In January 2019, a liberal-arts student from New York born to immigrant parents will become the first black woman to lead Harvard University's Crimson newspaper in its 145-year history.

Kristine Guillaume, who is studying literature, history and African-American studies, was elected this month with a promise to steer the traditional bastion of the establishment towards a more diverse, digital-first future.

She has previously served as a chair of a diversity and inclusivity committee, responsible for making The Harvard Crimson more diverse and welcoming to students from all backgrounds.

"If my being elected to the Crimson presidency as the first black woman affirms anyone's sense of belonging at Harvard, then that will continue to affirm the work that I'm doing," she told The New York Times.

The 20-year-old is the third black president and first black woman to helm the organization since it was founded in 1873.

The Crimson has traditionally been a fast-track to illustrious careers. Past writers and editors at the daily include John F&nbsp;Kennedy and Franklin D&nbsp;Roosevelt, two of America's most celebrated presidents.

According to the Times, Guillaume plans to pursue a doctorate in African-American studies and a career in academia, with some writing on the side. She considers the author Ta-Nehisi Coates a role model.

Guillaume, the daughter of two doctors -- her Chinese mother and Haitian father -- will be joined by Angela Fu as incoming managing editor. Harvard was taken to court this fall over criticism that it discriminates against Asian students.

In 2018, people of colour make up just over 22 per cent of the workforce in US newsrooms, according to the American Society of Newspaper Editors.

In 1990, Barack Obama was the first black person elected to lead The Harvard Law Review, considered the highest student position at Harvard Law School.

In January 2019, a liberal-arts student from New York born to immigrant parents will become the first black woman to lead Harvard University's Crimson newspaper in its 145-year history.

In January 2019, a liberal-arts student from New York born to immigrant parents will become the first black woman to lead Harvard University's Crimson newspaper in its 145-year history. Kristine Guillaume, who is studying literature, history and African-American studies, was elected this month with a promise to steer the traditional bastion of the establishment towards a more diverse, digital-first future. She has previously served as a chair of a diversity and inclusivity committee, responsible for making The Harvard Crimson more diverse and welcoming to students from all backgrounds. "If my being elected to the Crimson presidency as the first black woman affirms anyone's sense of belonging at Harvard, then that will continue to affirm the work that I'm doing," she told The New York Times. The 20-year-old is the third black president and first black woman to helm the organization since it was founded in 1873. The Crimson has traditionally been a fast-track to illustrious careers. Past writers and editors at the daily include John F Kennedy and Franklin D Roosevelt, two of America's most celebrated presidents. According to the Times, Guillaume plans to pursue a doctorate in African-American studies and a career in academia, with some writing on the side. She considers the author Ta-Nehisi Coates a role model. Guillaume, the daughter of two doctors -- her Chinese mother and Haitian father -- will be joined by Angela Fu as incoming managing editor. Harvard was taken to court this fall over criticism that it discriminates against Asian students. In 2018, people of colour make up just over 22 per cent of the workforce in US newsrooms, according to the American Society of Newspaper Editors. In 1990, Barack Obama was the first black person elected to lead The Harvard Law Review, considered the highest student position at Harvard Law School.

First black woman to take over Harvard's Crimson newspaper

Sonali Bendre, who is undergoing treatment in New York for metastatic cancer, spent an 'unconventional'Diwali this year.&nbsp; 
 
Sonali, who regularly shares her thoughts and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/sonali-bendre-opens-up-about-pain-in-an-inspring-instagram-post-170470">updates about her treatment </a>on Instagram, &nbsp;posted photos of the intimate Diwali celebrations in New York. Sonali, her husband Goldie Behl and their son Ranveer did a customary puja on Diwali.&nbsp; 
 
Sonali wrote, "Diwali in New York happens much later than in Mumbai... Hence the late wish! It was quite an unconventional one... We didn't have Indian clothes, we had a small puja... But it was all heart.&nbsp; 
 
Happy Diwali everyone! May this year bring you good health, wealth and prosperity... Hope you celebrated this festival with your family and friends, and hope you cherish every moment of happiness with them!"

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp5_cJPBH8L/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Diwali in New York happens much later than in Mumbai... Hence the late wish! It was quite an unconventional one... We didn't have Indian clothes, we had a small puja... But it was all heart. Happy Diwali everyone! May this year bring you good health, wealth and prosperity... Hope you celebrated this festival with your family and friends, and hope you cherish every moment of happiness with them!</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/iamsonalibendre/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Sonali Bendre</a> (@iamsonalibendre) on <time datetime="2018-11-08T04:34:28+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Nov 7, 2018 at 8:34pm PST</time>
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The 43- year-old actress was diagnosed with metastatic cancer in July. She has been in New York since then.

“I have recently been diagnosed with a high-grade cancer that has metastised, which we frankly did not see coming. A niggling pain led to some tests, which led to this unexpected diagnosis. My family and close friends have rallied around me, providing the best support system that anyone can ask for. I am very blessed and thankful for each of them,” she had revealed through an Instagram post in July.

Sonali Bendre, who is undergoing treatment in New York for metastatic cancer, spent an 'unconventional'Diwali this year. Sonali, who regularly shares her thoughts and updates about her treatment on Instagram, posted photos of the intimate Diwali celebrations in New York.

Sonali Bendre, who is undergoing treatment in New York for metastatic cancer, spent an 'unconventional'Diwali this year. Sonali, who regularly shares her thoughts and updates about her treatment on Instagram, posted photos of the intimate Diwali celebrations in New York. Sonali, her husband Goldie Behl and their son Ranveer did a customary puja on Diwali. Sonali wrote, "Diwali in New York happens much later than in Mumbai... Hence the late wish! It was quite an unconventional one... We didn't have Indian clothes, we had a small puja... But it was all heart. Happy Diwali everyone! May this year bring you good health, wealth and prosperity... Hope you celebrated this festival with your family and friends, and hope you cherish every moment of happiness with them!" View this post on Instagram Diwali in New York happens much later than in Mumbai... Hence the late wish! It was quite an unconventional one... We didn't have Indian clothes, we had a small puja... But it was all heart. Happy Diwali everyone! May this year bring you good health, wealth and prosperity... Hope you celebrated this festival with your family and friends, and hope you cherish every moment of happiness with them! A post shared by Sonali Bendre (@iamsonalibendre) on Nov 7, 2018 at 8:34pm PST × The 43- year-old actress was diagnosed with metastatic cancer in July. She has been in New York since then. “I have recently been diagnosed with a high-grade cancer that has metastised, which we frankly did not see coming. A niggling pain led to some tests, which led to this unexpected diagnosis. My family and close friends have rallied around me, providing the best support system that anyone can ask for. I am very blessed and thankful for each of them,” she had revealed through an Instagram post in July.

Sonali Bendre celebrates an 'unconventional' Diwali with husband and son

A US federal court has convicted a Bangladeshi immigrant on charges of detonation and attempted detonation of a pipe bomb in a New York subway station last year.

Akayed Ullah, 28, a legal permanent resident, faces a possible sentence of life in prison. His sentencing is scheduled on April 5.

During interrogation, Ullah had told law enforcement officials that he got inspiration from the ISIS to carry out such a terrorist strike in New York City and constructed the pipe bomb at his residence in Brooklyn.

US Attorney Geoffrey Berman said that Ullah's sinister purpose was to harm and terrorise as many innocent people in his path as possible, by using deadly violence to make a political statement.

Assistant Attorney General John Demers said, "Less than a year ago, Ullah constructed a pipe bomb and detonated it in a mass transit hub in the heart of New York City to harm and terrorize as many people as possible, all on behalf of ISIS. His crime reminds us that the threat of radical Islamist terrorism remains real."

"This guilty verdict holds Ullah accountable and he faces a potential life term in federal prison for his crimes. I want to thank all the agents and prosecutors whose outstanding work made this result possible," he said.

Berman said, "Ullah's conviction by a unanimous jury of New Yorkers falls on Election Day, which fittingly underscores the core principles of American democracy and spirit: Americans engage in the political process through votes, not violence."

Ullah detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) inside a subway terminal near the New York Port Authority Bus Terminal on December 11, 2017.

Shortly after the blast, members of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department located Ullah lying on the ground in the vicinity of the explosion. 
Surveillance footage had captured him walking through the Subway Terminal and detonating the IED.

A US federal court has convicted a Bangladeshi immigrant on charges of detonation and attempted detonation of a pipe bomb in a New York subway station last year.

A US federal court has convicted a Bangladeshi immigrant on charges of detonation and attempted detonation of a pipe bomb in a New York subway station last year. Akayed Ullah, 28, a legal permanent resident, faces a possible sentence of life in prison. His sentencing is scheduled on April 5. During interrogation, Ullah had told law enforcement officials that he got inspiration from the ISIS to carry out such a terrorist strike in New York City and constructed the pipe bomb at his residence in Brooklyn. US Attorney Geoffrey Berman said that Ullah's sinister purpose was to harm and terrorise as many innocent people in his path as possible, by using deadly violence to make a political statement. Assistant Attorney General John Demers said, "Less than a year ago, Ullah constructed a pipe bomb and detonated it in a mass transit hub in the heart of New York City to harm and terrorize as many people as possible, all on behalf of ISIS. His crime reminds us that the threat of radical Islamist terrorism remains real." "This guilty verdict holds Ullah accountable and he faces a potential life term in federal prison for his crimes. I want to thank all the agents and prosecutors whose outstanding work made this result possible," he said. Berman said, "Ullah's conviction by a unanimous jury of New Yorkers falls on Election Day, which fittingly underscores the core principles of American democracy and spirit: Americans engage in the political process through votes, not violence." Ullah detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) inside a subway terminal near the New York Port Authority Bus Terminal on December 11, 2017. Shortly after the blast, members of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department located Ullah lying on the ground in the vicinity of the explosion. Surveillance footage had captured him walking through the Subway Terminal and detonating the IED.

Bangladeshi immigrant convicted for 2017 New York subway bomb blast

The Florida man accused of mailing bombs to prominent Democrats and other critics of US&nbsp;President Donald Trump agreed to be held without bail on

Tuesday during his first appearance in federal court in New York.

Cesar Sayoc was arrested on October&nbsp;26 in Fort Lauderdale and agreed in a Florida court appearance last week to be transferred to New York to face five criminal charges.

Sayoc, a former stripper and pizza delivery driver who lived in a white van festooned with right-wing political images supporting Trump and attacking his critics, was arrested following an intense manhunt.

Dressed in a navy blue prison overalls with his gray hair pulled back and knotted at the back of his head, Sayoc appeared respectful and alert in court.

When US&nbsp;Magistrate Judge Robert Lehrburger asked him if he understood his rights as explained to him, Sayoc responded: "Yes, sir, a hundred percent."

Prosecutors had argued before the hearing that Sayoc was too dangerous to be released on bail. But Sayoc`s attorney, federal defender Sarah Baumgartel, told the hearing he would not make an application for bail at this point.&nbsp;

A preliminary hearing in the case was set for November&nbsp;12.

The mailed bombs and the separate massacre of 11 Jews at a Pittsburgh synagogue in late October heightened tensions days ahead of Tuesday`s

elections, which will determine the balance of power in the US&nbsp;Congress currently controlled by Trump`s Republican Party.&nbsp; 
Prosecutors have accused Sayoc of sending 16 improvised explosive devices. None of the devices exploded before being intercepted and no one was

hurt. 
The first bomb discovered was sent to billionaire investor George Soros at his home in New York`s Westchester County, and some of the other high-profile targets also live in New York state, including former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Other targets of the improvised explosive devices included former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Joe Biden, among others.

