friend and family man. "The David Beckham the public know is a global superstar and icon throughout the world," said Keane. "But the one I know is even better." Retired NBA star Kobe Bryant also gave a video-taped tribute to the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder Beckham, the owner of expansion side Inter Miami CF, which is set to join the MLS in 2020. "He was the first truly big name to come to the states and really draw attention to the sport," said the former Los Angeles Lakers forward.

David Beckham salutes LA Galaxy and Los Angeles as statue unveiled

Known for her stunning performances in classics like Andhadhun’, ‘Haider, ‘Drishyam’, 'Chandni Bar'&nbsp;and 'Maqbool', actress Tabu has her own separate fan base. So it is perhaps fitting to give the actress a tribute by celebrating her work.&nbsp;Tabu will be honoured at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles next month.

The National Award winning actor will kick-start the 17th edition of the Indian Film Festival Los Angeles in April with critically acclaimed ‘<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/andhadhun-review-tabu-ayushmann-khurranas-film-keeps-you-hooked-till-the-end-169593">Andhadhun’</a>, which is helmed by Sriram Raghavan.

The festival will start on April 11 and will go on till April 14 at the Regal L.A. Live: A Barco Innovation Centre in Los Angeles.&nbsp;

It will open with a tribute to Tabu and a discussion along with a screening of her latest film.

The opening and closing night films and galas will be held at the Ahrya Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills.

“We have discussed honoring Tabu for a long time, and this year felt like the right time,” said Christina Marouda, IFFLA’s executive director.“Her work and personality embody everything that IFFLA is about — being fearless, versatile, independent in spirit, unwilling to compromise, brilliant in the range of her performances, and simply beautiful. With half of the festival’s 2019 line-up directed by female filmmakers, this couldn’t be a stronger celebration of women in Indian cinema,” Marouda added.

While Tabu`s recently released ‘Andhadhun’ will be the opening film of the festival, other women filmmakers` work will also be shown at the event, with several feature, shots and documentaries --films will be featured in nine languages.

Other line-up of films includes Ritesh Batra’s ‘The Lunchbox’, Ronny Sen’s ‘Cat Sticks’, &nbsp;Anamika Haksar’s ‘Taking the Horse to Eat Jalebis’, Ronak Shah’s ‘Love Goes Through Your Mind’, Safdar Rahman’s ‘Chippa’. 
The festival will also showcase a discussion on South Asian faces in TV called Breaking in Brown: Making It to Series in TV’s Golden Age. The film festival will also feature South Asian directors, producers and actors working in TV.The closing film of the night is yet to be announced.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Known for her stunning performances in classics like Andhadhun’, ‘Haider, ‘Drishyam’, 'Chandni Bar' and 'Maqbool', actress Tabu has her own separate fan base. So it is perhaps fitting to give the actress a tribute by celebrating her work.

Known for her stunning performances in classics like Andhadhun’, ‘Haider, ‘Drishyam’, 'Chandni Bar' and 'Maqbool', actress Tabu has her own separate fan base. So it is perhaps fitting to give the actress a tribute by celebrating her work. Tabu will be honoured at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles next month. The National Award winning actor will kick-start the 17th edition of the Indian Film Festival Los Angeles in April with critically acclaimed ‘Andhadhun’, which is helmed by Sriram Raghavan. The festival will start on April 11 and will go on till April 14 at the Regal L.A. Live: A Barco Innovation Centre in Los Angeles. It will open with a tribute to Tabu and a discussion along with a screening of her latest film. The opening and closing night films and galas will be held at the Ahrya Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills. “We have discussed honoring Tabu for a long time, and this year felt like the right time,” said Christina Marouda, IFFLA’s executive director.“Her work and personality embody everything that IFFLA is about — being fearless, versatile, independent in spirit, unwilling to compromise, brilliant in the range of her performances, and simply beautiful. With half of the festival’s 2019 line-up directed by female filmmakers, this couldn’t be a stronger celebration of women in Indian cinema,” Marouda added. While Tabu`s recently released ‘Andhadhun’ will be the opening film of the festival, other women filmmakers` work will also be shown at the event, with several feature, shots and documentaries --films will be featured in nine languages. Other line-up of films includes Ritesh Batra’s ‘The Lunchbox’, Ronny Sen’s ‘Cat Sticks’, Anamika Haksar’s ‘Taking the Horse to Eat Jalebis’, Ronak Shah’s ‘Love Goes Through Your Mind’, Safdar Rahman’s ‘Chippa’. The festival will also showcase a discussion on South Asian faces in TV called Breaking in Brown: Making It to Series in TV’s Golden Age. The film festival will also feature South Asian directors, producers and actors working in TV.The closing film of the night is yet to be announced.

Tabu to be honoured at Indian Film Festival in Los Angeles; 'Andhadhun' to open the festival

An Amtrak train with 183 passengers and crew on board was on its way back to civilization on Tuesday after it hit a fallen tree and was stranded in the snowy Oregon wilderness for about 37 hours, railroad officials said.

Amtrak's Coast Starlight was en route to Los Angeles from Seattle early Sunday evening when the mishap left the train immobilized near Oakridge, Oregon, about 150 miles south of Portland, the railroad said in a statement. Heavy snow and other fallen trees made the train temporarily unreachable.

"With local power outages and blocked roads, it was decided the safest place for our customers was to remain on the train where we were able to provide food, heat, electricity and toilets," Amtrak Chief Operating Officer Scot Naparstek said by email.

Some passengers took to social media, posting pictures and video of their fellow passengers passing the time by playing cards, talking or sleeping wherever they could find space.

"We have accepted our new life on the train," a Twitter user identified as Tracy27 posted on Monday night. "Tribes are forming."

Another Twitter user, Rebekah Dodson, praised the train's crew on Monday night, saying they were "still polite and professional" after having been on board for more than 30 hours.

After crews from Union Pacific cleared the tracks, which the company owns, a locomotive was brought in to pull the train to Eugene, Oregon, about 45 miles (70 km) to the northwest early on Tuesday morning, Union Pacific spokesman Tim McMahan said by email.

McMahan said the train will continue to Portland and then return to Seattle, where it originated on Sunday morning. The train, Amtrak No&nbsp;11, had been due to arrive at Union Station in Los Angeles on Monday at 9 p.m. local time.

Naparstek said Amtrak regrets the delay and will refund passengers' ticket costs and provide "other compensation as appropriate."

An Amtrak train with 183 passengers and crew on board was on its way back to civilization on Tuesday after it hit a fallen tree and was stranded in the snowy Oregon wilderness for about 37 hours, railroad officials said.

An Amtrak train with 183 passengers and crew on board was on its way back to civilization on Tuesday after it hit a fallen tree and was stranded in the snowy Oregon wilderness for about 37 hours, railroad officials said. Amtrak's Coast Starlight was en route to Los Angeles from Seattle early Sunday evening when the mishap left the train immobilized near Oakridge, Oregon, about 150 miles south of Portland, the railroad said in a statement. Heavy snow and other fallen trees made the train temporarily unreachable. "With local power outages and blocked roads, it was decided the safest place for our customers was to remain on the train where we were able to provide food, heat, electricity and toilets," Amtrak Chief Operating Officer Scot Naparstek said by email. Some passengers took to social media, posting pictures and video of their fellow passengers passing the time by playing cards, talking or sleeping wherever they could find space. "We have accepted our new life on the train," a Twitter user identified as Tracy27 posted on Monday night. "Tribes are forming." Another Twitter user, Rebekah Dodson, praised the train's crew on Monday night, saying they were "still polite and professional" after having been on board for more than 30 hours. After crews from Union Pacific cleared the tracks, which the company owns, a locomotive was brought in to pull the train to Eugene, Oregon, about 45 miles (70 km) to the northwest early on Tuesday morning, Union Pacific spokesman Tim McMahan said by email. McMahan said the train will continue to Portland and then return to Seattle, where it originated on Sunday morning. The train, Amtrak No 11, had been due to arrive at Union Station in Los Angeles on Monday at 9 p.m. local time. Naparstek said Amtrak regrets the delay and will refund passengers' ticket costs and provide "other compensation as appropriate."

Amtrak train with 183 aboard freed after 37 hours in snowy Oregon

Former England captain David Beckham will become the first Major League Soccer player honoured with a statue, which will be unveiled outside LA Galaxy's stadium prior to their season opener on March 2, the team said on Friday.

In 2007, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder became the first big European name to join the MLS, where he won back-to-back championships in 2011 and 2012 during his six years and 98 appearances with the Galaxy.

Beckham's MLS stint helped give the American league credibility and paved the way for other top European players to make the leap in subsequent years.

The 43-year-old is currently the owner of expansion side Inter Miami CF, which is set to join the MLS in 2020.

Former England captain David Beckham will become the first Major League Soccer player honoured with a statue, which will be unveiled outside LA Galaxy's stadium prior to their season opener on March 2, the team said on Friday.

Former England captain David Beckham will become the first Major League Soccer player honoured with a statue, which will be unveiled outside LA Galaxy's stadium prior to their season opener on March 2, the team said on Friday. In 2007, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder became the first big European name to join the MLS, where he won back-to-back championships in 2011 and 2012 during his six years and 98 appearances with the Galaxy. Beckham's MLS stint helped give the American league credibility and paved the way for other top European players to make the leap in subsequent years. The 43-year-old is currently the owner of expansion side Inter Miami CF, which is set to join the MLS in 2020.

David Beckham to be honoured with statue in LA

Some 30,000 striking Los Angeles teachers demanding higher pay, smaller classes and more support staff from the nation`s second-largest school district walked picket lines for a second day on Tuesday, with no new talks on the horizon.

Negotiators for the Los Angeles Unified School District and the United Teachers Los Angeles have not met since union leaders rejected the LAUSD`s latest contract offer on Friday night, calling the proposal an "insult."

Asked on Tuesday afternoon whether the two sides had any intention of returning to the bargaining table, an LAUSD spokeswoman said: "Nothing is scheduled at this time."

The strike, shattering 30 years of labor peace by Los Angeles teachers, has not completely idled instruction in the sprawling district encompassing some 1,200 schools.

The district has enlisted administrators and substitute teachers to keep classes open on a limited basis through the strike, although LAUSD reported only about a third of its 492,000 public school students showed up on the first day of the walkout.

About 148,000 additional students are enrolled in LAUSD`s independently managed charter schools and have been unaffected for the most part by this week`s labor strife.

On Tuesday, however, a group of no more than four dozen unionized teachers at three LAUSD charter schools operated by a company called The Accelerated Schools walked off the job in a separate dispute they said was focused on job security.

It marked only the second charter school strike in the nation and the first in California, said Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers parent union.

The Los Angeles walkout followed a wave of teachers` strikes across the United States over pay and school funding, including in West Virginia, Kentucky, Oklahoma and Arizona. Denver teachers could vote to strike by Saturday if no deal on a new contract is reached by then.&nbsp;

SYMPATHY FOR TEACHERS

Public sympathy appeared strongly aligned with the Los Angeles teachers` union, with more than three-quarters of those polled by Loyola Marymount University`s Center for the Study of Los Angeles saying they supported the teachers.

The survey, released on Tuesday, showed strike support running at 60 per cent or more across all demographic groups, including age, income and political leanings. Among parents with children at home, support topped 82 per cent, a finding reflected in the presence of many parents seen walking picket lines with the teachers, despite the inconvenience the strike posed for working families.

Aside from the education disruption, the teachers` strike could have implications for the political aspirations of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, considered a likely contender for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination.

Garcetti expressed support for the striking teachers on Tuesday, telling Reuters at a teachers` rally on Tuesday that the strike "is an important and righteous fight about the soul of our schools. Every parent, every kid deserves a decent-sized classroom where teachers aren’t overwhelmed by the numbers." 
&nbsp; 
The mayor previously avoided taking sides in the dispute, over which he has little practical sway because the LAUSD is governed by an independently elected school board that appoints its superintendent.

The two sides remained at loggerheads on how much the district needs to invest in hiring staff, including nurses, librarians and other support staff. 
Superintendent Austin Beutner said the district had offered staff increases that would cost $130 million a year - more than county officials have said is available - while the union`s demands would cost $800 million.

Beutner offered to join teachers in lobbying state lawmakers to increase education funding. "Join me on the bus," he said. "Let`s go."

UTLA negotiators want a 6.5 per cent pay raise. Teacher pay currently averages $75,000 in the LAUSD, according to state figures. The district has offered a 6 per cent hike with back pay.

Some 30,000 striking Los Angeles teachers demanding higher pay, smaller classes and more support staff from the nation`s second-largest school district walked picket lines for a second day on Tuesday, with no new talks on the horizon.