Sayoc faces a maximum 48 years in prison if convicted on the five counts he now faces, including for mailing explosives and threatening the Clintons. 
Prosecutors have said Sayoc is likely to face additional charges and penalties from their ongoing investigation.

In a letter to ABC News Sayoc`s mother, Madeline Sayoc, wrote that she had unsuccessfully tried to get him treatment for what she said was long-standing mental illness.

The Florida man accused of mailing bombs to prominent Democrats and other critics of US President Donald Trump agreed to be held without bail on Tuesday during his first appearance in federal court in New York.

The Florida man accused of mailing bombs to prominent Democrats and other critics of US President Donald Trump agreed to be held without bail on Tuesday during his first appearance in federal court in New York. Cesar Sayoc was arrested on October 26 in Fort Lauderdale and agreed in a Florida court appearance last week to be transferred to New York to face five criminal charges. Sayoc, a former stripper and pizza delivery driver who lived in a white van festooned with right-wing political images supporting Trump and attacking his critics, was arrested following an intense manhunt. Dressed in a navy blue prison overalls with his gray hair pulled back and knotted at the back of his head, Sayoc appeared respectful and alert in court. When US Magistrate Judge Robert Lehrburger asked him if he understood his rights as explained to him, Sayoc responded: "Yes, sir, a hundred percent." Prosecutors had argued before the hearing that Sayoc was too dangerous to be released on bail. But Sayoc`s attorney, federal defender Sarah Baumgartel, told the hearing he would not make an application for bail at this point. A preliminary hearing in the case was set for November 12. The mailed bombs and the separate massacre of 11 Jews at a Pittsburgh synagogue in late October heightened tensions days ahead of Tuesday`s elections, which will determine the balance of power in the US Congress currently controlled by Trump`s Republican Party. Prosecutors have accused Sayoc of sending 16 improvised explosive devices. None of the devices exploded before being intercepted and no one was hurt. The first bomb discovered was sent to billionaire investor George Soros at his home in New York`s Westchester County, and some of the other high-profile targets also live in New York state, including former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Other targets of the improvised explosive devices included former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Joe Biden, among others. Sayoc faces a maximum 48 years in prison if convicted on the five counts he now faces, including for mailing explosives and threatening the Clintons. Prosecutors have said Sayoc is likely to face additional charges and penalties from their ongoing investigation. In a letter to ABC News Sayoc`s mother, Madeline Sayoc, wrote that she had unsuccessfully tried to get him treatment for what she said was long-standing mental illness.

US mail bomb suspect agrees to be held without bail

Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman goes on trial in New York on Monday, accused of running the world's biggest drug cartel and spending a quarter of a century smuggling more than 155 tons of cocaine into the United States.

The mammoth trial in Brooklyn, which will cost millions of dollars and is expected to last more than four months, will see one of the world's most notorious criminals face the US justice system.

Prosecutors spent years piecing together a sweeping case against Guzman, who was extradited in 2017 after twice escaping prison in Mexico -- first hidden in a laundry cart, then slipping down a tunnel that reached his prison shower.

Experts say the government has a near water-tight case likely to send Guzman, 61, to a maximum-security US prison for the rest of his life, after jury selection kicks off on Monday. But at what price?

The Sinaloa cartel that Guzman founded in 1989 is still hugely powerful. His co-defendant Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada remains at large, and violent drug trafficking continues unabated in Mexico.

Last year, Mexico witnessed a record 29,000 murders. In the United States, opioid addiction has spiraled into an epidemic. In 2016, an average of 174 Americans died every day from drug overdoses.

Jury selection will be conducted in the tightest security reserved only for the most dangerous defendants. US District Court Judge Brian Cogan will preside over the process behind closed doors.

- 'Most expensive trial in history' -

The 12 jurors, with six alternates, will remain anonymous. US Marshals will escort them to and from the federal court every day.

These ordinary men and women will determine whether Guzman -- the diminutive father of two whose nickname means "shorty" -- is guilty or not of 11 trafficking, firearms and money laundering charges.

According to the indictment, the Sinaloa cartel, which Guzman is accused of leading from 1989 to 2014, became "the largest drug trafficking organization in the world... with thousands of members."

US prosecutors contend that from 1989 to 2014, the cartel smuggled at least 340,892 pounds (154,626 kilograms) of cocaine into the United States, as well as heroin, methamphetamine and marijuana, raking in $14 billion.

Guzman pleads not guilty, but the government has presented so much evidence -- more than 300,000 pages and at least 117,000 audio recordings -- that the defense complains they haven't had enough time to review it all.

"It's probably set up to be the most expensive trial in the history of the US," says Rob Heroy, a North Carolina lawyer who has defended other Mexican drug barons. The price tag includes protection programs for at least some of the several hundred witnesses expected to testify.

Even Guzman's lawyers are in the dark as to all the former associates, hired hands or rivals who have turned informants.

- Informants -

Some of the informants have already been absorbed into the US witness protection program, given new identities. Others are already in jail, housed in special wings to protect them from reprisals.

Guzman has been held in solitary confinement in New York since Mexico extradited him in January 2017, one day before Donald Trump took office. He spends 23 hours a day in his cell.

The only visitors he is allowed are his lawyers and twin, seven-year-old daughters, from whom he is separated by thick glass.

The judge has banned his 29-year-old beauty queen wife, Emma Coronel, from visiting. Instead, she has attended almost all his pre-trial hearings, waving and blowing him kisses from the gallery.

Arrested for the first time in Guatemala in 1993, El Chapo spent more than seven years in a Mexican prison before his first escape in 2001.

Re-arrested by Mexican marines in February 2014, he escaped again 14 months later.

Guzman was re-captured in January 2016 after a visit from Hollywood actor Sean Penn and a Mexican actress, who wanted to make a film about his life, allowed Mexican authorities to trace his whereabouts.

This time, Mexico decided to wash their hands and put him on a plane.

Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman goes on trial in New York on Monday, accused of running the world's biggest drug cartel and spending a quarter of a century smuggling more than 155 tons of cocaine into the United States.

Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman goes on trial in New York on Monday, accused of running the world's biggest drug cartel and spending a quarter of a century smuggling more than 155 tons of cocaine into the United States. The mammoth trial in Brooklyn, which will cost millions of dollars and is expected to last more than four months, will see one of the world's most notorious criminals face the US justice system. Prosecutors spent years piecing together a sweeping case against Guzman, who was extradited in 2017 after twice escaping prison in Mexico -- first hidden in a laundry cart, then slipping down a tunnel that reached his prison shower. Experts say the government has a near water-tight case likely to send Guzman, 61, to a maximum-security US prison for the rest of his life, after jury selection kicks off on Monday. But at what price? The Sinaloa cartel that Guzman founded in 1989 is still hugely powerful. His co-defendant Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada remains at large, and violent drug trafficking continues unabated in Mexico. Last year, Mexico witnessed a record 29,000 murders. In the United States, opioid addiction has spiraled into an epidemic. In 2016, an average of 174 Americans died every day from drug overdoses. Jury selection will be conducted in the tightest security reserved only for the most dangerous defendants. US District Court Judge Brian Cogan will preside over the process behind closed doors. - 'Most expensive trial in history' - The 12 jurors, with six alternates, will remain anonymous. US Marshals will escort them to and from the federal court every day. These ordinary men and women will determine whether Guzman -- the diminutive father of two whose nickname means "shorty" -- is guilty or not of 11 trafficking, firearms and money laundering charges. According to the indictment, the Sinaloa cartel, which Guzman is accused of leading from 1989 to 2014, became "the largest drug trafficking organization in the world... with thousands of members." US prosecutors contend that from 1989 to 2014, the cartel smuggled at least 340,892 pounds (154,626 kilograms) of cocaine into the United States, as well as heroin, methamphetamine and marijuana, raking in $14 billion. Guzman pleads not guilty, but the government has presented so much evidence -- more than 300,000 pages and at least 117,000 audio recordings -- that the defense complains they haven't had enough time to review it all. "It's probably set up to be the most expensive trial in the history of the US," says Rob Heroy, a North Carolina lawyer who has defended other Mexican drug barons. The price tag includes protection programs for at least some of the several hundred witnesses expected to testify. Even Guzman's lawyers are in the dark as to all the former associates, hired hands or rivals who have turned informants. - Informants - Some of the informants have already been absorbed into the US witness protection program, given new identities. Others are already in jail, housed in special wings to protect them from reprisals. Guzman has been held in solitary confinement in New York since Mexico extradited him in January 2017, one day before Donald Trump took office. He spends 23 hours a day in his cell. The only visitors he is allowed are his lawyers and twin, seven-year-old daughters, from whom he is separated by thick glass. The judge has banned his 29-year-old beauty queen wife, Emma Coronel, from visiting. Instead, she has attended almost all his pre-trial hearings, waving and blowing him kisses from the gallery. Arrested for the first time in Guatemala in 1993, El Chapo spent more than seven years in a Mexican prison before his first escape in 2001. Re-arrested by Mexican marines in February 2014, he escaped again 14 months later. Guzman was re-captured in January 2016 after a visit from Hollywood actor Sean Penn and a Mexican actress, who wanted to make a film about his life, allowed Mexican authorities to trace his whereabouts. This time, Mexico decided to wash their hands and put him on a plane.

Mexican drug lord El Chapo faces biggest US drugs trial

Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin was arrested and charged with assault on Friday after allegedly punching a 49-year-old man in the face during a New York parking dispute, police said.

The 60-year-old, who has famously impersonated President Donald Trump and who lives in downtown Manhattan with his second wife and their four young children, was arrested in Greenwich Village.

"Police got a call around 1:30 pm (1730 GMT) regarding an assault in progress. When we got there, we discovered that it looked like two individuals were fighting over a parking spot," a spokeswoman said.

The younger man had already parked his vehicle and was attempting to purchase a parking ticket, when he got into a dispute with Baldwin, "who then punched him in the face," the officer said.

She said the unnamed man was taken to hospital in a "stable" condition, while Baldwin was in custody.&nbsp;

He was subsequently charged with assault in the third degree and harassment in the second degree, and ordered to appear in court on November 26, police said.

Baldwin is well known for his hot temper and for impersonating Trump on satirical US television show "Saturday Night Live." The Oscar nominee recently launched a Sunday night talk show on ABC television.

In 2014, he was detained by New York police for riding his bicycle the wrong way down a street.

In late 2013, NBC scrapped his late-night chat show after he allegedly subjected a photographer to a homophobic slur outside his apartment on the day that a Canadian actress convicted of stalking him was jailed.

In a subsequent profanity-laden article in New York Magazine, the actor said he was finished with public life and that the Big Apple no longer offered his then baby daughter a "normal" life.

The near 5,300-word rant denied allegations that he insulted gays and lashed out furiously against the media, the city where he has lived since 1979, and US public life in general.

Despite that February 2014 article, the actor still lives in Manhattan with second wife Hilaria. The couple have four young children together.

His anger made headlines as long ago as 2007, when he left a notorious message for his then 11-year-old daughter with first wife Kim Basinger, calling her a "rude, thoughtless little pig."

Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin was arrested and charged with assault on Friday after allegedly punching a 49-year-old man in the face during a New York parking dispute, police said.

Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin was arrested and charged with assault on Friday after allegedly punching a 49-year-old man in the face during a New York parking dispute, police said. The 60-year-old, who has famously impersonated President Donald Trump and who lives in downtown Manhattan with his second wife and their four young children, was arrested in Greenwich Village. "Police got a call around 1:30 pm (1730 GMT) regarding an assault in progress. When we got there, we discovered that it looked like two individuals were fighting over a parking spot," a spokeswoman said. The younger man had already parked his vehicle and was attempting to purchase a parking ticket, when he got into a dispute with Baldwin, "who then punched him in the face," the officer said. She said the unnamed man was taken to hospital in a "stable" condition, while Baldwin was in custody. He was subsequently charged with assault in the third degree and harassment in the second degree, and ordered to appear in court on November 26, police said. Baldwin is well known for his hot temper and for impersonating Trump on satirical US television show "Saturday Night Live." The Oscar nominee recently launched a Sunday night talk show on ABC television. In 2014, he was detained by New York police for riding his bicycle the wrong way down a street. In late 2013, NBC scrapped his late-night chat show after he allegedly subjected a photographer to a homophobic slur outside his apartment on the day that a Canadian actress convicted of stalking him was jailed. In a subsequent profanity-laden article in New York Magazine, the actor said he was finished with public life and that the Big Apple no longer offered his then baby daughter a "normal" life. The near 5,300-word rant denied allegations that he insulted gays and lashed out furiously against the media, the city where he has lived since 1979, and US public life in general. Despite that February 2014 article, the actor still lives in Manhattan with second wife Hilaria. The couple have four young children together. His anger made headlines as long ago as 2007, when he left a notorious message for his then 11-year-old daughter with first wife Kim Basinger, calling her a "rude, thoughtless little pig."

Alec Baldwin charged in New York after 'punching' man

After meeting a string of pals and stars from Bollywood, Rishi Kapoor had yet another reason to smile on Thursday. He met another star visitor -- Hollywood actor and producer Robert De Niro.

The veteran actor shared a picture on Twitter where one can see Ranbir Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor beaming from ear to ear with Robert who is standing in between.

Rishi Kapoor captioned the pic and tweeted, “Wow moment. Impromptu meeting with Robert De Nero on 65th and 3rd. He knew Ranbir coz he had met him and Anupam and said come over with Kher for a drink! Simplicity and superstardom. I realized I have been such a bloody brat. Cannot get over his demeanour. Thank you Bob!”

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Wow moment. Impromptu meeting with Robert De Nero on 65th and 3rd. He knew Ranbir coz he had met him and Anupam and said come over with Kher for a drink! Simplicity and super stardom. I realized I have been such a bloody brat. Cannot get over his demeanor. Thank you Bob ! <a href="https://t.co/gzdhQDawBO">pic.twitter.com/gzdhQDawBO</a>
— Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) <a href="https://twitter.com/chintskap/status/1055259976065839107?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The actor was spotted with a string of stars who visited him at different dates&nbsp;including Anupam Kher and Ranbir Kapoor's girlfriend, Alia Bhatt.

After meeting a string of pals and stars from Bollywood, Rishi Kapoor had yet another reason to smile on Thursday. He met another star visitor -- Hollywood actor and producer Robert De Niro.

After meeting a string of pals and stars from Bollywood, Rishi Kapoor had yet another reason to smile on Thursday. He met another star visitor -- Hollywood actor and producer Robert De Niro. The veteran actor shared a picture on Twitter where one can see Ranbir Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor beaming from ear to ear with Robert who is standing in between. Rishi Kapoor captioned the pic and tweeted, “Wow moment. Impromptu meeting with Robert De Nero on 65th and 3rd. He knew Ranbir coz he had met him and Anupam and said come over with Kher for a drink! Simplicity and superstardom. I realized I have been such a bloody brat. Cannot get over his demeanour. Thank you Bob!” Wow moment. Impromptu meeting with Robert De Nero on 65th and 3rd. He knew Ranbir coz he had met him and Anupam and said come over with Kher for a drink! Simplicity and super stardom. I realized I have been such a bloody brat. Cannot get over his demeanor. Thank you Bob ! pic.twitter.com/gzdhQDawBO — Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) October 25, 2018 × The actor was spotted with a string of stars who visited him at different dates including Anupam Kher and Ranbir Kapoor's girlfriend, Alia Bhatt.

Rishi Kapoor meets  Hollywood actor Robert De Niro in New York

Melissa Madara was not surprised to receive death threats on Friday as her Brooklyn witchcraft store prepared to host a public hexing of newly confirmed US&nbsp;Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh this weekend.

The planned casting of an anti-Kavanaugh spell, one of the more striking instances of politically disgruntled Americans turning to the supernatural when frustrated by democracy, has drawn backlash from some Christian groups but support from like-minded witch covens.

"It gives the people who are seeking agency a little bit of chance to have that back," Madara said. The ritual was scheduled to be livestreamed on Facebook and Instagram at 8 p.m. EDT on Saturday (1200 GMT Sunday).

Seated at a desk phone among bird skulls and crystal balls at Catland Books, the occult shop she co-owns, Madara said the Kavanaugh hex is expected to be the most popular event the store has hosted since its 2013 opening, including spells aimed at President Donald Trump. Madara declined to provide details of what the latest ritual will entail.

More than 15,000 people who have seen Catland Books promotions on Facebook have expressed interest in attending the event, vastly exceeding the shop's 60-person capacity.

Not everyone is a witchcraft fan. Madara said she had fielded numerous irate calls from critics, with at least one threatening violence. “Every time we host something like this there’s always people who like to call in with death threats or read us scripture," she said.

As far as supporters go, some are sexual assault survivors still angry that the US&nbsp;Senate confirmed Kavanaugh's lifetime appointment to the nation's highest court despite accusations that he had sexually assaulted multiple women.

Kavanaugh has denied the allegations, and an FBI investigation failed to corroborate his accusers' accounts.

Democrats hope lingering outrage over Kavanaugh, particularly among women, will translate into election gains for them on November&nbsp;6. Republicans are likewise trying to seize on anger among conservatives at how they perceive Kavanaugh was mistreated.

Believers in mysticism on both sides of the political divide are taking matters into their own hands.

Plans for the Catland Books event have sparked "counter hexes" around the country by those seeking to undo the spell that the Brooklyn witches cast against Kavanaugh, Madara said.

Even mainstream clergy was joining the fray. Rev. Gary Thomas of the Diocese of San Jose in California said on Friday that he would include Kavanaugh in his prayers at Saturday mass.

"I think this is much more serious than people give it credit for," Thomas said. "Conjuring a hex can be very dangerous."

Politically oriented witchcraft has seen a renewed surge in popularity since Trump took office.

Magician Michael Hughes drew crowds of supporters and more than 12,000 "likes" to his Facebook page when he held a “mass spell" to curse Trump in February 2017.

"We are embracing witchcraft's true roots as the magik of the poor, the downtrodden and disenfranchised," Catland Books said in a&nbsp;Facebook post for its event.

Melissa Madara was not surprised to receive death threats on Friday as her Brooklyn witchcraft store prepared to host a public hexing of newly confirmed US Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh this weekend.

Melissa Madara was not surprised to receive death threats on Friday as her Brooklyn witchcraft store prepared to host a public hexing of newly confirmed US Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh this weekend. The planned casting of an anti-Kavanaugh spell, one of the more striking instances of politically disgruntled Americans turning to the supernatural when frustrated by democracy, has drawn backlash from some Christian groups but support from like-minded witch covens. "It gives the people who are seeking agency a little bit of chance to have that back," Madara said. The ritual was scheduled to be livestreamed on Facebook and Instagram at 8 p.m. EDT on Saturday (1200 GMT Sunday). Seated at a desk phone among bird skulls and crystal balls at Catland Books, the occult shop she co-owns, Madara said the Kavanaugh hex is expected to be the most popular event the store has hosted since its 2013 opening, including spells aimed at President Donald Trump. Madara declined to provide details of what the latest ritual will entail. More than 15,000 people who have seen Catland Books promotions on Facebook have expressed interest in attending the event, vastly exceeding the shop's 60-person capacity. Not everyone is a witchcraft fan. Madara said she had fielded numerous irate calls from critics, with at least one threatening violence. “Every time we host something like this there’s always people who like to call in with death threats or read us scripture," she said. As far as supporters go, some are sexual assault survivors still angry that the US Senate confirmed Kavanaugh's lifetime appointment to the nation's highest court despite accusations that he had sexually assaulted multiple women. Kavanaugh has denied the allegations, and an FBI investigation failed to corroborate his accusers' accounts. Democrats hope lingering outrage over Kavanaugh, particularly among women, will translate into election gains for them on November 6. Republicans are likewise trying to seize on anger among conservatives at how they perceive Kavanaugh was mistreated. Believers in mysticism on both sides of the political divide are taking matters into their own hands. Plans for the Catland Books event have sparked "counter hexes" around the country by those seeking to undo the spell that the Brooklyn witches cast against Kavanaugh, Madara said. Even mainstream clergy was joining the fray. Rev. Gary Thomas of the Diocese of San Jose in California said on Friday that he would include Kavanaugh in his prayers at Saturday mass. "I think this is much more serious than people give it credit for," Thomas said. "Conjuring a hex can be very dangerous." Politically oriented witchcraft has seen a renewed surge in popularity since Trump took office. Magician Michael Hughes drew crowds of supporters and more than 12,000 "likes" to his Facebook page when he held a “mass spell" to curse Trump in February 2017. "We are embracing witchcraft's true roots as the magik of the poor, the downtrodden and disenfranchised," Catland Books said in a Facebook post for its event.

New York witches aim hex at Supreme Court's Brett Kavanaugh despite death threats

Acclaimed writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar&nbsp;paid a visit to&nbsp;his old friend and veteran actor Rishi Kapoor, who is undergoing&nbsp;medical treatment in the United States.

Overwhelmed by Akhtar's&nbsp;visit and meeting his friend, Rishi Kapoor took Twitter to express his joy and&nbsp;tweeted a picture&nbsp;with Javed Akhtar and wife Neetu Kapoor with&nbsp;a caption, ''Thank you Javed Sahab for entertaining and making us laugh so much. Thank for visiting us! Wish you all super luck for your blockbuster musical shows. Believe RIshime-your show is a breakthrough idea."

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Thank you Javed Sahab for entertaining and making us laugh so much. Thank for visiting us! Wish you all super luck for your block buster musical shows. Believe me-your show is a break through idea. <a href="https://t.co/X4tVoj9LSa">pic.twitter.com/X4tVoj9LSa</a>
— Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) <a href="https://twitter.com/chintskap/status/1053087050856050688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Rishi Kapoor recently flew to the US with wife Neetu Kapoor and son Ranbir Kapoor to seek medical treatment.&nbsp;

Alia Bhatt has also visited Rishi Kapoor along with her rumoured beau Ranbir Kapoor.

Rishi Kapoor was also visited by Anupam Kher and Priyanka Chopra. He had also met Sonali Bendre and her husband Goldie Behl.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Acclaimed writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar paid a visit to his old friend and veteran actor Rishi Kapoor, who is undergoing medical treatment in the United States.

Acclaimed writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar paid a visit to his old friend and veteran actor Rishi Kapoor, who is undergoing medical treatment in the United States. Overwhelmed by Akhtar's visit and meeting his friend, Rishi Kapoor took Twitter to express his joy and tweeted a picture with Javed Akhtar and wife Neetu Kapoor with a caption, ''Thank you Javed Sahab for entertaining and making us laugh so much. Thank for visiting us! Wish you all super luck for your blockbuster musical shows. Believe RIshime-your show is a breakthrough idea." Thank you Javed Sahab for entertaining and making us laugh so much. Thank for visiting us! Wish you all super luck for your block buster musical shows. Believe me-your show is a break through idea. pic.twitter.com/X4tVoj9LSa — Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) October 19, 2018 × Rishi Kapoor recently flew to the US with wife Neetu Kapoor and son Ranbir Kapoor to seek medical treatment. Alia Bhatt has also visited Rishi Kapoor along with her rumoured beau Ranbir Kapoor. Rishi Kapoor was also visited by Anupam Kher and Priyanka Chopra. He had also met Sonali Bendre and her husband Goldie Behl.