Some 30,000 striking Los Angeles teachers demanding higher pay, smaller classes and more support staff from the nation`s second-largest school district walked picket lines for a second day on Tuesday, with no new talks on the horizon. Negotiators for the Los Angeles Unified School District and the United Teachers Los Angeles have not met since union leaders rejected the LAUSD`s latest contract offer on Friday night, calling the proposal an "insult." Asked on Tuesday afternoon whether the two sides had any intention of returning to the bargaining table, an LAUSD spokeswoman said: "Nothing is scheduled at this time." The strike, shattering 30 years of labor peace by Los Angeles teachers, has not completely idled instruction in the sprawling district encompassing some 1,200 schools. The district has enlisted administrators and substitute teachers to keep classes open on a limited basis through the strike, although LAUSD reported only about a third of its 492,000 public school students showed up on the first day of the walkout. About 148,000 additional students are enrolled in LAUSD`s independently managed charter schools and have been unaffected for the most part by this week`s labor strife. On Tuesday, however, a group of no more than four dozen unionized teachers at three LAUSD charter schools operated by a company called The Accelerated Schools walked off the job in a separate dispute they said was focused on job security. It marked only the second charter school strike in the nation and the first in California, said Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers parent union. The Los Angeles walkout followed a wave of teachers` strikes across the United States over pay and school funding, including in West Virginia, Kentucky, Oklahoma and Arizona. Denver teachers could vote to strike by Saturday if no deal on a new contract is reached by then. SYMPATHY FOR TEACHERS Public sympathy appeared strongly aligned with the Los Angeles teachers` union, with more than three-quarters of those polled by Loyola Marymount University`s Center for the Study of Los Angeles saying they supported the teachers. The survey, released on Tuesday, showed strike support running at 60 per cent or more across all demographic groups, including age, income and political leanings. Among parents with children at home, support topped 82 per cent, a finding reflected in the presence of many parents seen walking picket lines with the teachers, despite the inconvenience the strike posed for working families. Aside from the education disruption, the teachers` strike could have implications for the political aspirations of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, considered a likely contender for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. Garcetti expressed support for the striking teachers on Tuesday, telling Reuters at a teachers` rally on Tuesday that the strike "is an important and righteous fight about the soul of our schools. Every parent, every kid deserves a decent-sized classroom where teachers aren’t overwhelmed by the numbers." The mayor previously avoided taking sides in the dispute, over which he has little practical sway because the LAUSD is governed by an independently elected school board that appoints its superintendent. The two sides remained at loggerheads on how much the district needs to invest in hiring staff, including nurses, librarians and other support staff. Superintendent Austin Beutner said the district had offered staff increases that would cost $130 million a year - more than county officials have said is available - while the union`s demands would cost $800 million. Beutner offered to join teachers in lobbying state lawmakers to increase education funding. "Join me on the bus," he said. "Let`s go." UTLA negotiators want a 6.5 per cent pay raise. Teacher pay currently averages $75,000 in the LAUSD, according to state figures. The district has offered a 6 per cent hike with back pay.

Los Angeles 'teachers' strike extends to second day with no talks on horizon

In pics: All decked up, countries gear for New Year celebrations

Amazon.com Inc has agreed not to sell foie gras in California from birds that have been force fed and pay $100,000 in penalties and costs as part of a lawsuit settlement, a prosecutor said Friday.

The lawsuit filed by prosecutors in Los Angeles, Monterey and Santa Clara counties accused the world`s largest online retailer of violating a 2004 state law banning sales of the fatty duck and goose liver if it was produced by force-feeding poultry.

A judge approved the settlement on Thursday between Amazon and the three prosecutors, Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey said in a statement.

Amazon declined comment.

To produce foie gras, ducks and geese are force-fed over a period of days by having metal pipes pushed down their throats so grain and fat can be pumped into their stomachs. Prosecutors said the process was cruel and painful.

Prosecutors contacted Amazon several years ago regarding their concerns and the company took step to stop foie gras sales. As the parties were in negotiations, the foie gras industry launched a lawsuit against California's ban and a US&nbsp;court blocked it in 2015.

A federal appeals court overturned that ruling in 2017 and said the state was free to enforce it. North American foie gras producers have now asked the US Supreme Court to take up their case.

Amazon.com Inc has agreed not to sell foie gras in California from birds that have been force fed and pay $100,000 in penalties and costs as part of a lawsuit settlement, a prosecutor said Friday.

Amazon.com Inc has agreed not to sell foie gras in California from birds that have been force fed and pay $100,000 in penalties and costs as part of a lawsuit settlement, a prosecutor said Friday. The lawsuit filed by prosecutors in Los Angeles, Monterey and Santa Clara counties accused the world`s largest online retailer of violating a 2004 state law banning sales of the fatty duck and goose liver if it was produced by force-feeding poultry. A judge approved the settlement on Thursday between Amazon and the three prosecutors, Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey said in a statement. Amazon declined comment. To produce foie gras, ducks and geese are force-fed over a period of days by having metal pipes pushed down their throats so grain and fat can be pumped into their stomachs. Prosecutors said the process was cruel and painful. Prosecutors contacted Amazon several years ago regarding their concerns and the company took step to stop foie gras sales. As the parties were in negotiations, the foie gras industry launched a lawsuit against California's ban and a US court blocked it in 2015. A federal appeals court overturned that ruling in 2017 and said the state was free to enforce it. North American foie gras producers have now asked the US Supreme Court to take up their case.

Foie gras off Amazon.com's menu in California after settlement

A 78-year-old inmate sentenced to life behind bars for the murders of three women in the United States, recently confessed to 90 homicides between 1970 and 2005, the FBI said.

If confirmed, this number of murders would make Samuel Little one of the most prolific serial killers in US history.

Little was arrested in September 2012 at a homeless shelter in Kentucky and extradited to California, where he was wanted for drug crimes.

Once in Los Angeles, authorities linked his DNA to that found in the murders of three women between 1987 and 1989. In all three cases, the victims were beaten, strangled and then their bodies dumped in an alley, a dumpster and a garage.

Little was sentenced to three terms of life imprisonment for those three crimes, but police wanted to share his DNA and details of his modus operandi with the FBI so that a deeper investigation could be undertaken.

What the FBI found was an "alarming pattern and compelling links to many more murders," mostly "marginalised and vulnerable women who were often involved in prostitution and addicted to drugs."

"Their bodies sometimes went unidentified and their deaths uninvestigated," the FBI statement added.

A lead on a case then took the FBI to Texas: "We found a case out of Odessa, Texas, that sounded very much like him, and we could place him passing through the area around the same time," said ViCAP Crime Analyst Christina Palazzolo in the statement.

Accompanied by the Texas Rangers, the FBI decided to question Little last spring in a California prison, where he agreed to cooperate in exchange for a prison transfer.

"He went through city and state and gave Ranger Holland the number of people he killed in each place. Jackson, Mississippi - one; Cincinnati, Ohio - one; Phoenix, Arizona - three; Las Vegas, Nevada - one," Palazzolo explained.

Little remembered his victims and the murders with great detail and he was even able to draw the faces of some of his victims.

In total, Little confessed to 90 murders over a 35-year period, with the killings being committed all over the country. Of those 90, 34 have already been confirmed.

A 78-year-old inmate sentenced to life behind bars for the murders of three women in the United States, recently confessed to 90 homicides between 1970 and 2005, the FBI said.

A 78-year-old inmate sentenced to life behind bars for the murders of three women in the United States, recently confessed to 90 homicides between 1970 and 2005, the FBI said. If confirmed, this number of murders would make Samuel Little one of the most prolific serial killers in US history. Little was arrested in September 2012 at a homeless shelter in Kentucky and extradited to California, where he was wanted for drug crimes. Once in Los Angeles, authorities linked his DNA to that found in the murders of three women between 1987 and 1989. In all three cases, the victims were beaten, strangled and then their bodies dumped in an alley, a dumpster and a garage. Little was sentenced to three terms of life imprisonment for those three crimes, but police wanted to share his DNA and details of his modus operandi with the FBI so that a deeper investigation could be undertaken. What the FBI found was an "alarming pattern and compelling links to many more murders," mostly "marginalised and vulnerable women who were often involved in prostitution and addicted to drugs." "Their bodies sometimes went unidentified and their deaths uninvestigated," the FBI statement added. A lead on a case then took the FBI to Texas: "We found a case out of Odessa, Texas, that sounded very much like him, and we could place him passing through the area around the same time," said ViCAP Crime Analyst Christina Palazzolo in the statement. Accompanied by the Texas Rangers, the FBI decided to question Little last spring in a California prison, where he agreed to cooperate in exchange for a prison transfer. "He went through city and state and gave Ranger Holland the number of people he killed in each place. Jackson, Mississippi - one; Cincinnati, Ohio - one; Phoenix, Arizona - three; Las Vegas, Nevada - one," Palazzolo explained. Little remembered his victims and the murders with great detail and he was even able to draw the faces of some of his victims. In total, Little confessed to 90 murders over a 35-year period, with the killings being committed all over the country. Of those 90, 34 have already been confirmed.

Convict confesses to killing 90 women, could be 'most prolific serial killer' in US history

California's pro-Russia congressman, Dana Rohrabacher, is one of four Republican incumbents in the state whose seats are still in danger of falling to Democratic opponents in the US House of Representatives as America's most populous state slowly counts its votes.

The outcome of those races - and how much they add to the Democrats' majority in the newly constituted House - may be uncertain for weeks to come because of mail-in and provisional balloting systems that California introduced in recent years to boost voter participation.

According to the latest projections by media outlets and data provider DDHQ, Democrats have achieved a net gain of 32 House seats nationwide.

California election results tallied as of Wednesday do not account for millions of outstanding ballots still to be processed statewide. Many were mailed by voters to local registrar offices by Tuesday's deadline but have yet to be delivered.

In Orange County alone, well over 400,0000 votes remained left to be counted, more than half of them mail-in ballots, according to data provided by the county registrar's office on Wednesday. Tens of thousands of provisional ballots for voters who waited until election day to register also are outstanding.

State returns on Wednesday showed Rohrabacher, a 13-term congressman in coastal Orange County in Southern California, trailing his Democratic challenger, Harley Rouda, a real estate entrepreneur and former Republican, by fewer than 3,000 votes - or 49.3 per cent to 50.7 per cent.

Rouda, whose lead improved slightly on Thursday to 51 per cent, versus 49 per cent for Rohracher, estimated that 70,000 ballots remained to be counted in the district.

Rouda said he was "cautiously optimistic" that "our lead will hold and in all likelihood will increase" when all votes are in, but said he would hold off on any announcements for at least several days.

The Rohrabacher campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The Rohrabacher-Rouda race has stood out nationally in part because of the incumbent's reputation for unabashedly pro-Russian views, widely seen as once putting him on a short-list for consideration as President Donald Trump's Secretary of State.

Rohrabacher's seat is one of several held by a Republican in a California district that supported Democrat Hillary Clinton over Trump in the 2016 presidential election or was otherwise seen as vulnerable to flipping Democrat.

That race and three others in the state where Democrats were seeking to pick up a Republican seat were either still in play or, as was the cases in two districts, leaning so heavily toward Democrats that they had claimed victory.

However, Republican incumbents appeared to have garnered comfortable leads in at least three other House races in Southern California that Democrats had viewed as up for grabs.

Among them was Duncan Hunter, who has pleaded not guilty to felony corruption charges but managed to defeat Ammar Campa-Najjar, a former Obama administration aide of Mexican and Palestinian heritage.

No races will be certified for at least a month, the time election officials are given to complete their "official canvass" of all votes. They have until December 7 to report final results to the California secretary of state, who then will have another week to officially declare winners.

California's pro-Russia congressman, Dana Rohrabacher, is one of four Republican incumbents in the state whose seats are still in danger of falling to Democratic opponents in the US House of Representatives as America's most populous state slowly counts its votes.