Rishi Kapoor all smiles after meeting his pal Javed Akhtar in New York

For the first time in over two decades, New York City witnessed a weekend without any shootings or homicide.&nbsp;

According to reports, the last time the city went without any incident of shooting or homicide over a weekend was in 1993, nearly 25 years back.&nbsp;

"We went Friday, Saturday, Sunday without any shootings and homicides," New York Police Department chief James O'Neill told reporters.

"That's the first time in decades, and that's something, not just the NYPD, but all New Yorkers can be proud of," he added.&nbsp;

Brooklyn and Bronx have been some of the most shooting-prone areas in New York. The weekend of October 6-7, for example, was "terrible", with several shootings in the two areas.

Although the rumble-free weekend in the populous US city was welcomed by all, statistics show that the number of murders in the city is on the rise again.

The city recorded 147 murders in the first half of 2018, an eight per cent increase over the same period in 2017.

For the first time in over two decades, New York City witnessed a weekend without any shootings or homicide. According to reports, the last time the city went without any incident of shooting or homicide over a weekend was in 1993, nearly 25 years back.

For the first time in over two decades, New York City witnessed a weekend without any shootings or homicide. According to reports, the last time the city went without any incident of shooting or homicide over a weekend was in 1993, nearly 25 years back. "We went Friday, Saturday, Sunday without any shootings and homicides," New York Police Department chief James O'Neill told reporters. "That's the first time in decades, and that's something, not just the NYPD, but all New Yorkers can be proud of," he added. Brooklyn and Bronx have been some of the most shooting-prone areas in New York. The weekend of October 6-7, for example, was "terrible", with several shootings in the two areas. Although the rumble-free weekend in the populous US city was welcomed by all, statistics show that the number of murders in the city is on the rise again. The city recorded 147 murders in the first half of 2018, an eight per cent increase over the same period in 2017.

New York witnesses first shooting-free weekend in 25 years

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/worlds-longest-flight-departs-singapore-for-new-york-170955">world's longest commercial flight</a>&nbsp;arrived in New York on Friday after a nearly 18-hour trip from Singapore, completing the world's longest commercial flight.

It marked the revival of a route that had been eliminated in 2013.

Singapore Airlines Flight SQ22 arrived at 5:29 am (0929 GMT), the Newark Liberty International Airport web site said. That made for a flight of 17 hours and 52 minutes.

The flight had been scheduled to take 18 hours and 25 minutes.

The plane was carrying 150 passengers and 17 crew members.

Singapore Airlines originally flew the route for nine years using the gas-guzzling, four-engine A340-500 plane before abandoning it in 2013 because high oil prices made the service unprofitable.

This trip was made with the new and more fuel efficient Airbus A350-900ULR.

It topped the previous longest direct air link between cities -- Qatar Airways Flight 921 from Auckland to Doha, which takes 17 hours 40 minutes.

The world's longest commercial flight arrived in New York on Friday after a nearly 18-hour trip from Singapore, completing the world's longest commercial flight.

The world's longest commercial flight arrived in New York on Friday after a nearly 18-hour trip from Singapore, completing the world's longest commercial flight. It marked the revival of a route that had been eliminated in 2013. Singapore Airlines Flight SQ22 arrived at 5:29 am (0929 GMT), the Newark Liberty International Airport web site said. That made for a flight of 17 hours and 52 minutes. The flight had been scheduled to take 18 hours and 25 minutes. The plane was carrying 150 passengers and 17 crew members. Singapore Airlines originally flew the route for nine years using the gas-guzzling, four-engine A340-500 plane before abandoning it in 2013 because high oil prices made the service unprofitable. This trip was made with the new and more fuel efficient Airbus A350-900ULR. It topped the previous longest direct air link between cities -- Qatar Airways Flight 921 from Auckland to Doha, which takes 17 hours 40 minutes.

Jetliner lands in US after world's longest flight

The world's longest commercial flight took off from Singapore on Thursday, with excited and apprehensive passengers on board settling in for a marathon 19 hours in the air to New York.

A spokeswoman for Singapore Airlines told AFP that Flight SQ22 departed at approximately 11:35pm (1535 GMT) with 150 passengers and 17 crew on board.

Two pilots, a special "wellness" menu and more than seven weeks' worth of film and television entertainment accompany the travellers on the 16,700-kilometre (10,400-mile) journey to the Big Apple.

The long-range Airbus A350-900ULR is configured to carry up to 161 passengers -- 67 in business class and 94 in premium economy, with no regular economy seats available.

For the flight crew -- which also includes two first officers and a 13-strong cabin contingent -- the workload will be broken up, the airline said, with each pilot having a minimum eight hours' rest during the flight.

But for passengers, the challenge will be what to do with all that down time when they're up in the air.

For those not packing a weighty novel (or two), there will be 1,200 hours of audio-visual entertainment to choose from.

Dining options will include dishes the airline says have been selected to promote well-being in the skies, with organic offerings on the menu.

Passenger Peggy Ang, 52, said before the flight that she felt "apprehensive because I'm not sure what would I do in 18.5 hours" inside the plane.

"Now that you asked me, I'm a little bit worried. I'm thinking of sleeping, watching TV, doing my work," she told reporters after checking in at Changi Airport for the flight.

"I have a lot of notes to read, hopefully I can sleep well," said Ang, a membership director of an IT services firm.

Return ticket

Some of the passengers were flight enthusiasts, like Singaporean engineer Danny Ong, 50, who bought a return ticket.

"I'm coming back on the next flight. I enjoy the passion of flying," he told AFP, adding he would binge on the in-flight entertainment.

Pier Messaggio, 41, an Italian electronics designer based in Singapore, said he is part of a group called "First to Fly" whose members have been on board all of Singapore Airlines' inaugural flights.

He and his group met during the world's first commercial flight of the Airbus A380 double-decker plane operated by the airline in 2007 and discovered that everyone had a passion for flying.

"I fly for fun... I'm an aviation enthusiast," Messaggio told AFP.

Airbus said the A350-900URL plane's cabin has higher-than-normal ceilings, larger windows and lighting designed to reduce jet lag -- all part of an effort to lessen the stresses that can accompany almost a day on a plane.

"Research has shown that hydration and food intake are important factors (to consider), such as avoiding foods that cause gas or bloating as well as excessive alcohol," Rhenu Bhuller, a healthcare expert at consultancy Frost &amp; Sullivan, told AFP.

"The biggest concern is Deep Vein Thrombosis from a combination of sitting for too long and also from dehydration," said Gail Cross, an associate consultant at the National University Hospital in Singapore.

Long-distance race

The twin-engine plane uses a modified system that burns 25 per cent less fuel than other aircraft of a similar size, Airbus said.

The flight from the city-state to Newark Airport can take up to 18 hours and 45 minutes under normal weather conditions, but the pilots will have something in reserve in an aircraft capable of flying more than 20 hours non-stop.

Singapore Airlines originally flew the route for nine years using the gas-guzzling, four-engine A340-500 before abandoning it in 2013 because high oil prices made the service unprofitable.

But the carrier is hoping that the introduction of more fuel-efficient planes will set cash registers ringing even as crude prices soar above $80.

Thursday's flight will top the current longest direct air link between cities -- Qatar Airways Flight 921 from Auckland to Doha, which takes 17 hours 40 minutes.

"It's turning out to be a race between a few airlines eyeing the longest routes inter-continentally," said Shukor Yusof of aviation consultancy Endau Analytics.

"They are hoping to capitalise and exploit a very niche market," he told AFP.

Facing increasingly strong competition in recent years, Singapore Airlines has consolidated its low-fare subsidiaries and is strengthening its premium segment.

"Ultra-long haul services comprise an important component of that strategy," an airline spokesman told AFP.

The company is the first airline in the world to operate the A350-900ULR plane. It received the first aircraft in September. Six more are due for delivery by the end of the year.

"We are optimistic about the demand for non-stop services to the US," the spokesman said.

Analyst Shukor, however, said it remained to be seen whether the airline and other operators of marathon flights can withstand the pressure from rising oil prices.

The world's longest commercial flight took off from Singapore on Thursday, with excited and apprehensive passengers on board settling in for a marathon 19 hours in the air to New York.

The world's longest commercial flight took off from Singapore on Thursday, with excited and apprehensive passengers on board settling in for a marathon 19 hours in the air to New York. A spokeswoman for Singapore Airlines told AFP that Flight SQ22 departed at approximately 11:35pm (1535 GMT) with 150 passengers and 17 crew on board. Two pilots, a special "wellness" menu and more than seven weeks' worth of film and television entertainment accompany the travellers on the 16,700-kilometre (10,400-mile) journey to the Big Apple. The long-range Airbus A350-900ULR is configured to carry up to 161 passengers -- 67 in business class and 94 in premium economy, with no regular economy seats available. For the flight crew -- which also includes two first officers and a 13-strong cabin contingent -- the workload will be broken up, the airline said, with each pilot having a minimum eight hours' rest during the flight. But for passengers, the challenge will be what to do with all that down time when they're up in the air. For those not packing a weighty novel (or two), there will be 1,200 hours of audio-visual entertainment to choose from. Dining options will include dishes the airline says have been selected to promote well-being in the skies, with organic offerings on the menu. Passenger Peggy Ang, 52, said before the flight that she felt "apprehensive because I'm not sure what would I do in 18.5 hours" inside the plane. "Now that you asked me, I'm a little bit worried. I'm thinking of sleeping, watching TV, doing my work," she told reporters after checking in at Changi Airport for the flight. "I have a lot of notes to read, hopefully I can sleep well," said Ang, a membership director of an IT services firm. Return ticket Some of the passengers were flight enthusiasts, like Singaporean engineer Danny Ong, 50, who bought a return ticket. "I'm coming back on the next flight. I enjoy the passion of flying," he told AFP, adding he would binge on the in-flight entertainment. Pier Messaggio, 41, an Italian electronics designer based in Singapore, said he is part of a group called "First to Fly" whose members have been on board all of Singapore Airlines' inaugural flights. He and his group met during the world's first commercial flight of the Airbus A380 double-decker plane operated by the airline in 2007 and discovered that everyone had a passion for flying. "I fly for fun... I'm an aviation enthusiast," Messaggio told AFP. Airbus said the A350-900URL plane's cabin has higher-than-normal ceilings, larger windows and lighting designed to reduce jet lag -- all part of an effort to lessen the stresses that can accompany almost a day on a plane. "Research has shown that hydration and food intake are important factors (to consider), such as avoiding foods that cause gas or bloating as well as excessive alcohol," Rhenu Bhuller, a healthcare expert at consultancy Frost & Sullivan, told AFP. "The biggest concern is Deep Vein Thrombosis from a combination of sitting for too long and also from dehydration," said Gail Cross, an associate consultant at the National University Hospital in Singapore. Long-distance race The twin-engine plane uses a modified system that burns 25 per cent less fuel than other aircraft of a similar size, Airbus said. The flight from the city-state to Newark Airport can take up to 18 hours and 45 minutes under normal weather conditions, but the pilots will have something in reserve in an aircraft capable of flying more than 20 hours non-stop. Singapore Airlines originally flew the route for nine years using the gas-guzzling, four-engine A340-500 before abandoning it in 2013 because high oil prices made the service unprofitable. But the carrier is hoping that the introduction of more fuel-efficient planes will set cash registers ringing even as crude prices soar above $80. Thursday's flight will top the current longest direct air link between cities -- Qatar Airways Flight 921 from Auckland to Doha, which takes 17 hours 40 minutes. "It's turning out to be a race between a few airlines eyeing the longest routes inter-continentally," said Shukor Yusof of aviation consultancy Endau Analytics. "They are hoping to capitalise and exploit a very niche market," he told AFP. Facing increasingly strong competition in recent years, Singapore Airlines has consolidated its low-fare subsidiaries and is strengthening its premium segment. "Ultra-long haul services comprise an important component of that strategy," an airline spokesman told AFP. The company is the first airline in the world to operate the A350-900ULR plane. It received the first aircraft in September. Six more are due for delivery by the end of the year. "We are optimistic about the demand for non-stop services to the US," the spokesman said. Analyst Shukor, however, said it remained to be seen whether the airline and other operators of marathon flights can withstand the pressure from rising oil prices.

World's longest flight departs Singapore for New York

Twenty people have been killed in a car crash in the US state of New York, police confirmed Sunday, with local media reporting that one of vehicles slammed into a crowd of pedestrians at a country store.

Police said the accident occurred Saturday afternoon when two cars collided in Schoharie County, near the state capital, Albany.

An SUV-style stretch limousine sped down a hill, crashing into pedestrians outside the Apple Barrel Country Store and Cafe, the Albany Times Union said, citing police.

A witness named as Bill Waterson said the limousine was carrying a party on their way to a wedding reception.

"This is terrible, terrible, terrible," he was quoted as saying.

The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed on Twitter that a limo was involved and said it was sending investigators to the scene.

It was unclear how many of the fatalities were pedestrians or occupants of the vehicles but witnesses at the scene said several bodies could be seen on the ground outside the Apple Barrel, according the Times Union.

The store, a popular stop for tourists viewing fall foliage in the area, posted a message on its Facebook page lamenting the "horrific accident."

It said it would be open for business on Sunday and "hope you will come and share your smiles, love, friendship and hugs with us."

Twenty people have been killed in a car crash in the US state of New York, police confirmed Sunday, with local media reporting that one of vehicles slammed into a crowd of pedestrians at a country store.

Twenty people have been killed in a car crash in the US state of New York, police confirmed Sunday, with local media reporting that one of vehicles slammed into a crowd of pedestrians at a country store. Police said the accident occurred Saturday afternoon when two cars collided in Schoharie County, near the state capital, Albany. An SUV-style stretch limousine sped down a hill, crashing into pedestrians outside the Apple Barrel Country Store and Cafe, the Albany Times Union said, citing police. A witness named as Bill Waterson said the limousine was carrying a party on their way to a wedding reception. "This is terrible, terrible, terrible," he was quoted as saying. The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed on Twitter that a limo was involved and said it was sending investigators to the scene. It was unclear how many of the fatalities were pedestrians or occupants of the vehicles but witnesses at the scene said several bodies could be seen on the ground outside the Apple Barrel, according the Times Union. The store, a popular stop for tourists viewing fall foliage in the area, posted a message on its Facebook page lamenting the "horrific accident." It said it would be open for business on Sunday and "hope you will come and share your smiles, love, friendship and hugs with us."

20 killed in New York state two-car crash: Police

By law, the United States government is responsible for conducting a census every 10 years to count all of the country's residents. But in the lead-up to the 2020 census, state and local leaders have made it clear they will not rely on the federal government to ensure an accurate count.

State governments, foundations and local governments are committing hundreds of millions of dollars to convince people to fill out their census forms, in what is likely to be the most expensive grassroots census campaign ever.

The stakes are high: Population data collected in the census not only serves to allocate congressional seats; it also determines how the federal government divides an estimated $800 billion each year for such things as public housing, highway construction, Head Start, Medicaid and Medicare. An undercount could cost states billions of dollars in federal revenue.

Some of the groups most likely to receive federal aid are also among those most often missed by the census. The Census Bureau's own analysis found that it undercounted young children by 4.6 per cent in the 2010 census and missed 1.1 per cent of renters (a category sometimes used as a proxy for low-income residents). Homeowners were over-enumerated by more than half-a-per cent.&nbsp;

States with large immigrant populations are particularly worried for 2020. They say they have seen widespread distrust of government among immigrants because of heightened immigration enforcement. And for the first time in 70 years, the Census Bureau intends to ask all people whether they are U.S. citizens, a question many worry will further suppress immigrant participation. More than two dozen states and cities are suing to get the question removed.

California has said it will spend $100 million on outreach, dwarfing the $2 million it spent on the 2010 census, when the state had a severe budget crisis, and the $25 million it spent in 2000. Salt Lake City has budgeted $80,000 to hire its first-ever census director. New York City has allocated $4.3 million, the first time it has formally budgeted for census outreach.

In addition to state and local governments, some 74 grant-makers nationwide have committed $30 million to census efforts.

Even so, government and nonprofit leaders across the country expressed doubt in interviews that money alone will be enough to coax wary populations to raise their hands.

“Certain communities,” said New York City Deputy Mayor J. Phillip Thompson, “may just be too frightened to participate.”

'IT'S A TRICK'

The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials has been running focus groups to identify effective ways of maximizing census participation. The group's chief executive, Arturo Vargas, said the citizenship question raised alarm bells in focus groups conducted with immigrants, and that participants said they had little confidence their data would be kept private.

They also worried about completing census forms online, another innovation of this year's census. “My mom is 61 years old and she’s not going to go on the computer,” said one focus group respondent. “She’ll think it’s a trick.”

NALEO’s research found that immigrants responded positively to messaging that cited their legal obligation to complete the census. Younger Latino men responded well to ads portraying the census as a way to defend their communities.

Traditional messaging emphasizing civic responsibility “ain’t gonna work,” said Allan Oliver, of the Santa Fe, N.M.-based Thornburg Foundation.

Many state and local officials expressed concern that the citizenship question in particular would depress participation. “Citizenship might be relevant to the federal government, but for those of us who run local governments, we have to treat the sewage,” said Westchester County Executive George Latimer, whose county has appointed an advisory board to help boost participation. “I don’t know if it’s generated by a citizen or not.”

Los Angeles Census Director Maria de la Luz Garcia said the city's efforts have focused on practical concerns, including planning for computers at local libraries to perform double duty as kiosks for filling out census forms and preparing to include census reminders in city utility bills.

The bureau has said it can conduct the 2020 census more cheaply because, with online responses, it will be able to hire fewer enumerators than in 2010 and open fewer field offices.

But some local government officials say their constituents will need human contact and encouragement in this census more than ever.

Every person not counted will ultimately cost his or her state $19,500 over the next decade, a study by George Washington University’s Andrew Reamer estimated. California, for example, lost out on at least $1.5 billion of aid due to uncounted residents after the 2000 census, a PricewaterhouseCoopers study found.

FUNDERS CIRCLE&nbsp;

Philanthropic groups in 21 states so far have formed state-level census outreach efforts, in many cases for the first time.

In rural New Mexico, where getting an accurate count has always been difficult, a group led by the Thornburg Foundation and the Albuquerque Community Foundation are aiming to raise $600,000. In Minnesota, which has the nation's largest Somali population, foundations have designed a $4.8 million campaign, asking Minnesota’s government to chip in $1.25 million.

The foundation-led New York Counts 2020 coalition plans to raise $3 million, and is urging the state's government to pony up much more, citing California's example.

Ditas Katague, who oversees census outreach for California, said that even with the state's $100 million campaign, the task is difficult.

“We’re way ahead of where we were in 2000 and 2010,” Katague said. “But the feeling is that we’re behind.”

By law, the United States government is responsible for conducting a census every 10 years to count all of the country's residents. But in the lead-up to the 2020 census, state and local leaders have made it clear they will not rely on the federal government to ensure an accurate count.

By law, the United States government is responsible for conducting a census every 10 years to count all of the country's residents. But in the lead-up to the 2020 census, state and local leaders have made it clear they will not rely on the federal government to ensure an accurate count. State governments, foundations and local governments are committing hundreds of millions of dollars to convince people to fill out their census forms, in what is likely to be the most expensive grassroots census campaign ever. The stakes are high: Population data collected in the census not only serves to allocate congressional seats; it also determines how the federal government divides an estimated $800 billion each year for such things as public housing, highway construction, Head Start, Medicaid and Medicare. An undercount could cost states billions of dollars in federal revenue. Some of the groups most likely to receive federal aid are also among those most often missed by the census. The Census Bureau's own analysis found that it undercounted young children by 4.6 per cent in the 2010 census and missed 1.1 per cent of renters (a category sometimes used as a proxy for low-income residents). Homeowners were over-enumerated by more than half-a-per cent. States with large immigrant populations are particularly worried for 2020. They say they have seen widespread distrust of government among immigrants because of heightened immigration enforcement. And for the first time in 70 years, the Census Bureau intends to ask all people whether they are U.S. citizens, a question many worry will further suppress immigrant participation. More than two dozen states and cities are suing to get the question removed. California has said it will spend $100 million on outreach, dwarfing the $2 million it spent on the 2010 census, when the state had a severe budget crisis, and the $25 million it spent in 2000. Salt Lake City has budgeted $80,000 to hire its first-ever census director. New York City has allocated $4.3 million, the first time it has formally budgeted for census outreach. In addition to state and local governments, some 74 grant-makers nationwide have committed $30 million to census efforts. Even so, government and nonprofit leaders across the country expressed doubt in interviews that money alone will be enough to coax wary populations to raise their hands. “Certain communities,” said New York City Deputy Mayor J. Phillip Thompson, “may just be too frightened to participate.” 'IT'S A TRICK' The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials has been running focus groups to identify effective ways of maximizing census participation. The group's chief executive, Arturo Vargas, said the citizenship question raised alarm bells in focus groups conducted with immigrants, and that participants said they had little confidence their data would be kept private. They also worried about completing census forms online, another innovation of this year's census. “My mom is 61 years old and she’s not going to go on the computer,” said one focus group respondent. “She’ll think it’s a trick.” NALEO’s research found that immigrants responded positively to messaging that cited their legal obligation to complete the census. Younger Latino men responded well to ads portraying the census as a way to defend their communities. Traditional messaging emphasizing civic responsibility “ain’t gonna work,” said Allan Oliver, of the Santa Fe, N.M.-based Thornburg Foundation. Many state and local officials expressed concern that the citizenship question in particular would depress participation. “Citizenship might be relevant to the federal government, but for those of us who run local governments, we have to treat the sewage,” said Westchester County Executive George Latimer, whose county has appointed an advisory board to help boost participation. “I don’t know if it’s generated by a citizen or not.” Los Angeles Census Director Maria de la Luz Garcia said the city's efforts have focused on practical concerns, including planning for computers at local libraries to perform double duty as kiosks for filling out census forms and preparing to include census reminders in city utility bills. The bureau has said it can conduct the 2020 census more cheaply because, with online responses, it will be able to hire fewer enumerators than in 2010 and open fewer field offices. But some local government officials say their constituents will need human contact and encouragement in this census more than ever. Every person not counted will ultimately cost his or her state $19,500 over the next decade, a study by George Washington University’s Andrew Reamer estimated. California, for example, lost out on at least $1.5 billion of aid due to uncounted residents after the 2000 census, a PricewaterhouseCoopers study found. FUNDERS CIRCLE Philanthropic groups in 21 states so far have formed state-level census outreach efforts, in many cases for the first time. In rural New Mexico, where getting an accurate count has always been difficult, a group led by the Thornburg Foundation and the Albuquerque Community Foundation are aiming to raise $600,000. In Minnesota, which has the nation's largest Somali population, foundations have designed a $4.8 million campaign, asking Minnesota’s government to chip in $1.25 million. The foundation-led New York Counts 2020 coalition plans to raise $3 million, and is urging the state's government to pony up much more, citing California's example. Ditas Katague, who oversees census outreach for California, said that even with the state's $100 million campaign, the task is difficult. “We’re way ahead of where we were in 2000 and 2010,” Katague said. “But the feeling is that we’re behind.”