California's pro-Russia congressman, Dana Rohrabacher, is one of four Republican incumbents in the state whose seats are still in danger of falling to Democratic opponents in the US House of Representatives as America's most populous state slowly counts its votes. The outcome of those races - and how much they add to the Democrats' majority in the newly constituted House - may be uncertain for weeks to come because of mail-in and provisional balloting systems that California introduced in recent years to boost voter participation. According to the latest projections by media outlets and data provider DDHQ, Democrats have achieved a net gain of 32 House seats nationwide. California election results tallied as of Wednesday do not account for millions of outstanding ballots still to be processed statewide. Many were mailed by voters to local registrar offices by Tuesday's deadline but have yet to be delivered. In Orange County alone, well over 400,0000 votes remained left to be counted, more than half of them mail-in ballots, according to data provided by the county registrar's office on Wednesday. Tens of thousands of provisional ballots for voters who waited until election day to register also are outstanding. State returns on Wednesday showed Rohrabacher, a 13-term congressman in coastal Orange County in Southern California, trailing his Democratic challenger, Harley Rouda, a real estate entrepreneur and former Republican, by fewer than 3,000 votes - or 49.3 per cent to 50.7 per cent. Rouda, whose lead improved slightly on Thursday to 51 per cent, versus 49 per cent for Rohracher, estimated that 70,000 ballots remained to be counted in the district. Rouda said he was "cautiously optimistic" that "our lead will hold and in all likelihood will increase" when all votes are in, but said he would hold off on any announcements for at least several days. The Rohrabacher campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Rohrabacher-Rouda race has stood out nationally in part because of the incumbent's reputation for unabashedly pro-Russian views, widely seen as once putting him on a short-list for consideration as President Donald Trump's Secretary of State. Rohrabacher's seat is one of several held by a Republican in a California district that supported Democrat Hillary Clinton over Trump in the 2016 presidential election or was otherwise seen as vulnerable to flipping Democrat. That race and three others in the state where Democrats were seeking to pick up a Republican seat were either still in play or, as was the cases in two districts, leaning so heavily toward Democrats that they had claimed victory. However, Republican incumbents appeared to have garnered comfortable leads in at least three other House races in Southern California that Democrats had viewed as up for grabs. Among them was Duncan Hunter, who has pleaded not guilty to felony corruption charges but managed to defeat Ammar Campa-Najjar, a former Obama administration aide of Mexican and Palestinian heritage. No races will be certified for at least a month, the time election officials are given to complete their "official canvass" of all votes. They have until December 7 to report final results to the California secretary of state, who then will have another week to officially declare winners.

Midterm polls: California House races hang in balance amid slow vote count

A new program called 'Action: The Academy Women's Initiative' will be launched by Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences this year. 
 
The program will be organised in London and Los Angeles this year on October 15th and 30th, respectively. It aims to provide a platform for women filmmakers to connect and share their notions.&nbsp; 
 
"As we continue to advocate for inclusion, we are honoured to bring Academy members and the filmmaking community together to support women in all stages of their careers, especially emerging Academy Gold filmmakers. We are grateful that E! and Swarovski support our commitment to a more inclusive film community," &nbsp;said CEO Dawn Hudson in a statement posted on the official website.&nbsp; 
 
The program is a part of Academy's A2020 program to promote inclusion and increase representation within the greater film community.

Academy Gold Fellowship for Women, the Academy Directory and annual events are also included in the program and will render fellowship to two women filmmakers.

The Los Angeles Women's Lunch, in partnership with E! Entertainment and with the support of Swarovski, will bring together female filmmakers and will feature an on-stage conversation with comedian Hannah Gadsby and writer-actor-producer Lena Waithe.

Academy's branch governor, Susanne Bier will be an eminent guest who will present the award to a US-based filmmaker. this will be for the second time when Academy and Swarovski will host a program together.

A new program called 'Action: The Academy Women's Initiative' will be launched by Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences this year. The program will be organised in London and Los Angeles this year on October 15th and 30th, respectively.

A new program called 'Action: The Academy Women's Initiative' will be launched by Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences this year. The program will be organised in London and Los Angeles this year on October 15th and 30th, respectively. It aims to provide a platform for women filmmakers to connect and share their notions. "As we continue to advocate for inclusion, we are honoured to bring Academy members and the filmmaking community together to support women in all stages of their careers, especially emerging Academy Gold filmmakers. We are grateful that E! and Swarovski support our commitment to a more inclusive film community," said CEO Dawn Hudson in a statement posted on the official website. The program is a part of Academy's A2020 program to promote inclusion and increase representation within the greater film community. Academy Gold Fellowship for Women, the Academy Directory and annual events are also included in the program and will render fellowship to two women filmmakers. The Los Angeles Women's Lunch, in partnership with E! Entertainment and with the support of Swarovski, will bring together female filmmakers and will feature an on-stage conversation with comedian Hannah Gadsby and writer-actor-producer Lena Waithe. Academy's branch governor, Susanne Bier will be an eminent guest who will present the award to a US-based filmmaker. this will be for the second time when Academy and Swarovski will host a program together.

Motion Pictures Academy set to launch a program for women filmmakers

An exhibition consisting of, and inspired by, the tweets of US President&nbspDonald&nbspTrump has opened in West Hollywood, California.

The travelling exhibition entitled "The Daily Show Presents: The&nbspDonald&nbspJ.&nbspTrump&nbspPresidentialTwitter&nbspLibrary" has already proved popular in New York. Part museum, part tongue-in-cheek take on U.S. presidential libraries, the exhibit also doubles as a selfie photo booth for its visitors.

The satirical installation " honours our Commander in Chief's preferred vessel for communicating with the public - his&nbspTwitter&nbspfeed - and gives patrons the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to memorialize and celebrate the many 'unpresidented' moments of President&nbspTrump's&nbspTwitter history."

Although the host of The Daily Show, Trevor Noah, didn't attend the opening on Friday (June 8), correspondents Desi Lydic, Ronny Chieng and Roy Wood Jr. were on hand to talk to visitors.

&nbsp

The travelling exhibition entitled The Daily Show Presents: The Donald J. Trump PresidentialTwitter Library

An exhibition consisting of, and inspired by, the tweets of US President&nbspDonald&nbspTrump has opened in West Hollywood, California. The travelling exhibition entitled "The Daily Show Presents: The&nbspDonald&nbspJ.&nbspTrump&nbspPresidentialTwitter&nbspLibrary" has already proved popular in New York. Part museum, part tongue-in-cheek take on U.S. presidential libraries, the exhibit also doubles as a selfie photo booth for its visitors. The satirical installation " honours our Commander in Chief's preferred vessel for communicating with the public - his&nbspTwitter&nbspfeed - and gives patrons the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to memorialize and celebrate the many 'unpresidented' moments of President&nbspTrump's&nbspTwitter history." Although the host of The Daily Show, Trevor Noah, didn't attend the opening on Friday (June 8), correspondents Desi Lydic, Ronny Chieng and Roy Wood Jr. were on hand to talk to visitors.

Donald Trump Twitter library opens in Los Angeles

Ten women who work at McDonald's restaurants in Detroit, Chicago, Los Angeles and six other cities have filed sexual harassment complaints in the past few days with the federal government against the company and its franchisees, which they said ignored or retaliated against them for such complaints.

The complaints, filed with the US&nbsp;Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), are the latest effort by the union-backed Fight for $15 to have McDonald's designated a "joint employer" of workers at McDonald's franchises and thereby liable when its franchisees violate labour laws.

The claimants, including a 15-year-old from St. Louis, said in a conference call with journalists that they were ignored, mocked or terminated for reporting the behaviour. The accusations included claims that co-workers or supervisors sexually propositioned, groped or exposed themselves to the women.

"I felt I had no choice but to tolerate it," Kimberley Lawson, 25, who makes $8.75 per hour at McDonald's in Kansas City, Missouri, said on a conference call with reporters.

The restaurant industry, which employs half of the American women at some point in their lives, has one of the country's largest sexual harassment problems because its low-wage and largely female workforce is vulnerable to mistreatment from customers and colleagues.

The complaints against McDonald's Corp&nbsp;and the franchise operators of the restaurants where the women workers are similar to sexual harassment accusations also filed with the EEOC two years ago and land ahead of the company's annual meeting on Thursday.

McDonald's spokeswoman Terri Hickey said the company was dismissed from the 2016 claims because they did not employ the individuals who filed the complaints.

Hickey said that McDonald's has policies that prohibit sexual harassment at the company and at the restaurants it owns and operates, while franchisees are responsible for setting employment policies for their restaurants.

The TIME'S UP Legal Defense Fund, established earlier this year by the National Women's Law Center, is covering legal fees for the women.

The company said in a statement that it takes the accusations seriously and that the franchisees who operate some 90 percent its roughly 14,000 US&nbsp;restaurants "will do the same."

Fight for $15 and TIME'S UP are pressing the world's largest restaurant chain to establish and train employees on a zero-tolerance sexual harassment policy and to create a safe and effective process for receiving and responding to complaints.

If an EEOC review of the cases finds they have merit, the agency would call on the company to engage in informal settlement talks. If that failed, EEOC could sue the company or issue the workers "right to sue" letters.

The US&nbsp;Supreme Court on Monday upheld employers' ability to block workers who signed arbitration agreements from filing class-action lawsuits. Sexual harassment cases are usually not class actions because of the unique facts in each case. If the workers signed arbitration agreements, that could keep individual claims out of court.

Attorneys told reporters on the conference call that they were investigating whether the women had signed arbitration agreements. They said workers in prior cases had not.

The women could find it difficult to hold McDonald's responsible for the actions of its franchisees.

In two earlier labour law cases, federal judges in California have said that McDonald's does not exercise enough control over franchise workers to be considered a joint employer.

Also, McDonald's in April proposed settling a National Labor Relations Board case that allows it to avoid a joint employer ruling without paying any money to franchise workers who claimed they were fired, suspended or had their hours cut for participating in Fight for $15 protests calling for higher wages.

Ten women who work at McDonald's restaurants in Detroit, Chicago, LA and six other cities have filed sexual harassment complaints in the past few days with the federal government against the company and its franchisees

Ten women who work at McDonald's restaurants in Detroit, Chicago, Los Angeles and six other cities have filed sexual harassment complaints in the past few days with the federal government against the company and its franchisees, which they said ignored or retaliated against them for such complaints. The complaints, filed with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), are the latest effort by the union-backed Fight for $15 to have McDonald's designated a "joint employer" of workers at McDonald's franchises and thereby liable when its franchisees violate labour laws. The claimants, including a 15-year-old from St. Louis, said in a conference call with journalists that they were ignored, mocked or terminated for reporting the behaviour. The accusations included claims that co-workers or supervisors sexually propositioned, groped or exposed themselves to the women. "I felt I had no choice but to tolerate it," Kimberley Lawson, 25, who makes $8.75 per hour at McDonald's in Kansas City, Missouri, said on a conference call with reporters. The restaurant industry, which employs half of the American women at some point in their lives, has one of the country's largest sexual harassment problems because its low-wage and largely female workforce is vulnerable to mistreatment from customers and colleagues. The complaints against McDonald's Corp and the franchise operators of the restaurants where the women workers are similar to sexual harassment accusations also filed with the EEOC two years ago and land ahead of the company's annual meeting on Thursday. McDonald's spokeswoman Terri Hickey said the company was dismissed from the 2016 claims because they did not employ the individuals who filed the complaints. Hickey said that McDonald's has policies that prohibit sexual harassment at the company and at the restaurants it owns and operates, while franchisees are responsible for setting employment policies for their restaurants. The TIME'S UP Legal Defense Fund, established earlier this year by the National Women's Law Center, is covering legal fees for the women. The company said in a statement that it takes the accusations seriously and that the franchisees who operate some 90 percent its roughly 14,000 US restaurants "will do the same." Fight for $15 and TIME'S UP are pressing the world's largest restaurant chain to establish and train employees on a zero-tolerance sexual harassment policy and to create a safe and effective process for receiving and responding to complaints. If an EEOC review of the cases finds they have merit, the agency would call on the company to engage in informal settlement talks. If that failed, EEOC could sue the company or issue the workers "right to sue" letters. The US Supreme Court on Monday upheld employers' ability to block workers who signed arbitration agreements from filing class-action lawsuits. Sexual harassment cases are usually not class actions because of the unique facts in each case. If the workers signed arbitration agreements, that could keep individual claims out of court. Attorneys told reporters on the conference call that they were investigating whether the women had signed arbitration agreements. They said workers in prior cases had not. The women could find it difficult to hold McDonald's responsible for the actions of its franchisees. In two earlier labour law cases, federal judges in California have said that McDonald's does not exercise enough control over franchise workers to be considered a joint employer. Also, McDonald's in April proposed settling a National Labor Relations Board case that allows it to avoid a joint employer ruling without paying any money to franchise workers who claimed they were fired, suspended or had their hours cut for participating in Fight for $15 protests calling for higher wages.

McDonald's hit with new sexual harassment claims

Months before meeting the Queen for the first time and having a "cuppa" with her Majesty, Meghan Markle brushed up on tea drinking etiquette at a cottage near Los Angeles -- where she was apparently a natural.

"Well, she learned it all here," Edmund Fry, the British-born owner of Rose Tree Cottage in Pasadena, told AFP in an interview this week. "On a scale of one to 10, by the time she finished coming to us, I would say she would probably be a 9.5.