Worried about undercount, states and cities spend to promote 2020 census

US President Donald Trump addresses 73rd session of UNGA

India confirms meeting of Indo-Pak Foreign ministers 

&nbspIrish mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor returned to court in New York on Thursday and expressed regret for his role in a melee at an April event to publicize a series of Ultimate Fighting Championship fights at a Brooklyn arena.

The 29-year-old former lightweight champion and his co-defendant and fellow Irish fighter, Cian Cowley, 23, were negotiating a plea deal over assault and criminal mischief charges stemming from the fracas, prosecutors said at a brief hearing in state Supreme Court in Brooklyn.

Judge Raymond Rodriguez adjourned the case until July 26. McGregor, dressed in a tailored dark check suit and striped tie, walked out as photographers chased him to a waiting vehicle.

"I regret my actions that led me here today," McGregor, one of the sport's most recognizable stars, told reporters outside court afterward. "I understand the seriousness of this matter and I am hopeful that it gets resolved soon."

Video footage of the melee in an underground parking area at the Barclays Center arena appears to show McGregor and his entourage using a metal barricade and other objects to smash windows on a bus filled with fighters leaving the media event.

One fighter on the bus was hit and cut by a dolly thrown through the window, and the cornea of another fighter's eye was cut as the glass shattered into dust-like material, according to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) entertainment franchise.

Within hours, McGregor had surrendered to police. A New York judge released him on $50,000 bail.

At the time, the Dublin-based pugilist was angered by the UFC's decision to strip him of his title, according to profanity-laden messages he wrote on Twitter. He last fought in a UFC bout in November 2016, when he defeated Eddie Alvarez at New York's Madison Square Garden to win the lightweight belt.

He never defended the title, though he took on boxer Floyd Mayweather last August in a conventional boxing match. His technical knockout loss to Mayweather was the second biggest pay-per-view fight in history.

The UFC was founded in 1993 and popularized cage fighting. It holds dozens of fights around the world every year that have surpassed pro wresting and boxing in popularity, and are broadcast in more than 156 countries, reaching 1.1 billion households.

In July 2016, the UFC said it had agreed to be bought by talent agency WME-IMG in a transaction a source valued at $4 billion, one of the largest price tags for a sports brand.

&nbsp

&nbsp

The 29-year-old former lightweight champion and his co-defendant and fellow Irish fighter, Cian Cowley, 23, were negotiating a plea deal over assault and criminal mischief charges stemming from the fracas, prosecutors said at a brief hearing in state Supreme Court in Brooklyn.

&nbspIrish mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor returned to court in New York on Thursday and expressed regret for his role in a melee at an April event to publicize a series of Ultimate Fighting Championship fights at a Brooklyn arena. The 29-year-old former lightweight champion and his co-defendant and fellow Irish fighter, Cian Cowley, 23, were negotiating a plea deal over assault and criminal mischief charges stemming from the fracas, prosecutors said at a brief hearing in state Supreme Court in Brooklyn. Judge Raymond Rodriguez adjourned the case until July 26. McGregor, dressed in a tailored dark check suit and striped tie, walked out as photographers chased him to a waiting vehicle. "I regret my actions that led me here today," McGregor, one of the sport's most recognizable stars, told reporters outside court afterward. "I understand the seriousness of this matter and I am hopeful that it gets resolved soon." Video footage of the melee in an underground parking area at the Barclays Center arena appears to show McGregor and his entourage using a metal barricade and other objects to smash windows on a bus filled with fighters leaving the media event. One fighter on the bus was hit and cut by a dolly thrown through the window, and the cornea of another fighter's eye was cut as the glass shattered into dust-like material, according to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) entertainment franchise. Within hours, McGregor had surrendered to police. A New York judge released him on $50,000 bail. At the time, the Dublin-based pugilist was angered by the UFC's decision to strip him of his title, according to profanity-laden messages he wrote on Twitter. He last fought in a UFC bout in November 2016, when he defeated Eddie Alvarez at New York's Madison Square Garden to win the lightweight belt. He never defended the title, though he took on boxer Floyd Mayweather last August in a conventional boxing match. His technical knockout loss to Mayweather was the second biggest pay-per-view fight in history. The UFC was founded in 1993 and popularized cage fighting. It holds dozens of fights around the world every year that have surpassed pro wresting and boxing in popularity, and are broadcast in more than 156 countries, reaching 1.1 billion households. In July 2016, the UFC said it had agreed to be bought by talent agency WME-IMG in a transaction a source valued at $4 billion, one of the largest price tags for a sports brand.

Martial arts fighter McGregor back in court, says regrets Brooklyn melee

Fashion designer Kate Spade was found dead in her apartment in New York on Tuesday. The New York police have confirmed that she had committed suicide.&nbsp;

As per reports, Spade, 55, was found hanging&nbsp;by housekeeping staff inside her Park Avenue apartment at about 10:20 am on Tuesday.

The officials say she left a note at the scene. No further details have been given.&nbsp;

The designer co-founded Kate Spade Handbags in the 1990s.&nbsp;

Her handbags created a huge sensation in the fashion industry in the 1990s, and her company Kate Spade New York had over 140 retails shops across the country and 175 internationally.

Spade was born Katherine Brosnahan in Kansas City in 1962.&nbsp;

As per reports, Spade, 55, was found hanging by housekeeping staff inside her Park Avenue apartment at about 10:20 a.m. Tuesday

Fashion designer Kate Spade was found dead in her apartment in New York on Tuesday. The New York police have confirmed that she had committed suicide. As per reports, Spade, 55, was found hanging by housekeeping staff inside her Park Avenue apartment at about 10:20 am on Tuesday. The officials say she left a note at the scene. No further details have been given. The designer co-founded Kate Spade Handbags in the 1990s. Her handbags created a huge sensation in the fashion industry in the 1990s, and her company Kate Spade New York had over 140 retails shops across the country and 175 internationally. Spade was born Katherine Brosnahan in Kansas City in 1962.

New York fashion designer Kate Spade found dead, police confirm suicide

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was in New York&nbsp;on Wednesday&nbsp;to meet with North Korean envoy Kim Yong Chol, the most senior North Korean envoy to hold talks with American officials on US&nbsp;soil&nbsp;in 18 years.

Kim is a former spy chief and trusted adviser to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, playing a pivotal role in preparations for&nbsp;a historic&nbsp;summit between Kim and US&nbsp;President Donald Trump.

Sent as Kim Jong Un's envoy to the Winter Olympics in South Korea in February, Kim Yong Chol told South Korean President Moon Jae-in Pyongyang was open to talks with Washington, the first indication North Korea was changing course after months of trading threats and insults with the United States.

Sent as Kim Jong Un's envoy to the Winter Olympics in South Korea in February, Kim Yong Chol told South Korean President Moon Jae-in Pyongyang was open to talks with Washington

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was in New York on Wednesday to meet with North Korean envoy Kim Yong Chol, the most senior North Korean envoy to hold talks with American officials on US soil in 18 years. Kim is a former spy chief and trusted adviser to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, playing a pivotal role in preparations for a historic summit between Kim and US President Donald Trump. Sent as Kim Jong Un's envoy to the Winter Olympics in South Korea in February, Kim Yong Chol told South Korean President Moon Jae-in Pyongyang was open to talks with Washington, the first indication North Korea was changing course after months of trading threats and insults with the United States.

Pompeo, North Korean envoy wrap up meeting in New York

Karan Johar turned 46 yesterday and&nbsp;he is one of Bollywood's most loved filmmakers.

The director as well as producer surely knows how to party in style for his special day.

He reportedly threw an intimate terrace party for his close friends in New York. Karan was reportedly joined by his close friends&nbsp;Shweta Bachchan Nanda, Manish Malhotra and Kaajal Anand.

The most loved filmmaker gave us a sneak peek into his lavish party, after he uploaded a story on his Instagram handle.

The Dharma Productions owner even shared his birthday look on Instagram and was dressed in a perky black and white Masaba Gupta blazer, which he paired with torn denim and sneakers.

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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BjLggRjnWjY/" data-instgrm-version="8" style=" background:#FFF border:0 border-radius:3px box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15) margin: 1px max-width:658px padding:0 width:99.375% width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px) width:calc(100% - 2px)">
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<div style=" background:url(data:image/pngbase64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC) display:block height:44px margin:0 auto -44px position:relative top:-22px width:44px">&nbsp;</div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BjLggRjnWjY/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">Bringing in time! Wearing @masabagupta !! Styled by @nikitajaisinghani #newyorkdiaries???</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px margin-bottom:0 margin-top:8px overflow:hidden padding:8px 0 7px text-align:center text-overflow:ellipsis white-space:nowrap">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/karanjohar/" style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px" target="_blank"> Karan Johar</a> (@karanjohar) on <time datetime="2018-05-25T00:10:43+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px">May 24, 2018 at 5:10pm PDT</time>
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Karan also shared another picture thanking&nbsp;Prabal Gurung for the attire on his special day.

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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BjNknCkFrOq/" data-instgrm-version="8" style=" background:#FFF border:0 border-radius:3px box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15) margin: 1px max-width:658px padding:0 width:99.375% width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px) width:calc(100% - 2px)">
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<div style=" background:url(data:image/pngbase64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC) display:block height:44px margin:0 auto -44px position:relative top:-22px width:44px">&nbsp;</div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BjNknCkFrOq/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">Red hearts are overrated ! Pink is my colour of love! Thank you for my birthday jumper @prabalgurung ? #newyorkdiaries</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px margin-bottom:0 margin-top:8px overflow:hidden padding:8px 0 7px text-align:center text-overflow:ellipsis white-space:nowrap">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/karanjohar/" style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px" target="_blank"> Karan Johar</a> (@karanjohar) on <time datetime="2018-05-25T19:25:04+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px">May 25, 2018 at 12:25pm PDT</time>
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Karan was reportedly joined by his close friends Shweta Bachchan Nanda, Manish Malhotra and Kaajal Anand

Karan Johar turned 46 yesterday and he is one of Bollywood's most loved filmmakers. The director as well as producer surely knows how to party in style for his special day. He reportedly threw an intimate terrace party for his close friends in New York. Karan was reportedly joined by his close friends Shweta Bachchan Nanda, Manish Malhotra and Kaajal Anand. The most loved filmmaker gave us a sneak peek into his lavish party, after he uploaded a story on his Instagram handle. The Dharma Productions owner even shared his birthday look on Instagram and was dressed in a perky black and white Masaba Gupta blazer, which he paired with torn denim and sneakers. Bringing in time! Wearing @masabagupta !! Styled by @nikitajaisinghani #newyorkdiaries??? A post shared by Karan Johar (@karanjohar) on May 24, 2018 at 5:10pm PDT × Karan also shared another picture thanking Prabal Gurung for the attire on his special day. Red hearts are overrated ! Pink is my colour of love! Thank you for my birthday jumper @prabalgurung ? #newyorkdiaries A post shared by Karan Johar (@karanjohar) on May 25, 2018 at 12:25pm PDT ×

Karan Johar celebrates his birthday in New York

Living the fantasy of Britain`s royal wedding, American kids dressed up as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for a photoshoot on a budget and schedule that wedding planners can only dream of.

Tricia Messeroux, a New York photographer, has been capturing children in red carpet looks from the Oscars, Grammy and Golden Globe award ceremonies, and blockbuster movies ever since her idea of dressing up her daughter as a celebrity in 2008 gave birth to Toddlewood Studio in Baldwin, New York.

The biggest wedding of the year inspired her to recreate the cast, including Markle`s mother Doria Ragland, Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, Bishop Michael Bruce Curry and cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason.

As the bride, Naiyah Otero, 7, wore a version of Markle`s boat-necked Givenchy wedding gown as interpreted by Esaie Couture.

"I think she`s pretty and it`s an honour to marry Prince Harry, like, dress up as her," Otero said at the photo shoot on Tuesday.

Andrew Robert Joy, 6, embodied bearded Prince Harry with the help of eyebrow pencil on his smooth jawline that matched his close-cropped red hair.

Messeroux and her team give themselves only 48 hours to mimic the looks and set design for her big annual project.

"We had to spend all night creating this flower wall as best we possibly could," Messeroux said. "And the gown for the priest, I literally glued that myself. Yes, I glued a whole gown together myself, with my friends, overnight last night."

"Hopefully, it`s going to look good and hopefully nobody can tell but we`ll see," she said.

Tricia Messeroux, a New York photographer, has been capturing the recreated royal wedding photoshoot done by children

Living the fantasy of Britain`s royal wedding, American kids dressed up as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for a photoshoot on a budget and schedule that wedding planners can only dream of. Tricia Messeroux, a New York photographer, has been capturing children in red carpet looks from the Oscars, Grammy and Golden Globe award ceremonies, and blockbuster movies ever since her idea of dressing up her daughter as a celebrity in 2008 gave birth to Toddlewood Studio in Baldwin, New York. The biggest wedding of the year inspired her to recreate the cast, including Markle`s mother Doria Ragland, Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, Bishop Michael Bruce Curry and cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason. As the bride, Naiyah Otero, 7, wore a version of Markle`s boat-necked Givenchy wedding gown as interpreted by Esaie Couture. "I think she`s pretty and it`s an honour to marry Prince Harry, like, dress up as her," Otero said at the photo shoot on Tuesday. Andrew Robert Joy, 6, embodied bearded Prince Harry with the help of eyebrow pencil on his smooth jawline that matched his close-cropped red hair. Messeroux and her team give themselves only 48 hours to mimic the looks and set design for her big annual project. "We had to spend all night creating this flower wall as best we possibly could," Messeroux said. "And the gown for the priest, I literally glued that myself. Yes, I glued a whole gown together myself, with my friends, overnight last night." "Hopefully, it`s going to look good and hopefully nobody can tell but we`ll see," she said.

American kids recreate royal wedding for a photoshoot

Film producer Harvey Weinstein on Friday surrendered to authorities at a New York City police station on sex crime charges, months after he was toppled from Hollywood`s most powerful ranks by scores of women accusing him of misconduct.

Weinstein, 66, is charged with rape, sexual misconduct, sex abuse and committing a criminal sex act against two women, the New York Police Department said in a statement, which did not identify the women. 
 
More than 70 women have accused the co-founder of the Miramax film studio and Weinstein Co of sexual misconduct, including rape, with some allegations dating back decades.

The accusations, first reported by the New York Times and the New Yorker last year, gave rise to the #MeToo movement in which hundreds of women have publicly accused powerful men in business, government and entertainment of misconduct. 
 
Weinstein arrived at the station house shortly at about 7:25 a.m.&nbsp;wearing a dark jacket over a blue sweater and white open-collared shirt and dark denim jeans, carrying what appeared to be three thick books under his right arm. 
 
Police officers escorted him inside as scores of journalists pushed up against barricades for pictures, while three police helicopters circled overhead. 
 
Weinstein is expected to be charged with raping one woman and forcing another to perform oral sex on him, the New York Times reported, citing unidentified law enforcement officials. 
Weinstein has denied having non-consensual sex with anyone. 
 
Weinstein`s spokesman Juda Engelmayer and his lawyer Benjamin Brafman both declined to comment to Reuters on Thursday on the imminent charges.&nbsp; 
 
The charges follow a months-long investigation that involved the Manhattan district attorney`s office.&nbsp; 
 
The victim in the rape case has not been identified, the Times reported, but Weinstein will be charged with first-degree and third-degree rape. The other case involves allegations by Lucia Evans, a former aspiring actress who told the New Yorker that Weinstein forced her to give him oral sex in 2004, the Times reported.

More than 70 women have accused the co-founder of the Miramax film studio and Weinstein Co of sexual misconduct, including rape, with some allegations dating back decades.

Film producer Harvey Weinstein on Friday surrendered to authorities at a New York City police station on sex crime charges, months after he was toppled from Hollywood`s most powerful ranks by scores of women accusing him of misconduct. Weinstein, 66, is charged with rape, sexual misconduct, sex abuse and committing a criminal sex act against two women, the New York Police Department said in a statement, which did not identify the women. More than 70 women have accused the co-founder of the Miramax film studio and Weinstein Co of sexual misconduct, including rape, with some allegations dating back decades. The accusations, first reported by the New York Times and the New Yorker last year, gave rise to the #MeToo movement in which hundreds of women have publicly accused powerful men in business, government and entertainment of misconduct. Weinstein arrived at the station house shortly at about 7:25 a.m. wearing a dark jacket over a blue sweater and white open-collared shirt and dark denim jeans, carrying what appeared to be three thick books under his right arm. Police officers escorted him inside as scores of journalists pushed up against barricades for pictures, while three police helicopters circled overhead. Weinstein is expected to be charged with raping one woman and forcing another to perform oral sex on him, the New York Times reported, citing unidentified law enforcement officials. Weinstein has denied having non-consensual sex with anyone. Weinstein`s spokesman Juda Engelmayer and his lawyer Benjamin Brafman both declined to comment to Reuters on Thursday on the imminent charges. The charges follow a months-long investigation that involved the Manhattan district attorney`s office. The victim in the rape case has not been identified, the Times reported, but Weinstein will be charged with first-degree and third-degree rape. The other case involves allegations by Lucia Evans, a former aspiring actress who told the New Yorker that Weinstein forced her to give him oral sex in 2004, the Times reported.

Movie producer Harvey Weinstein surrenders on sex assault charges

Sources in the Enforcement Directorate have said Nirav Modi may, on the advice of his lawyer, head for London.&nbspThe sources added that Modi has property in London.

The sources said Mehul Choksi has applied for asylum in America. And that he is currently living in New York's Bronx area.&nbsp

The sources added that Choksi had applied for asylum on May 3.&nbsp

Modi and his maternal uncle Choksi are the main accused in the Rs 13,000 crore Punjab National Bank scam.&nbsp

Nirav Modi, according to news reports, has of late been spotted in New York, as well as in Dubai, Belgium and Hong Kong.&nbsp&nbsp

The sources added that Mehul Choksi has applied for asylum in America. And that he is currently living in New York's Bronx area

Sources in the Enforcement Directorate have said Nirav Modi may, on the advice of his lawyer, head for London.&nbspThe sources added that Modi has property in London. The sources said Mehul Choksi has applied for asylum in America. And that he is currently living in New York's Bronx area. The sources added that Choksi had applied for asylum on May 3. Modi and his maternal uncle Choksi are the main accused in the Rs 13,000 crore Punjab National Bank scam. Nirav Modi, according to news reports, has of late been spotted in New York, as well as in Dubai, Belgium and Hong Kong.

Nirav Modi may head for London, Mehul Choksi in New York: ED sources

A Manhattan-based lawyer has been receiving flak for talking disrespectfully to the staff&nbsp;of a restaurant. According to reports, the man hurled racially-charged rant on Spanish speaking staff of Manhattan's Fresh Kitchen restaurants on Tuesday.

The video of the incident has gone viral and shows the man threatening the staff and shouting at them for speaking in Spanish. "The clients of your staff are speaking Spanish to customers when they should be speaking English," the man said in the video.&nbsp;

"I pay for their welfare, I pay for their ability to be here. The least they could do is speak English," the man shouted and threatened to deport the cafe workers.&nbsp;

The man, identified as Aaron Schlossberg, is known to have been involved in another confrontation previously. A video from 2016 confirms the same where Schlossberg could be seen calling another man an "ugly foreigner".

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“Tough guy” racist, Aaron Schlossberg running scared in NYC today ? 
 
He also got evicted from his office space ??‍♂️<a href="https://t.co/jEDjHYNEiO">pic.twitter.com/jEDjHYNEiO</a>
— UnsilentMajority ? (@The_UnSilent_) <a href="https://twitter.com/The_UnSilent_/status/997268960264556544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, social media had a field day trolling Schlossberg after videos emerged showing him running away from reporters in New York City.&nbsp;

The man, identified as Aaron Schlossberg, is known to have been involved in another confrontation previously

A Manhattan-based lawyer has been receiving flak for talking disrespectfully to the staff of a restaurant. According to reports, the man hurled racially-charged rant on Spanish speaking staff of Manhattan's Fresh Kitchen restaurants on Tuesday. The video of the incident has gone viral and shows the man threatening the staff and shouting at them for speaking in Spanish. "The clients of your staff are speaking Spanish to customers when they should be speaking English," the man said in the video. "I pay for their welfare, I pay for their ability to be here. The least they could do is speak English," the man shouted and threatened to deport the cafe workers. The man, identified as Aaron Schlossberg, is known to have been involved in another confrontation previously. A video from 2016 confirms the same where Schlossberg could be seen calling another man an "ugly foreigner". “Tough guy” racist, Aaron Schlossberg running scared in NYC today ? He also got evicted from his office space ??‍♂️pic.twitter.com/jEDjHYNEiO — UnsilentMajority ? (@The_UnSilent_) May 18, 2018 × Meanwhile, social media had a field day trolling Schlossberg after videos emerged showing him running away from reporters in New York City.

Watch: New York lawyer threatens to deport cafe workers for speaking Spanish

Powerful storms carrying high winds, torrential rain and hail slammed heavily populated parts of the U.S. Northeast on Tuesday, knocking over trees that killed two people, snarling transport and causing widespread power outages.

A state of emergency has been declared in&nbsp;New York following&nbsp;severe thunderstorm. Members of the New York National Guard will help with recovery operations, reports said.&nbsp;

An 11-year-old girl was killed on Tuesday afternoon when strong winds caused a tree to fall on a parked car in Newburgh, New York, the Daily Freeman newspaper in Kingston.

A man who had been mowing his lawn and sought refuge in his truck was killed when a tree fell on the vehicle in Danbury, Connecticut, Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton said, according to the Hartford Courant newspaper.

Frequent lightning strikes, blinding downpours and isolated flash flooding are also likely. Expect sporadic power outages and downed trees with these storms, reports said on Wednesday.

The area at greatest risk for an isolated tornado extends from northeastern Pennsylvania to western Massachusetts and central Connecticut.

Major cities that are projected to be impacted include Philadelphia New York City Washington, DC. Baltimore Boston Wilmington, Delaware Atlantic City, New Jersey and Hartford, Connecticut.

There were nearly 50 reports of hail in states including Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Connecticut, the National Weather Service (NWS) said.

Hail the size of tennis balls smashed car and house windows in Hartford, Pereira said.

Nearly 500,000 customers in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Virginia were without power by late Thursday night, fewer power outages than earlier Tuesday, tracking service PowerOutage.us said.