"But I have to say that because I want her to come back for the other half point."&nbsp

Fry said the California-born actress, who will marry Prince Harry this weekend, on several occasions visited the picturesque tea room -- decked out with all things British -- where she was given the inside track on tea drinking.

"She came with friends and was very relaxed and very much in control," he recalled.

Also read:&nbsp<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-why-meghan-markles-sister-is-upset-with-her-130199">Why is Meghan Markle's sister upset with her?</a>

He said he shared some tips on the quintessential tea experience with the soon-to-be new member of the royal family, as she munched on traditional finger sandwiches and scones.

No slurping or dribbling 
"I do believe that I mentioned, as I always do, that the handle of the cup is always left at three o'clock of course ... and the spoon always needs to be left at six o'clock and 12 o'clock," said the 77-year-old, who dresses in tails and white gloves while serving and educating his customers.

He added that Markle seemed like a natural on her repeated visits and was unlikely to make any faux pas -- like slurping or using her napkin to blow her nose or wipe her glasses &nbsp-- while sipping tea with the Queen.

"I remember telling her one of the habits in this country is people tend to get much more palsy walsy with their cup ... and they move it in front of them," Fry said, raising his eyebrows in despair.&nbsp

"Maybe it's because they have a tendency to dribble, I'm not sure," he added.

"But this is not a good thing to do."

Another no-no he shared with Markle, he said, was changing the table setting.

"If you were at the palace, you wouldn't dream of moving the cutlery and the silver or the china away from the place where it should be," he said.

Traditional English scones served with tea should also be sliced sideways and topped with jam and clotted cream before each half is eaten separately, pleaded Fry, who looks like a character straight out of "Downton Abbey."

"You don't want to put the two halves together because it ends up looking like a quarter pound hamburger, and the last thing you want is people having cream come down their jowls," he said in his cut-glass British accent.&nbsp

And please, when drinking tea, refrain from slurping or clinking the cup with the spoon when stirring, he added.

As for crooking the little finger while holding the cup and saucer, Fry said that was optional.

"It's not wrong to have your finger in, but ladies tend to leave the pinky slightly crooked," he said.

Fry said he will be celebrating Harry and Meghan's nuptials on Saturday with a wedding party, and will always keep a table open for the newlyweds.

"She will always have a table here, and Harry of course," he said. "There will be the time when he wants real bacon and he'll come here for it."

Before having a 'cuppa' with her Majesty, Markle brushed up on tea-drinking etiquette at a cottage near Los Angeles — where she was apparently a natural

Months before meeting the Queen for the first time and having a "cuppa" with her Majesty, Meghan Markle brushed up on tea drinking etiquette at a cottage near Los Angeles -- where she was apparently a natural. "Well, she learned it all here," Edmund Fry, the British-born owner of Rose Tree Cottage in Pasadena, told AFP in an interview this week. "On a scale of one to 10, by the time she finished coming to us, I would say she would probably be a 9.5. "But I have to say that because I want her to come back for the other half point." Fry said the California-born actress, who will marry Prince Harry this weekend, on several occasions visited the picturesque tea room -- decked out with all things British -- where she was given the inside track on tea drinking. "She came with friends and was very relaxed and very much in control," he recalled. Also read: Why is Meghan Markle's sister upset with her? He said he shared some tips on the quintessential tea experience with the soon-to-be new member of the royal family, as she munched on traditional finger sandwiches and scones. No slurping or dribbling "I do believe that I mentioned, as I always do, that the handle of the cup is always left at three o'clock of course ... and the spoon always needs to be left at six o'clock and 12 o'clock," said the 77-year-old, who dresses in tails and white gloves while serving and educating his customers. He added that Markle seemed like a natural on her repeated visits and was unlikely to make any faux pas -- like slurping or using her napkin to blow her nose or wipe her glasses -- while sipping tea with the Queen. "I remember telling her one of the habits in this country is people tend to get much more palsy walsy with their cup ... and they move it in front of them," Fry said, raising his eyebrows in despair. "Maybe it's because they have a tendency to dribble, I'm not sure," he added. "But this is not a good thing to do." Another no-no he shared with Markle, he said, was changing the table setting. "If you were at the palace, you wouldn't dream of moving the cutlery and the silver or the china away from the place where it should be," he said. Traditional English scones served with tea should also be sliced sideways and topped with jam and clotted cream before each half is eaten separately, pleaded Fry, who looks like a character straight out of "Downton Abbey." "You don't want to put the two halves together because it ends up looking like a quarter pound hamburger, and the last thing you want is people having cream come down their jowls," he said in his cut-glass British accent. And please, when drinking tea, refrain from slurping or clinking the cup with the spoon when stirring, he added. As for crooking the little finger while holding the cup and saucer, Fry said that was optional. "It's not wrong to have your finger in, but ladies tend to leave the pinky slightly crooked," he said. Fry said he will be celebrating Harry and Meghan's nuptials on Saturday with a wedding party, and will always keep a table open for the newlyweds. "She will always have a table here, and Harry of course," he said. "There will be the time when he wants real bacon and he'll come here for it."

This is where Meghan Markle learned how to take tea with the Queen

Action hero Arnold Schwarzenegger is back home in Los Angeles and in good spirits after undergoing open heart surgery following complications with a routine operation, his spokesman said on Friday.

The 70-year-old "Terminator" and "Predator" star, and former governor of California was at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, near Hollywood, to have a valve replaced on March 29 when doctors opted for the emergency procedure.

"Update: Schwarzenegger comes home," his representative Daniel Ketchell posted on Twitter, later clarifying to AFP that Schwarzenegger had been released Friday afternoon and was "recovering at home in fantastic spirits."

The former Mr Universe underwent non-urgent heart surgery in 1997 to have the valve put in, due to a condition he said was congenital and had nothing to do with steroids.

"That 1997 replacement valve was never meant to be permanent, and has outlived its life expectancy, so he chose to replace it... through a less-invasive catheter valve replacement," Ketchell said after the successful operation.

Schwarzenegger has been tweeting during his stay at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, telling fans on Monday that "It's true: I'm back!" -- a play on his famous catchphrase "I'll be back!"

He has used the line -- or close variations -- in numerous movies, including "The Terminator," "Commando," "Raw Deal," "The Running Man," "Twins," "Total Recall," "Kindergarten Cop," "Last Action Hero," "Jingle All the Way," "The 6th Day" and "The Expendables II."

The Austrian-born former bodybuilder was voted in as governor of California in a historic 2003 recall vote -- but proved the win was no fluke by routing opponent Phil Angelides to get re-elected.

"I went to sleep expecting to wake up with a small incision and woke up with a big one -- but guess what? I woke up, and that's something to be thankful for," Schwarzenegger tweeted from hospital.

Action hero Arnold Schwarzenegger is back home in Los Angeles and in good spirits after undergoing open heart surgery following complications with a routine operation, his spokesman said on Friday

Action hero Arnold Schwarzenegger is back home in Los Angeles and in good spirits after undergoing open heart surgery following complications with a routine operation, his spokesman said on Friday. The 70-year-old "Terminator" and "Predator" star, and former governor of California was at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, near Hollywood, to have a valve replaced on March 29 when doctors opted for the emergency procedure. "Update: Schwarzenegger comes home," his representative Daniel Ketchell posted on Twitter, later clarifying to AFP that Schwarzenegger had been released Friday afternoon and was "recovering at home in fantastic spirits." The former Mr Universe underwent non-urgent heart surgery in 1997 to have the valve put in, due to a condition he said was congenital and had nothing to do with steroids. "That 1997 replacement valve was never meant to be permanent, and has outlived its life expectancy, so he chose to replace it... through a less-invasive catheter valve replacement," Ketchell said after the successful operation. Schwarzenegger has been tweeting during his stay at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, telling fans on Monday that "It's true: I'm back!" -- a play on his famous catchphrase "I'll be back!" He has used the line -- or close variations -- in numerous movies, including "The Terminator," "Commando," "Raw Deal," "The Running Man," "Twins," "Total Recall," "Kindergarten Cop," "Last Action Hero," "Jingle All the Way," "The 6th Day" and "The Expendables II." The Austrian-born former bodybuilder was voted in as governor of California in a historic 2003 recall vote -- but proved the win was no fluke by routing opponent Phil Angelides to get re-elected. "I went to sleep expecting to wake up with a small incision and woke up with a big one -- but guess what? I woke up, and that's something to be thankful for," Schwarzenegger tweeted from hospital.

Schwarzenegger back home after heart surgery: Spokesman

An 89-year-old Roman Catholic nun who has battled pop star Katy Perry for years over the sale of a Los Angeles convent collapsed and died during a court appearance, according to media reports and supporters.

Sister Catherine Rose Holzman, one of two aging nuns who were fighting the sale of the 8-acre (3-hectare) convent, died on Friday during related legal proceedings in Los Angeles County Court, Fox affiliate KTTV reported.

&quot;To Katy Perry, please stop. It&#39;s not doing anyone any good except hurting a lot of people,&quot; Holzman had earlier told KTTV as she entered the courthouse with Sister Rita Callanan.&nbsp;

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On Saturday a website set up to back the nuns&#39; legal battle carried a picture of Holzman with the caption, &quot;Rest with the angels our most precious treasure.&quot; http://bit.ly/2Fuo3Vu

A spokeswoman for Perry, one of the world&#39;s top-selling pop stars, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Los Angeles County medical examiner and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles did not respond to queries about the cause of death.

At the center of the legal dispute is the property Holzman and other members of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary had once lived in.

Holzman and Cullanan, among five nuns who had lived at the convent, had sought to sell the property for $15.5 million to restaurateur Dana Hollister, who wanted to convert the property into a hotel.

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles sued to block the sale in 2015, arguing the nuns did not have authority to sell the property to Hollister.

A judge ruled in 2016 that the sale was invalid, paving the way for Perry to buy the site from the archdiocese.

Sister Catherine Rose Holzman, 89, was one of two ageing nuns fighting the sale of an 8-acre LA convent to Perry

An 89-year-old Roman Catholic nun who has battled pop star Katy Perry for years over the sale of a Los Angeles convent collapsed and died during a court appearance, according to media reports and supporters. Sister Catherine Rose Holzman, one of two aging nuns who were fighting the sale of the 8-acre (3-hectare) convent, died on Friday during related legal proceedings in Los Angeles County Court, Fox affiliate KTTV reported. "To Katy Perry, please stop. It's not doing anyone any good except hurting a lot of people," Holzman had earlier told KTTV as she entered the courthouse with Sister Rita Callanan. To Katy Perry, please stop. It's not doing anyone any good except hurting a lot of people,' Holzman had earlier told KTTV as she entered the courthouse with Sister Rita Callanan × On Saturday a website set up to back the nuns' legal battle carried a picture of Holzman with the caption, "Rest with the angels our most precious treasure." http://bit.ly/2Fuo3Vu A spokeswoman for Perry, one of the world's top-selling pop stars, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Los Angeles County medical examiner and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles did not respond to queries about the cause of death. At the center of the legal dispute is the property Holzman and other members of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary had once lived in. Holzman and Cullanan, among five nuns who had lived at the convent, had sought to sell the property for $15.5 million to restaurateur Dana Hollister, who wanted to convert the property into a hotel. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles sued to block the sale in 2015, arguing the nuns did not have authority to sell the property to Hollister. A judge ruled in 2016 that the sale was invalid, paving the way for Perry to buy the site from the archdiocese.

Nun fighting sale of convent to Katy Perry dies in court

A job application filled out by Steve Jobs more than four decades ago that reflects the Apple founder&#39;s aspirations to work in technology and design will go up for auction next month.

With an estimated value of about $50,000, the one-page application from 1973, complete with spelling and punctuation errors, lists his name as &quot;Steven jobs&quot; and address as &quot;reed college,&quot; the Oregon college he attended briefly, Boston auction house RR Auction said on Thursday.

Under a section titled &quot;Special Abilities,&quot; Jobs wrote &quot;tech or design engineer. digital.--from Bay near Hewitt-Packard,&quot; a reference to pioneering California technology company Hewlett-Packard.

The document but does not state what position Jobs was applying for. Jobs and friend Steve Wozniak founded Apple about three years later. Jobs died of cancer in 2011 at the age of 56.

Though Jobs responded on the form that he had a driver&#39;s license, he said his access to transportation was &quot;possible, but not probable.&quot; Next to &quot;Phone:&quot; he wrote &quot;none.&quot;

The document will be part of a pop culture sale by RR Auction that will take place between March 8 and 15.

Two other Jobs items will appear in the same auction - a Mac OS X technical manual signed by Jobs in 2001, valued at $25,000, and a signed 2008 newspaper clipping, valued at $15,000, with a photo of Jobs and a headline that reads &quot;New, faster iPhone will sell for $199.&quot; 
&nbsp; 
The auction will also feature an original fingerprint card from Jimi Hendrix&#39;s 1969 arrest in Toronto on drug charges, signed by the late rock musician, which is valued at $15,000.

It will include a love letter from the late British singer Amy Winehouse to her husband Blake Fielder-Civil. In addition to the text, the one-page Winehouse letter features a sketch of a baby crocodile surrounded by hearts.

&quot;Do nothing &#39;til you hear from me handsome, I need your arms around me so I can inhale, open my eyes, breathe my heart&#39;s breathe out,&quot; the letter reads, in part. It is valued at about $4,000.

Winehouse died of alcohol poisoning in London in 2011 at age of 27.&nbsp;

The document will be part of a pop culture sale by RR Auction that will take place between March 8 and 15

A job application filled out by Steve Jobs more than four decades ago that reflects the Apple founder's aspirations to work in technology and design will go up for auction next month. With an estimated value of about $50,000, the one-page application from 1973, complete with spelling and punctuation errors, lists his name as "Steven jobs" and address as "reed college," the Oregon college he attended briefly, Boston auction house RR Auction said on Thursday. Under a section titled "Special Abilities," Jobs wrote "tech or design engineer. digital.--from Bay near Hewitt-Packard," a reference to pioneering California technology company Hewlett-Packard. The document but does not state what position Jobs was applying for. Jobs and friend Steve Wozniak founded Apple about three years later. Jobs died of cancer in 2011 at the age of 56. Though Jobs responded on the form that he had a driver's license, he said his access to transportation was "possible, but not probable." Next to "Phone:" he wrote "none." The document will be part of a pop culture sale by RR Auction that will take place between March 8 and 15. Two other Jobs items will appear in the same auction - a Mac OS X technical manual signed by Jobs in 2001, valued at $25,000, and a signed 2008 newspaper clipping, valued at $15,000, with a photo of Jobs and a headline that reads "New, faster iPhone will sell for $199." The auction will also feature an original fingerprint card from Jimi Hendrix's 1969 arrest in Toronto on drug charges, signed by the late rock musician, which is valued at $15,000. It will include a love letter from the late British singer Amy Winehouse to her husband Blake Fielder-Civil. In addition to the text, the one-page Winehouse letter features a sketch of a baby crocodile surrounded by hearts. "Do nothing 'til you hear from me handsome, I need your arms around me so I can inhale, open my eyes, breathe my heart's breathe out," the letter reads, in part. It is valued at about $4,000. Winehouse died of alcohol poisoning in London in 2011 at age of 27.

Steve Jobs' pre-Apple job application could fetch $50,000 at auction

What happens when you hit 3 million subscribers on Youtube? Think of yourself as a celebrity and then answer.&nbsp;

TV star Shay Mitchells who is known for her role in Pretty Little Liars recently hit 3 million on YouTube and found a unique way of celebrating the feat with her fans.&nbsp;

On February 9 Mitchell posted a video on YouTube thanking her fans for the love while running naked in a unicorn mask around her neighbourhood in Los Angeles. This she did when her assistant Sammy reminded that she had earlier promised to run&nbsp;naked if she achieves that number.&nbsp;

Watch the video here:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nqP1x8VxrTU" width="970"></iframe>

Considering Mitchell has already received nearly 2 million page views since posting the vlog on Friday&mdash;and added about 24,000 subscribers since then, her fans seem&nbsp;interested to see what she plans when she gets to 4 million subscribers.

&nbsp;

This she did to celebrate her 3 millionth subscriber on YouTube

What happens when you hit 3 million subscribers on Youtube? Think of yourself as a celebrity and then answer. TV star Shay Mitchells who is known for her role in Pretty Little Liars recently hit 3 million on YouTube and found a unique way of celebrating the feat with her fans. On February 9 Mitchell posted a video on YouTube thanking her fans for the love while running naked in a unicorn mask around her neighbourhood in Los Angeles. This she did when her assistant Sammy reminded that she had earlier promised to run naked if she achieves that number. Watch the video here: Considering Mitchell has already received nearly 2 million page views since posting the vlog on Friday—and added about 24,000 subscribers since then, her fans seem interested to see what she plans when she gets to 4 million subscribers.

Video: 'Pretty Little Liars' star Shay Mitchell runs topless on LA streets

Guillermo del Toro&#39;s fantasy romance &quot;The Shape of Water&quot; took home best movie at the Producers Guild Awards on Saturday, putting it in pole position for Oscars glory in March.&nbsp;

The movie bested leading Academy Awards contenders including &quot;Call Me by Your Name,&quot; &quot;Dunkirk,&quot; &quot;Get Out,&quot; &quot;I, Tonya&quot; and &quot;Lady Bird.&quot;

In a crowded field, it also saw off &quot;The Big Sick,&quot; &nbsp;&quot;Molly&#39;s Game,&quot; &quot;The Post,&quot; &quot;Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,&quot; and &quot;Wonder Woman.&quot;

The 1960s-set fairytale about a mute government laboratory janitor falling in love with a merman-like creature won the best director for Del Toro at the Golden Globes, considered a dry-run for the Oscars.&nbsp;

It also has 12 nominations for February&#39;s BAFTAs, Britain&#39;s version of the Oscars, and is expected to do well when nominees for the actual Academy Awards are announced on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The 53-year-old filmmaker, who co-produced alongside J. Miles Dale, was not there to pick up his trophy due to having gone to his sick father&#39;s bedside in Mexico.

In one of the ceremony&#39;s highlights, &quot;Get Out&quot; director and producer Jordan Peele was recognized for making a film that raises awareness of social issues and talked about &quot;the sunken place,&quot; the term used for the hypnotic, brainwashed state that traps victims in this movie.

&quot;The sunken place is the system that silences the voice of women, minorities, and of other people,&quot; he said in a politically charged speech condemning President Donald Trump for derogatory comments about Haiti, Africa and black football stars kneeling during the national anthem.

&quot;Every day there is proof that we are in the sunken place,&quot; he added.

&quot;Coco&quot; &mdash; Pixar&#39;s love letter to Mexico based on the country&#39;s Day of the Dead festival &mdash; won best-animated picture, the first prize of the night handed out at the Beverly Hilton.

&quot;Now is the time for more diversity in our culture and in our world,&quot; said producer Darla K. Anderson, dedicating the award to the people of Mexico.

In the TV section, Hulu&#39;s &quot;The Handmaid&#39;s Tale&quot; won best television drama, while fellow internet streaming service Amazon bagged best episodic comedy for &quot;The Marvelous Mrs Maisel.&quot;

&quot;The Handmaid&#39;s Tale,&quot; based on Margaret Atwood&#39;s dystopian 1985 novel of the same name, has been the darling of recent awards ceremonies, winning eight Emmys and two Golden Globes.

The PGA has boasted a solid record of giving top honours to movies that go on to earn best picture honours at the Oscars.

The trend has been bucked somewhat recently, however, with last year&#39;s best film award going to &quot;La La Land,&quot; which lost out to &quot;Moonlight&quot; at the Oscars.

Financial crisis comedy &quot;The Big Short&quot; took the top prize at 2016&#39;s PGAs, but lost out to &quot;Spotlight&quot; for the Academy Award. &nbsp;

The Oscars ceremony is staged on March 4, hosted by late night funnyman Jimmy Kimmel.

The film also has 12 nominations for February's BAFTAs, Britain's version of the Oscars

Guillermo del Toro's fantasy romance "The Shape of Water" took home best movie at the Producers Guild Awards on Saturday, putting it in pole position for Oscars glory in March. The movie bested leading Academy Awards contenders including "Call Me by Your Name," "Dunkirk," "Get Out," "I, Tonya" and "Lady Bird." In a crowded field, it also saw off "The Big Sick," "Molly's Game," "The Post," "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri," and "Wonder Woman." The 1960s-set fairytale about a mute government laboratory janitor falling in love with a merman-like creature won the best director for Del Toro at the Golden Globes, considered a dry-run for the Oscars. It also has 12 nominations for February's BAFTAs, Britain's version of the Oscars, and is expected to do well when nominees for the actual Academy Awards are announced on Tuesday. The 53-year-old filmmaker, who co-produced alongside J. Miles Dale, was not there to pick up his trophy due to having gone to his sick father's bedside in Mexico. In one of the ceremony's highlights, "Get Out" director and producer Jordan Peele was recognized for making a film that raises awareness of social issues and talked about "the sunken place," the term used for the hypnotic, brainwashed state that traps victims in this movie. "The sunken place is the system that silences the voice of women, minorities, and of other people," he said in a politically charged speech condemning President Donald Trump for derogatory comments about Haiti, Africa and black football stars kneeling during the national anthem. "Every day there is proof that we are in the sunken place," he added. "Coco" — Pixar's love letter to Mexico based on the country's Day of the Dead festival — won best-animated picture, the first prize of the night handed out at the Beverly Hilton. "Now is the time for more diversity in our culture and in our world," said producer Darla K. Anderson, dedicating the award to the people of Mexico. In the TV section, Hulu's "The Handmaid's Tale" won best television drama, while fellow internet streaming service Amazon bagged best episodic comedy for "The Marvelous Mrs Maisel." "The Handmaid's Tale," based on Margaret Atwood's dystopian 1985 novel of the same name, has been the darling of recent awards ceremonies, winning eight Emmys and two Golden Globes. The PGA has boasted a solid record of giving top honours to movies that go on to earn best picture honours at the Oscars. The trend has been bucked somewhat recently, however, with last year's best film award going to "La La Land," which lost out to "Moonlight" at the Oscars. Financial crisis comedy "The Big Short" took the top prize at 2016's PGAs, but lost out to "Spotlight" for the Academy Award. The Oscars ceremony is staged on March 4, hosted by late night funnyman Jimmy Kimmel.

'The Shape of Water' wins Producers Guild Awards best film ahead of Oscars

After US and Japan, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/watch-will-super-blood-moon-trigger-mount-mayon-eruption-31325">super blue blood moon is now </a>visible in India over Bhubaneswar in Odisha and Kolkata in West Bengal.

The super blue blood moon was also seen in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Earlier, the super blood blue moon was&nbsp;visible in Los Angeles, California and Tokyo.

Residents in Arizona and Los Angeles were the first to witness the sightings. Stargazers in Tokyo were also able to see the first glimpse of the unique celestial phenomena.

Here is the live coverage of the lunar eclipse:&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wwMDvPCGeE0" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

The super blood moon will be visible in North America, Hawaii, the Middle East, Russia, India and Australia.&nbsp;

Residents in Arizona and Los Angeles were the first to witness the sightings.

After US and Japan, the super blue blood moon is now visible in India over Bhubaneswar in Odisha and Kolkata in West Bengal. The super blue blood moon was also seen in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Earlier, the super blood blue moon was visible in Los Angeles, California and Tokyo. Residents in Arizona and Los Angeles were the first to witness the sightings. Stargazers in Tokyo were also able to see the first glimpse of the unique celestial phenomena. Here is the live coverage of the lunar eclipse: × The super blood moon will be visible in North America, Hawaii, the Middle East, Russia, India and Australia.

Watch Live: Super blue blood moon visible in India & across the world

Is the royal marriage story we&rsquo;re being sold really a fairy tale come true? Or is it a story spun by Buckingham Palace for its own self-interest, one shrouded in myth and make-believe?

In the coverage of next spring&rsquo;s marriage between Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, two main narratives have emerged.

One is Markle&rsquo;s mixed-race, American background and how her &ldquo;acceptance&rdquo; to the royal family signals a monarchy willing to loosen its rigid rules.

The other is an improbable love story: A girl from South-Central Los Angeles is plucked from the streets by her dashing Prince Charming (&ldquo;How Meghan went from a seedy Los Angeles tenement to a Palace,&rdquo; as one Daily Mail story put it).

While both have elements of truth, they also ignore the royal family&rsquo;s complicated history with race and &ldquo;blood&rdquo; and its insistence on continuing outdated traditions. As a sociologist who researches questions of race, power and ideology, I believe we are missing the real significance of this marriage.

Out with the old? Not really

The &ldquo;modern royal family&rdquo; narrative overlooks the fact that the monarchy continues to embody a fundamentally traditional idea of British identity, a patriarchal institution steeped in nostalgia for the days of the empire.

In their carefully choreographed first joint interview with the BBC, Markle &ndash; a self-described feminist &ndash; confirmed that she was giving up her acting career in order to take up her new &ldquo;role&rdquo; as the wife of Prince Harry.

Meanwhile, the British establishment&rsquo;s long history of anti-Catholicism &ndash; deeply entrenched in its customs, laws and rituals &ndash; was on full view. Buckingham Palace was quick to announce that Markle would be baptised into the Church of England before the couple is married, presumably to assuage any lingering concerns that she might actually be Catholic. (As a teenager, she had attended the private Catholic Immaculate Heart High School in Los Angeles.)

Finally, despite some media reports, Meghan isn&rsquo;t actually about to become a princess. Because she doesn&rsquo;t come from &ldquo;royal blood,&rdquo; the arcane rules and protocols of the British aristocratic system mean she will likely be given the title &ldquo;Her Royal Highness,&rdquo; rather than &ldquo;Princess Meghan.&rdquo;

Bloody nonsense

The idea of a distinct blood category for the upper classes is, of course, absurd.

&ldquo;Bluebloods,&rdquo; we should remember, is a racialised metaphor. Skin so pale you could see the blue blood beneath &ndash; sangre azul, as the Spanish put it &ndash; signaled a distance from blackness and poverty. As the historian Kate Williams notes, it was used to differentiate &ldquo;the royals from both the tanned peasants working in the fields and the people of colour who were increasingly part of European society.&rdquo;

In 2016, when news first broke of Prince Harry&rsquo;s relationship with Markle, some coverage and commentary were driven by a racial paranoia that the supposed sanctity of the royal blood lineage was being broken (&ldquo;Harry to marry into gangster royalty?&rdquo; a Daily Star headline read). Others pointed to the danger posed not just to Harry&rsquo;s safety in dating a woman from South-Central Los Angeles, a place &ldquo;plagued by crime and riddled with street gangs,&rdquo; but to the integrity of the royal family writ large. Historically, the idea of &ldquo;Britishness&rdquo; has carried unspoken racial connotations; as cultural historian Stuart Hall noted, &ldquo;in common understanding, the nation is usually imagined as white.&rdquo; In this context, the royal family represents the national family, imagined and implicitly understood as white.

Prince Harry, to his credit, issued a rare public rebuke to the media, denouncing the &ldquo;racial undertones of comment pieces.&rdquo;

It appears, then, that this is an important moment in the slow and uneven &ndash; but nonetheless real &ndash; shift in Britain toward acknowledging the evolution of a multiracial society. But the significance of one so-called &ldquo;interracial&rdquo; marriage also shouldn&rsquo;t be overstated.

European royal families have been breeding across ethnic and national lines for centuries. The ever-so-English sounding &ldquo;House of Windsor&rdquo; is, in fact, a name made up by King George V. The real name of the Windsors was, up until then, the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. But in order to make it easier for the royal family to encourage the British working classes to take up arms against the Germans in 1917, they wanted to gloss over the uncomfortable fact that the family&rsquo;s background was more German than British.

Even &ldquo;black blood&rdquo; among the &ldquo;blue bloods&rdquo; isn&rsquo;t new. Some historians have suggested that Queen Charlotte, the wife of George III, likely had black African ancestry. Similarly, David Williamson, co-editor of the British etiquette periodical Debrett&rsquo;s Peerage, has argued that &ldquo;all European royal families somewhere are linked to the kings of Castile. There is a lot of Moorish blood in the Portuguese royal family and it has diffused over the rest of Europe.&rdquo;

A shot in the (pale) arm?

For decades, royalists have worried about the monarchy&rsquo;s future once Queen Elizabeth II finally goes. There&rsquo;s the absurdity of believing in kings and queens ordained by God, of course. But Prince Charles, the next in line, isn&rsquo;t widely liked.

This marriage could be an unexpected lifeline. Just as The House of Windsor (n&eacute;e Saxe-Coburg and Gotha) reinvented itself 100 years ago in order to maintain its authority, a familiar chain of events could be playing out.

Ironically, it is the Windsors who stand to gain the most from this relationship by maintaining their popular standing and public reputation &ndash; and, therefore, their legitimacy &ndash; by adding a touch of beautiful, light-skinned &ldquo;diversity&rdquo; into the lily-white family tree.

&ldquo;Genetically, [Markle] is blessed,&rdquo; enthused journalist Rachel Johnson (a sister of prominent MP Boris Johnson), using eugenics-style colonial reasoning to approve of the relationship.

&ldquo;The Windsors,&rdquo; she added, &ldquo;will thicken their watery, thin blue blood and Spencer pale skin and ginger hair with some rich and exotic DNA.&rdquo;

Unlike most royal marriages, which tend to be politically arranged affairs driven largely by the dynastic requirements of Europe&rsquo;s aristocratic families, Harry and Meghan do appear to be genuinely in love with each other. Outside of royal circles, so-called &ldquo;mixed-race&rdquo; relationships are no longer exceptional, but actually represent an increasing number of family units in modern Britain.

By adapting to Britain&rsquo;s changing social and cultural landscape, the royal family is desperately trying to broaden its popular appeal. Contrary to the British press&rsquo;s narrative, we might say that Harry&rsquo;s the one &ldquo;marrying up&rdquo; &ndash; not the black actress from LA.

This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" rel="nofollow" target="blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/is-the-british-monarchy-actually-adapting-to-changing-social-norms-88285" rel="nofollow" target="blank">original article</a>.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Much of the Harry and Meghan coverage has ignored the royal family's complicated history with race and "blood" and its insistence on continuing outdated traditions.

Is the royal marriage story we’re being sold really a fairy tale come true? Or is it a story spun by Buckingham Palace for its own self-interest, one shrouded in myth and make-believe? In the coverage of next spring’s marriage between Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, two main narratives have emerged. One is Markle’s mixed-race, American background and how her “acceptance” to the royal family signals a monarchy willing to loosen its rigid rules. The other is an improbable love story: A girl from South-Central Los Angeles is plucked from the streets by her dashing Prince Charming (“How Meghan went from a seedy Los Angeles tenement to a Palace,” as one Daily Mail story put it). While both have elements of truth, they also ignore the royal family’s complicated history with race and “blood” and its insistence on continuing outdated traditions. As a sociologist who researches questions of race, power and ideology, I believe we are missing the real significance of this marriage. Out with the old? Not really The “modern royal family” narrative overlooks the fact that the monarchy continues to embody a fundamentally traditional idea of British identity, a patriarchal institution steeped in nostalgia for the days of the empire. In their carefully choreographed first joint interview with the BBC, Markle – a self-described feminist – confirmed that she was giving up her acting career in order to take up her new “role” as the wife of Prince Harry. Meanwhile, the British establishment’s long history of anti-Catholicism – deeply entrenched in its customs, laws and rituals – was on full view. Buckingham Palace was quick to announce that Markle would be baptised into the Church of England before the couple is married, presumably to assuage any lingering concerns that she might actually be Catholic. (As a teenager, she had attended the private Catholic Immaculate Heart High School in Los Angeles.) Finally, despite some media reports, Meghan isn’t actually about to become a princess. Because she doesn’t come from “royal blood,” the arcane rules and protocols of the British aristocratic system mean she will likely be given the title “Her Royal Highness,” rather than “Princess Meghan.” Bloody nonsense The idea of a distinct blood category for the upper classes is, of course, absurd. “Bluebloods,” we should remember, is a racialised metaphor. Skin so pale you could see the blue blood beneath – sangre azul, as the Spanish put it – signaled a distance from blackness and poverty. As the historian Kate Williams notes, it was used to differentiate “the royals from both the tanned peasants working in the fields and the people of colour who were increasingly part of European society.” In 2016, when news first broke of Prince Harry’s relationship with Markle, some coverage and commentary were driven by a racial paranoia that the supposed sanctity of the royal blood lineage was being broken (“Harry to marry into gangster royalty?” a Daily Star headline read). Others pointed to the danger posed not just to Harry’s safety in dating a woman from South-Central Los Angeles, a place “plagued by crime and riddled with street gangs,” but to the integrity of the royal family writ large. Historically, the idea of “Britishness” has carried unspoken racial connotations; as cultural historian Stuart Hall noted, “in common understanding, the nation is usually imagined as white.” In this context, the royal family represents the national family, imagined and implicitly understood as white. Prince Harry, to his credit, issued a rare public rebuke to the media, denouncing the “racial undertones of comment pieces.” It appears, then, that this is an important moment in the slow and uneven – but nonetheless real – shift in Britain toward acknowledging the evolution of a multiracial society. But the significance of one so-called “interracial” marriage also shouldn’t be overstated. European royal families have been breeding across ethnic and national lines for centuries. The ever-so-English sounding “House of Windsor” is, in fact, a name made up by King George V. The real name of the Windsors was, up until then, the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. But in order to make it easier for the royal family to encourage the British working classes to take up arms against the Germans in 1917, they wanted to gloss over the uncomfortable fact that the family’s background was more German than British. Even “black blood” among the “blue bloods” isn’t new. Some historians have suggested that Queen Charlotte, the wife of George III, likely had black African ancestry. Similarly, David Williamson, co-editor of the British etiquette periodical Debrett’s Peerage, has argued that “all European royal families somewhere are linked to the kings of Castile. There is a lot of Moorish blood in the Portuguese royal family and it has diffused over the rest of Europe.” A shot in the (pale) arm? For decades, royalists have worried about the monarchy’s future once Queen Elizabeth II finally goes. There’s the absurdity of believing in kings and queens ordained by God, of course. But Prince Charles, the next in line, isn’t widely liked. This marriage could be an unexpected lifeline. Just as The House of Windsor (née Saxe-Coburg and Gotha) reinvented itself 100 years ago in order to maintain its authority, a familiar chain of events could be playing out. Ironically, it is the Windsors who stand to gain the most from this relationship by maintaining their popular standing and public reputation – and, therefore, their legitimacy – by adding a touch of beautiful, light-skinned “diversity” into the lily-white family tree. “Genetically, [Markle] is blessed,” enthused journalist Rachel Johnson (a sister of prominent MP Boris Johnson), using eugenics-style colonial reasoning to approve of the relationship. “The Windsors,” she added, “will thicken their watery, thin blue blood and Spencer pale skin and ginger hair with some rich and exotic DNA.” Unlike most royal marriages, which tend to be politically arranged affairs driven largely by the dynastic requirements of Europe’s aristocratic families, Harry and Meghan do appear to be genuinely in love with each other. Outside of royal circles, so-called “mixed-race” relationships are no longer exceptional, but actually represent an increasing number of family units in modern Britain. By adapting to Britain’s changing social and cultural landscape, the royal family is desperately trying to broaden its popular appeal. Contrary to the British press’s narrative, we might say that Harry’s the one “marrying up” – not the black actress from LA. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Is the British monarchy actually adapting to changing social norms?

Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington&#39;s autopsy has revealed that he had &quot;traces of alcohol&quot;&nbsp;in his body at the time of his death, reports said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

According to documents by TMZ, &#39;Castle of Glass&#39; hit-maker had a &quot;trace amount&quot; of alcohol in his blood right after he committed suicide.&nbsp;

The report also showed that his blood was &quot;presumptive positive&quot; for the drug ecstasy after one test, although two further tests did not detect the substance, reports said.&nbsp;

The Linkin Park singer had<a href="http://Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington's autopsy has revealed that he had traces of alcohol in his body atthe time of his death, reports said on Tueday. According to documents by TMZ, 'Castle of Glass' hit-maker had a &quot;trace amount&quot; of alcohol in his blood right after he committed suicide. The report also showed that his blood was &quot;presumptive positive&quot; for the drug ecstasy after one test, although two further tests did not detect the substance. The Linkin Park singer had hanged himself in his home at Los Angeles, a hald empty bottle of alcohol had been found at the site. The singer also still had his boarding pass with him from his last flight home. His wife had told officials earlierthat Bennigngton would often have suicidal thoughts after a few drinks and had been sober for the last six months. In 2006, the singer had left the house with a shotgun with thoughts to kill himself after having alcohol, his wife said. Meanwhile, it was recently revealed the 'Numb' singer will leave some assets, directly to his wife Talinda Bennington, whilst the rest of his estate will go to the Chester and Talinda Bennington Family Trust."> hanged himself in his home at Los Angeles</a>, a half-empty bottle of alcohol was&nbsp;found close to his body.&nbsp;

The singer also still had his boarding pass with him from his last flight home when he died.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/linkin-park-us-tour-cancelled-after-chester-benningtons-death-18168">Linkin Park US tour canceled after Chester Bennington&#39;s death</a>

His wife had told officials earlier that Bennington, 41, would often have suicidal thoughts after a few drinks and but was sober for&nbsp;six months before his death.&nbsp;

In 2006, the singer had left the house with a shotgun with thoughts to kill himself after he got drunk, his wife had said. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, it was recently revealed the &#39;Numb&#39; singer will leave some assets, directly to his wife Talinda Bennington, whilst the rest of his estate will go to the Chester and Talinda Bennington Family Trust.

It was concluded that that the musician was not under the influence of the drug when he passed away

Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington's autopsy has revealed that he had "traces of alcohol" in his body at the time of his death, reports said on Tuesday. According to documents by TMZ, 'Castle of Glass' hit-maker had a "trace amount" of alcohol in his blood right after he committed suicide. The report also showed that his blood was "presumptive positive" for the drug ecstasy after one test, although two further tests did not detect the substance, reports said. The Linkin Park singer had hanged himself in his home at Los Angeles, a half-empty bottle of alcohol was found close to his body. The singer also still had his boarding pass with him from his last flight home when he died. Also Read: Linkin Park US tour canceled after Chester Bennington's death His wife had told officials earlier that Bennington, 41, would often have suicidal thoughts after a few drinks and but was sober for six months before his death. In 2006, the singer had left the house with a shotgun with thoughts to kill himself after he got drunk, his wife had said. Meanwhile, it was recently revealed the 'Numb' singer will leave some assets, directly to his wife Talinda Bennington, whilst the rest of his estate will go to the Chester and Talinda Bennington Family Trust.

Chester Bennington's autopsy reveals 'traces of alcohol': Report

More than a thousand firefighters were struggling to contain a wind-whipped brush fire in southern California on Tuesday that has left at least one person dead, sent thousands fleeing, and was choking the area with thick black smoke.

The Ventura County Fire Department said more than 27,000 people had been told to evacuate as the fast-moving fire in the coastal county north of Los Angeles grew to 45,000 acres (18,200 hectares). More than 150 homes and businesses had already been destroyed.

California Governor Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency over the area, announcing: &quot;This fire is very dangerous and spreading rapidly.

&quot;It`s critical residents stay ready and evacuate immediately if told to do so.&quot;

The northern part of Los Angeles county was engulfed in thick smoke, leaving the air almost unbreathable as ash fell on the streets. Mayor Eric Garcetti warned residents to remain vigilant for fresh outbreaks.

&quot;This is an extreme weather event and these winds can spread embers far and/or kick small new fires up quickly. We expect five days of this,&quot; he tweeted.

A Red Cross evacuation center which had hosted 600 people Monday night was expecting that number to rise to around a thousand by Tuesday, spokesman Fred Mariscal said.

Lexus Deloni, a 20-year-old caregiver who had brought her two young girls, aged one and two, said she had only 45 minutes to evacuate after returning home from a 12-hour shift in the city of Ojai, an hour-and-a-half drive from LA.

&quot;I`m making sure they are eating, drinking, having fun, playing with them,&quot; she said, as a man dressed as Santa Claus arrived, much to the delight of the youngsters.Prospects for containment depended on improving weather conditions.

&quot;Really, Mother Nature is going to decide when we have the ability to put it out,&quot; Ventura County Fire Chief Mark Lorenzen told a news conference.

Strong seasonal gusts known as the Santa Ana winds had registered speeds of up to 55 miles per hour (80 kilometers per hour), the National Weather Service said, predicting they could hit upwards of 80 miles per hour.&nbsp;

&quot;The fire is pushing quickly towards the city of Ventura,&quot; Lorenzen said, and has reached the eastern city limits. The oceanside city has a population of around 100,000.

The fire chief said one death had been reported. &quot;As the individual was evacuating from the fire, the car overturned,&quot; he said.

Authorities said more than 1,000 firefighters were currently fighting the &quot;Thomas Fire&quot; -- a blaze captured in apocalyptic images with flames sometimes taking on the appearance of a volcanic eruption. 
&quot;Fixed wing aircraft and helicopters are expected to attack the fire at daybreak,&quot; the Ventura County website said.

Two other large blazes broke out Tuesday -- the Creek Fire, which has so far swallowed 11,000 acres (around 4,500 hectares) and the more contained Rye fire, spread over 1,000 acres.The NWS put a &quot;red flag&quot; warning into effect for much of Los Angeles and Ventura counties through Thursday, saying the coming days would likely see &quot;the strongest and longest duration Santa Ana wind event we have seen so far this season.&quot;

Lorenzen said the fire was consuming dry brush.

&quot;It`s heavy brush, brush that hasn`t burned in 15 to 20 years,&quot; he said.

&quot;And it`s been a five, six-year drought so the fuel is just tinder dry and just as ripe as can be for fire spread.&quot;

Roads in the northern part of Los Angeles meanwhile were packed with traffic as firetrucks raced towards the flames, while several sections of highways were closed.

Widespread power outages had hit a quarter of a million people as well as forcing the closure of 20 schools.&nbsp;

The Getty Center, one of Los Angeles` most prestigious museums, said it would remain closed until Wednesday to protect its collection from smoke damage. 
The inferno began Monday night near Highway 150 before spreading to the city of Santa Paula.

Captain Scott Quirate, a local fire chief, told local TV stations that he had to call his daughter at dawn to tell her that her apartment had gone up in flames.

Authorities warned of widespread smoke and limited visibility, urging residents in impacted areas to run their air conditioners and keep outside windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering. 
This has been California`s deadliest year ever for wildfires. More than 40 people died in the state`s wine-producing country in fires in October.

More than a thousand firefighters are struggling to contain a wind-whipped brush fire in southern California

More than a thousand firefighters were struggling to contain a wind-whipped brush fire in southern California on Tuesday that has left at least one person dead, sent thousands fleeing, and was choking the area with thick black smoke. The Ventura County Fire Department said more than 27,000 people had been told to evacuate as the fast-moving fire in the coastal county north of Los Angeles grew to 45,000 acres (18,200 hectares). More than 150 homes and businesses had already been destroyed. California Governor Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency over the area, announcing: "This fire is very dangerous and spreading rapidly. "It`s critical residents stay ready and evacuate immediately if told to do so." The northern part of Los Angeles county was engulfed in thick smoke, leaving the air almost unbreathable as ash fell on the streets. Mayor Eric Garcetti warned residents to remain vigilant for fresh outbreaks. "This is an extreme weather event and these winds can spread embers far and/or kick small new fires up quickly. We expect five days of this," he tweeted. A Red Cross evacuation center which had hosted 600 people Monday night was expecting that number to rise to around a thousand by Tuesday, spokesman Fred Mariscal said. Lexus Deloni, a 20-year-old caregiver who had brought her two young girls, aged one and two, said she had only 45 minutes to evacuate after returning home from a 12-hour shift in the city of Ojai, an hour-and-a-half drive from LA. "I`m making sure they are eating, drinking, having fun, playing with them," she said, as a man dressed as Santa Claus arrived, much to the delight of the youngsters.Prospects for containment depended on improving weather conditions. "Really, Mother Nature is going to decide when we have the ability to put it out," Ventura County Fire Chief Mark Lorenzen told a news conference. Strong seasonal gusts known as the Santa Ana winds had registered speeds of up to 55 miles per hour (80 kilometers per hour), the National Weather Service said, predicting they could hit upwards of 80 miles per hour. "The fire is pushing quickly towards the city of Ventura," Lorenzen said, and has reached the eastern city limits. The oceanside city has a population of around 100,000. The fire chief said one death had been reported. "As the individual was evacuating from the fire, the car overturned," he said. Authorities said more than 1,000 firefighters were currently fighting the "Thomas Fire" -- a blaze captured in apocalyptic images with flames sometimes taking on the appearance of a volcanic eruption. "Fixed wing aircraft and helicopters are expected to attack the fire at daybreak," the Ventura County website said. Two other large blazes broke out Tuesday -- the Creek Fire, which has so far swallowed 11,000 acres (around 4,500 hectares) and the more contained Rye fire, spread over 1,000 acres.The NWS put a "red flag" warning into effect for much of Los Angeles and Ventura counties through Thursday, saying the coming days would likely see "the strongest and longest duration Santa Ana wind event we have seen so far this season." Lorenzen said the fire was consuming dry brush. "It`s heavy brush, brush that hasn`t burned in 15 to 20 years," he said. "And it`s been a five, six-year drought so the fuel is just tinder dry and just as ripe as can be for fire spread." Roads in the northern part of Los Angeles meanwhile were packed with traffic as firetrucks raced towards the flames, while several sections of highways were closed. Widespread power outages had hit a quarter of a million people as well as forcing the closure of 20 schools. The Getty Center, one of Los Angeles` most prestigious museums, said it would remain closed until Wednesday to protect its collection from smoke damage. The inferno began Monday night near Highway 150 before spreading to the city of Santa Paula. Captain Scott Quirate, a local fire chief, told local TV stations that he had to call his daughter at dawn to tell her that her apartment had gone up in flames. Authorities warned of widespread smoke and limited visibility, urging residents in impacted areas to run their air conditioners and keep outside windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering. This has been California`s deadliest year ever for wildfires. More than 40 people died in the state`s wine-producing country in fires in October.

California hit again by devastating wildfire

Tesla chief executive Elon Musk unveiled an electric truck and a sports car on Thursday.&nbsp;

Tesla Inc upstaged its own debut of an electric heavy-duty truck when a red Roadster pulled out of the big rig&#39;s trailer and Elon Musk said the new $200,000 sports car would be the fastest production car ever.

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The sports car with a removable glass roof is an updated version of Tesla&#39;s first production vehicle. It can seat four and travel 620 miles (1,000 km) on a single charge, a new record for an electric vehicle, Musk said. It can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour (100 km per hour) in 1.9 seconds with a maximum speed over 250 mph, which would make it the fastest car in general production.

The first 1,000 cars will cost $250,000 each, paid in full up front, with later models starting at $200,000.

Projects and products multiply

Musk has described electric trucks as Tesla&#39;s next effort to move the economy away from fossil fuels through projects including electric cars, solar roofs and power storage.

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The truck can go up to 500 miles (800 km) at maximum weight at highway speed, Musk said, without giving the size of the payload. Musk said the Class 8 vehicle, the heaviest weight classification for trucks, in 30 minutes can recharge the battery enough to go 400 miles, and that Tesla would build a global, solar-powered network of &quot;megachargers.&quot;

Diesel trucks are capable of travelling up to 1,000 miles (1,600 km) on a single tank of fuel. Musk said diesel trucks were 20 percent more expensive per mile to operate than his electric truck.

Self-driving technology would allow the trucks to travel in convoys, where only the front truck would need a driver, making trucks cheaper than rail, Musk added.

Shares of Tesla have risen 46 percent this year to make the company the No. 2 US&nbsp;automaker by market value.

(with agency inputs)

Musk did not give a price for the Semi, or say how or where either product would be built, but he said the truck would begin production in 2019 and that the Roadster would be available a year later.

Tesla chief executive Elon Musk unveiled an electric truck and a sports car on Thursday. Tesla Inc upstaged its own debut of an electric heavy-duty truck when a red Roadster pulled out of the big rig's trailer and Elon Musk said the new $200,000 sports car would be the fastest production car ever. tesla (Reuters) × The sports car with a removable glass roof is an updated version of Tesla's first production vehicle. It can seat four and travel 620 miles (1,000 km) on a single charge, a new record for an electric vehicle, Musk said. It can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour (100 km per hour) in 1.9 seconds with a maximum speed over 250 mph, which would make it the fastest car in general production. The first 1,000 cars will cost $250,000 each, paid in full up front, with later models starting at $200,000. Projects and products multiply Musk has described electric trucks as Tesla's next effort to move the economy away from fossil fuels through projects including electric cars, solar roofs and power storage. Tesla (Reuters) × The truck can go up to 500 miles (800 km) at maximum weight at highway speed, Musk said, without giving the size of the payload. Musk said the Class 8 vehicle, the heaviest weight classification for trucks, in 30 minutes can recharge the battery enough to go 400 miles, and that Tesla would build a global, solar-powered network of "megachargers." Diesel trucks are capable of travelling up to 1,000 miles (1,600 km) on a single tank of fuel. Musk said diesel trucks were 20 percent more expensive per mile to operate than his electric truck. Self-driving technology would allow the trucks to travel in convoys, where only the front truck would need a driver, making trucks cheaper than rail, Musk added. Shares of Tesla have risen 46 percent this year to make the company the No. 2 US automaker by market value. (with agency inputs)

Tesla unveils electric truck ? and a new sports car

Wildfires raged Sunday across much of California forcing hundreds to evacuate homes as the most populous US state sweltered in record heat. &nbsp;

About 5,000 fire crew members were battling 14 large wildfires around the state, according to Cal Fire. Among the largest was the Alamo fire in San Luis Obispo county, about midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Fire there has burned 23,867 acres (96.59 square kilometers) and was just 10 per cent contained, officials said.

Meanwhile, the Wall Fire in Butte county in the north-central part of the state saw 4,400 acres (17.8 square kilometers) consumed by flames.&nbsp;

The fire there is just 17 per cent contained and evacuations are in effect, Cal Fire said.

That blaze destroyed 10 structures and threatened hundreds more, according to Cal Fire. Four injuries have been reported.

The Whittier fire in Santa Barbara county in southern California was affecting 7,800 acres (31.56 square kilometers) and was just five per cent controlled.&nbsp;

Most of southern California including metropolitan Los Angeles has been in the grips of a blistering heat wave, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees (37 degrees Celsius).&nbsp;

California Governor Jerry Brown in April declared the official end of the state&#39;s drought that lasted more than five years.

But he kept in place water reporting requirements, as well as bans on practices like watering during or following rainfall and hosing off sidewalks.

Most of southern California including metropolitan Los Angeles has been in the grips of a blistering heat wave, with temperatures exceeding 100 degree

Wildfires raged Sunday across much of California forcing hundreds to evacuate homes as the most populous US state sweltered in record heat. About 5,000 fire crew members were battling 14 large wildfires around the state, according to Cal Fire. Among the largest was the Alamo fire in San Luis Obispo county, about midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Fire there has burned 23,867 acres (96.59 square kilometers) and was just 10 per cent contained, officials said. Meanwhile, the Wall Fire in Butte county in the north-central part of the state saw 4,400 acres (17.8 square kilometers) consumed by flames. The fire there is just 17 per cent contained and evacuations are in effect, Cal Fire said. That blaze destroyed 10 structures and threatened hundreds more, according to Cal Fire. Four injuries have been reported. The Whittier fire in Santa Barbara county in southern California was affecting 7,800 acres (31.56 square kilometers) and was just five per cent controlled. Most of southern California including metropolitan Los Angeles has been in the grips of a blistering heat wave, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees (37 degrees Celsius). California Governor Jerry Brown in April declared the official end of the state's drought that lasted more than five years. But he kept in place water reporting requirements, as well as bans on practices like watering during or following rainfall and hosing off sidewalks.

Forest fires rage in California amid sweltering heat

An Aeromexico passenger jet collided with a utility truck on a taxiway of Los Angeles International Airport shortly after landing on Saturday, injuring eight employees who were aboard the truck, but no one on the plane was hurt, authorities said. 
 
The cause of the mishap, which damaged the right wing of the Boeing 737 and left the large supply truck overturned on its side, remained under investigation, said Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey.

Six men and two women aboard the truck were taken to an area hospital for treatment of various unspecified injuries, none of them considered to be life-threatening, Humphreys said.

Airport officials said all eight were listed in stable condition.

No one among the approximately 150 passengers and crew aboard the plane, Aeromexico Flight 642 from Mexico City, required any medical attention, according to Humphreys.

But a statement from the airport said one passenger reported suffering some pain after leaving the aircraft.

The accident occurred at about 2:30 pm Pacific time. There was no fuel spill or fire, and the plane was able to finish taxiing to its gate, where the passengers disembarked.

Los Angeles International ranks as America&#39;s second-busiest airport, with nearly 700,000 takeoffs and landings a year. 
 
(AFP) 
&nbsp;

The accident occurred at about 2:30 pm Pacific time. There was no fuel spill or fire

An Aeromexico passenger jet collided with a utility truck on a taxiway of Los Angeles International Airport shortly after landing on Saturday, injuring eight employees who were aboard the truck, but no one on the plane was hurt, authorities said. The cause of the mishap, which damaged the right wing of the Boeing 737 and left the large supply truck overturned on its side, remained under investigation, said Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey. Six men and two women aboard the truck were taken to an area hospital for treatment of various unspecified injuries, none of them considered to be life-threatening, Humphreys said. Airport officials said all eight were listed in stable condition. No one among the approximately 150 passengers and crew aboard the plane, Aeromexico Flight 642 from Mexico City, required any medical attention, according to Humphreys. But a statement from the airport said one passenger reported suffering some pain after leaving the aircraft. The accident occurred at about 2:30 pm Pacific time. There was no fuel spill or fire, and the plane was able to finish taxiing to its gate, where the passengers disembarked. Los Angeles International ranks as America's second-busiest airport, with nearly 700,000 takeoffs and landings a year. (AFP)

8 injured as passenger jet collides with truck at Los Angeles airport

Just two cities are competing for the 2024 Summer Olympics&mdash;Paris and Los Angeles&mdash;the lowest number since Seoul and Nagoya (Japan) competed for the 1988 Olympics.

An evaluation commission from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has just visited <a href="http://www.latimes.com/sports/olympics/la-sp-olympics-ioc-visit-20170512-story.html">Los Angeles</a> and <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-olympics-2024-paris-idUSKCN18C0RN">Paris</a> and will publish a report on their findings <a href="https://www.olympic.org/current-candidature-process-2024">in July</a>. IOC members will finally vote on which city gets the Olympics at an <a href="https://www.olympic.org/current-candidature-process-2024">IOC session</a> in Lima, Peru in September.

Here&#39;s a look at the number of cities that <a href="https://books.google.co.in/books?id=DAHlAPOiu7QC&amp;pg=PA89&amp;lpg=PA89&amp;dq=1916+berlin+amsterdam+bid+olympics&amp;source=bl&amp;ots=GVpu7DJpl7&amp;sig=EhAnwgOWB3zM443ze4DxkT22E9k&amp;hl=en&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiRuqahuPbTAhXIwI8KHVHICiMQ6AEIUDAH#v=onepage&amp;q&amp;f=false">have competed</a> for the summer Olympics since 1896:

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As we can see, with just two cities bidding for the 2024 Olympics, this will be the lowest number in 36 years.

Back in September 2015, IOC <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2015/09/16/sport/olympics-2024-los-angeles-paris-rome-budapest-hamburg/">had announced</a> five cities would compete for the 2024 summer Olympics&mdash;Los Angeles, Rome, Paris, Budapest and Hamburg&mdash;but three cities withdrew leaving just Los Angeles and Paris in the running.

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The idea of hosting the Olympics has gradually become an <a href="http://theconversation.com/five-reasons-why-your-city-wont-want-to-host-the-olympic-games-52289">unwelcome and toxic idea</a>. Many worry about the prospect of building up infrastructure for the event that ends up becoming &#39;white elephants&#39; and lie <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2723515/Athens-Olympics-leave-mixed-legacy-10-years-later.html">unused</a> after the Olympics get over.

Reluctance to host the Olympics has grown so much that IOC president Thomas Bach, wary of the lack of quality bids for the 2028 games, <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2017/02/18/iocs-bach-welcomes-talk-on-2024-and-2028-olympic-hosts-pick/98092664/">even floated</a> the idea of awarding both 2024 and 2028 games at same time. Paris would get one and Los Angeles the other, but both cities <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-olympics-2024-wasserman-idUSKBN1802F7">reportedly</a> want to be considered only for 2024.

Because of the opposition to hosting the Olympics, chances are the Games will end up getting hosted only in developed countries where sports infrastructure has already been built up.

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We may never see a city in Africa host the Olympics, but that just might not be a bad thing. There has been talk about New Delhi too hosting the Olympics at some point in the future, but India would do well to heed these warning signs.

The 2020 Olympics will have the fewest cities competing for an Olympic Games in 36 years

Just two cities are competing for the 2024 Summer Olympics—Paris and Los Angeles—the lowest number since Seoul and Nagoya (Japan) competed for the 1988 Olympics. An evaluation commission from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has just visited Los Angeles and Paris and will publish a report on their findings in July. IOC members will finally vote on which city gets the Olympics at an IOC session in Lima, Peru in September. Here's a look at the number of cities that have competed for the summer Olympics since 1896: As we can see, with just two cities bidding for the 2024 Olympics, this will be the lowest number in 36 years. Back in September 2015, IOC had announced five cities would compete for the 2024 summer Olympics—Los Angeles, Rome, Paris, Budapest and Hamburg—but three cities withdrew leaving just Los Angeles and Paris in the running. The idea of hosting the Olympics has gradually become an unwelcome and toxic idea. Many worry about the prospect of building up infrastructure for the event that ends up becoming 'white elephants' and lie unused after the Olympics get over. Reluctance to host the Olympics has grown so much that IOC president Thomas Bach, wary of the lack of quality bids for the 2028 games, even floated the idea of awarding both 2024 and 2028 games at same time. Paris would get one and Los Angeles the other, but both cities reportedly want to be considered only for 2024. Because of the opposition to hosting the Olympics, chances are the Games will end up getting hosted only in developed countries where sports infrastructure has already been built up. We may never see a city in Africa host the Olympics, but that just might not be a bad thing. There has been talk about New Delhi too hosting the Olympics at some point in the future, but India would do well to heed these warning signs.

Infographic: Does no one want to host the Olympics anymore?

The iconic &quot;Hollywood&quot; sign in Los Angeles was changed by vandals to read &quot;Hollyweed&quot; on Sunday morning.

This came after California entered its first year with marijuana being made legal for recreational use by adults.

This is not the first time the sign has been changed to &quot;Hollyweed&quot;. The sign was also changed on New Year&#39;s day in 1976 when&nbsp;marijuana was first decriminalised in the state.

Starting January 1, 2018, shops in California&nbsp;will be licensed to sell marijuana to buyers without a medical card. Until then, California residents can possess and share marijuana.

The &quot;Hollywood&quot; sign was built in 1923 to promote a real estate development called &quot;Hollywoodland&quot;. In the 1940s the signed was turned over to the City of Los Angeles and changed to read &quot;Hollywood&quot; in 1949.

(WION with inputs from Reuters)

It is thought they were celebrating the legalisation of marijuana in California

The iconic "Hollywood" sign in Los Angeles was changed by vandals to read "Hollyweed" on Sunday morning. This came after California entered its first year with marijuana being made legal for recreational use by adults. This is not the first time the sign has been changed to "Hollyweed". The sign was also changed on New Year's day in 1976 when marijuana was first decriminalised in the state. Starting January 1, 2018, shops in California will be licensed to sell marijuana to buyers without a medical card. Until then, California residents can possess and share marijuana. The "Hollywood" sign was built in 1923 to promote a real estate development called "Hollywoodland". In the 1940s the signed was turned over to the City of Los Angeles and changed to read "Hollywood" in 1949. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

Vandals change Hollywood sign to Hollyweed

Usher, the singing sensation of &lsquo;Yeah&rsquo; fame was honoured with the 2588th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.&nbsp;Usher was accompanied by wife Grace Miguel and sons Naviyd Raymond and Usher Raymond V when he unveiled his star in Los Angeles on September 7.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JmPnGhX_Upw?list=PLmWa9ZZLlCjt0Jlg7kN3JBNX4LH1sRsGh" width="970"></iframe>

Usher is an eight-time Grammy winner and has sold more than 65 million albums. His album &lsquo;Confessions&rsquo; was the top-selling solo music album in the first decade of the 21st century. He launched his first album when he was just 15, got his first platinum record at 19 and had nine number 1 singles before turning 37.

This indeed is a milestone for the R&amp;B singer, songwriter, actor and dancer, reflecting on his journey in the industry.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Thank you to everyone who has helped me get to this point ?? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Humbled?src=hash">#Humbled</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WalkOfFame?src=hash">#WalkOfFame</a> <a href="https://t.co/8kGpXq568i">pic.twitter.com/8kGpXq568i</a>
&mdash; Usher Raymond IV (@Usher) <a href="https://twitter.com/Usher/status/773644163053154304">September 7, 2016</a></blockquote>
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The eight-time Grammy winner was surrounded by family and fans as he received the 2588th star

Usher, the singing sensation of ‘Yeah’ fame was honoured with the 2588th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Usher was accompanied by wife Grace Miguel and sons Naviyd Raymond and Usher Raymond V when he unveiled his star in Los Angeles on September 7. Usher is an eight-time Grammy winner and has sold more than 65 million albums. His album ‘Confessions’ was the top-selling solo music album in the first decade of the 21st century. He launched his first album when he was just 15, got his first platinum record at 19 and had nine number 1 singles before turning 37. This indeed is a milestone for the R&B singer, songwriter, actor and dancer, reflecting on his journey in the industry. Thank you to everyone who has helped me get to this point ?? #Humbled #WalkOfFame pic.twitter.com/8kGpXq568i — Usher Raymond IV (@Usher) September 7, 2016 ×

Video: Usher honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame

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