At Grand Central Station in New York, Hudson, Harlem and New Haven Line service was suspended due to the storms, the station's Twitter feed said.

More than 500 flights were canceled at the three major airports serving the New York on Tuesday, and more than 100 at Boston's Logan International, according to tracking service FlightAware.com.

Rain is expected to continue for the next couple of days over much of the areas that experienced strong winds and rain on Tuesday, but the threat of severe weather has diminished, Pereira said.

The area at greatest risk for an isolated tornado extends from northeastern Pennsylvania to western Massachusetts and central Connecticut

Powerful storms carrying high winds, torrential rain and hail slammed heavily populated parts of the U.S. Northeast on Tuesday, knocking over trees that killed two people, snarling transport and causing widespread power outages. A state of emergency has been declared in New York following severe thunderstorm. Members of the New York National Guard will help with recovery operations, reports said. An 11-year-old girl was killed on Tuesday afternoon when strong winds caused a tree to fall on a parked car in Newburgh, New York, the Daily Freeman newspaper in Kingston. A man who had been mowing his lawn and sought refuge in his truck was killed when a tree fell on the vehicle in Danbury, Connecticut, Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton said, according to the Hartford Courant newspaper. Frequent lightning strikes, blinding downpours and isolated flash flooding are also likely. Expect sporadic power outages and downed trees with these storms, reports said on Wednesday. The area at greatest risk for an isolated tornado extends from northeastern Pennsylvania to western Massachusetts and central Connecticut. Major cities that are projected to be impacted include Philadelphia New York City Washington, DC. Baltimore Boston Wilmington, Delaware Atlantic City, New Jersey and Hartford, Connecticut. There were nearly 50 reports of hail in states including Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Connecticut, the National Weather Service (NWS) said. Hail the size of tennis balls smashed car and house windows in Hartford, Pereira said. Nearly 500,000 customers in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Virginia were without power by late Thursday night, fewer power outages than earlier Tuesday, tracking service PowerOutage.us said. At Grand Central Station in New York, Hudson, Harlem and New Haven Line service was suspended due to the storms, the station's Twitter feed said. More than 500 flights were canceled at the three major airports serving the New York on Tuesday, and more than 100 at Boston's Logan International, according to tracking service FlightAware.com. Rain is expected to continue for the next couple of days over much of the areas that experienced strong winds and rain on Tuesday, but the threat of severe weather has diminished, Pereira said.

Northeast US storms kill two, state of emergency declared

New York state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman resigned on Monday after allegations of physical abuse by four women were reported in an article in the New Yorker magazine.

Governor Andrew Cuomo had called for Schneiderman's resignation within hours of the article's publication, and only slightly more than an hour later Schneiderman, a Democrat who was running for re-election, said he was stepping down.

“In the last several hours, serious allegations, which I strongly contest, have been made against me," Schneiderman said in a statement. "While these allegations are unrelated to my professional conduct or the operations of the office, they will effectively prevent me from leading the office’s work at this critical time. I therefore resign my office, effective at the close of business on May 8, 2018.”

In the article published late on Monday, the New Yorker reported that four women who said they had had romantic relationships or encounters with Schneiderman said they had been subjected to nonconsensual physical violence.

Reuters has not independently confirmed the accusations.

“In the privacy of intimate relationships, I have engaged in role-playing and other consensual sexual activity," Schneiderman said in a statement issued by Stu Loeser & Co before he announced his resignation. "I have not assaulted anyone. I have never engaged in non-consensual sex, which is a line I would not cross."

Cuomo, in his statement calling for Schneiderman's resignation, referred to "the damning pattern of facts and corroboration laid out in the article," and said he did not believe it was possible for Schneiderman to continue to serve as attorney general.

The New Yorker reported that two of the women who spoke to the magazine "alleged that he repeatedly hit them, often after drinking, frequently in bed and never with their consent."

The two women who were named in the article both called the abuse by Schneiderman "assault," the magazine reported. One of the women said Schneiderman slapped her across the face after she rejected his advances and that when she told him she wanted to leave, he said, "A lot of women like it. They don't always think they like it, but then they do, and they ask for more," according to the article.

A spokesman for Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance said the office is opening an investigation.

Schneiderman is not the first top-ranking New York politician who was forced to resign following media reports about his personal life.

Eliot Spitzer resigned as New York's governor in 2008 after a New York Times report revealed that he was caught on a federal wiretap arranging to meet a prostitute in a Washington hotel room.

Spitzer, a Democrat who as the state's attorney general before becoming governor once broke up prostitution rings, was married at the time. He faced intense pressure to resign and impeachment threats from Republicans.

Schneiderman, a Harvard-educated lawyer, has been New York state's attorney general since late 2010. He has been a high-profile proponent of the #MeToo movement, which has seen accusations of sexual misconduct leveled against prominent men in politics, media, entertainment and business. They include Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein.

In February, Schneiderman sued the Weinstein Company and Weinstein himself, alleging years of sexual harassment and misconduct by the movie producer.

Weinstein has been accused of sexual misconduct by more than 70 women, including rape. He denies having non-consensual sex with anyone.

And in March, Cuomo ordered Schneiderman's office to review an investigation by Vance, the Manhattan district attorney, of a 2015 sexual assault case involving Harvey Weinstein, a case that Vance had decided not to try and prosecute.

The front page of Schneiderman's re-election campaign website on Monday night displayed his statement denying the accusations reported by the New Yorker, along with copies of news stories about his fight for abortion rights and a battle with the Trump administration. His statement of resignation was not posted.

New York state's constitution calls for the legislature to fill a vacancy in the office of the attorney general. But with the office up for election in November, any candidate chosen would serve only for a matter of months.

The primary election is scheduled for September, followed by the November general election.

Schneiderman is not the first top-ranking New York politician who was forced to resign following media reports about his personal life

New York state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman resigned on Monday after allegations of physical abuse by four women were reported in an article in the New Yorker magazine. Governor Andrew Cuomo had called for Schneiderman's resignation within hours of the article's publication, and only slightly more than an hour later Schneiderman, a Democrat who was running for re-election, said he was stepping down. “In the last several hours, serious allegations, which I strongly contest, have been made against me," Schneiderman said in a statement. "While these allegations are unrelated to my professional conduct or the operations of the office, they will effectively prevent me from leading the office’s work at this critical time. I therefore resign my office, effective at the close of business on May 8, 2018.” In the article published late on Monday, the New Yorker reported that four women who said they had had romantic relationships or encounters with Schneiderman said they had been subjected to nonconsensual physical violence. Reuters has not independently confirmed the accusations. “In the privacy of intimate relationships, I have engaged in role-playing and other consensual sexual activity," Schneiderman said in a statement issued by Stu Loeser & Co before he announced his resignation. "I have not assaulted anyone. I have never engaged in non-consensual sex, which is a line I would not cross." Cuomo, in his statement calling for Schneiderman's resignation, referred to "the damning pattern of facts and corroboration laid out in the article," and said he did not believe it was possible for Schneiderman to continue to serve as attorney general. The New Yorker reported that two of the women who spoke to the magazine "alleged that he repeatedly hit them, often after drinking, frequently in bed and never with their consent." The two women who were named in the article both called the abuse by Schneiderman "assault," the magazine reported. One of the women said Schneiderman slapped her across the face after she rejected his advances and that when she told him she wanted to leave, he said, "A lot of women like it. They don't always think they like it, but then they do, and they ask for more," according to the article. A spokesman for Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance said the office is opening an investigation. Schneiderman is not the first top-ranking New York politician who was forced to resign following media reports about his personal life. Eliot Spitzer resigned as New York's governor in 2008 after a New York Times report revealed that he was caught on a federal wiretap arranging to meet a prostitute in a Washington hotel room. Spitzer, a Democrat who as the state's attorney general before becoming governor once broke up prostitution rings, was married at the time. He faced intense pressure to resign and impeachment threats from Republicans. Schneiderman, a Harvard-educated lawyer, has been New York state's attorney general since late 2010. He has been a high-profile proponent of the #MeToo movement, which has seen accusations of sexual misconduct leveled against prominent men in politics, media, entertainment and business. They include Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein. In February, Schneiderman sued the Weinstein Company and Weinstein himself, alleging years of sexual harassment and misconduct by the movie producer. Weinstein has been accused of sexual misconduct by more than 70 women, including rape. He denies having non-consensual sex with anyone. And in March, Cuomo ordered Schneiderman's office to review an investigation by Vance, the Manhattan district attorney, of a 2015 sexual assault case involving Harvey Weinstein, a case that Vance had decided not to try and prosecute. The front page of Schneiderman's re-election campaign website on Monday night displayed his statement denying the accusations reported by the New Yorker, along with copies of news stories about his fight for abortion rights and a battle with the Trump administration. His statement of resignation was not posted. New York state's constitution calls for the legislature to fill a vacancy in the office of the attorney general. But with the office up for election in November, any candidate chosen would serve only for a matter of months. The primary election is scheduled for September, followed by the November general election.

New York state attorney general resigns after report he abused women

US&nbsp;prosecutors in New York have been investigating whether Chinese tech company Huawei violated US&nbsp;sanctions in relation to Iran, according to sources familiar with the situation. Since at least 2016, US&nbsp;authorities have been probing Huawei's alleged shipping of US-origin products to Iran and other countries in violation of US&nbsp;export and sanctions laws, two of the sources said.

News of the Justice Department probe follows a series of US&nbsp;actions aimed at stopping or reducing access by Huawei and Chinese smartphone maker ZTE Corp to the US&nbsp;economy amid allegations the companies could be using their technology to spy on Americans.

The Justice Department probe is being run out of the US&nbsp;attorney's office in Brooklyn, the sources said. John Marzulli, a spokesman for the prosecutor's office, would neither confirm nor deny the existence of the investigation. The probe was first reported by the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday.

Huawei, the world's largest maker of telecommunications network equipment and the No. 3 smartphone supplier, said it complies with "all applicable laws and regulations where it operates, including the applicable export control and sanction laws and regulations of the UN, US and EU."

The probe of Huawei is similar to one that China's ZTE Corp says is now threatening its survival. The United States last week banned American firms from selling parts and software to ZTE for seven years. Washington accused ZTE of violating an agreement on punishing employees after the company illegally shipped US&nbsp;goods to Iran.

ZTE, which sells smartphones in the United States, paid $890 million in fines and penalties, with an additional penalty of $300 million that could be imposed.

US&nbsp;authorities have subpoenaed Huawei seeking information related to possible export and sanctions violations, two sources said. The New York Times last April reported the U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control subpoena, issued in December 2016, following a Commerce Department subpoena that summer.

Both companies also have been under scrutiny by US&nbsp;lawmakers over cybersecurity concerns.

In February, Senator Richard Burr, the Republican chairman of the US&nbsp;Senate Intelligence Committee, cited concerns about the spread of Chinese technologies in the United States, which he called "counterintelligence and information security risks that come prepackaged with the goods and services of certain overseas vendors."

Huawei and ZTE have denied these allegations.

Republican Senators Marco Rubio and Tom Cotton have introduced legislation that would block the US&nbsp;government from buying or leasing telecommunications equipment from Huawei or ZTE, citing concern that the Chinese companies would use their access to spy on US&nbsp;officials.

In 2016, the Commerce Department made documents public that showed ZTE's misconduct and also revealed how a second company, identified only as F7, had successfully evaded US&nbsp;export controls.

In a 2016 letter to the Commerce Department, 10 US&nbsp;lawmakers said F7 was believed to be Huawei, citing media reports.

In April 2017, lawmakers sent another letter to Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross asking for F7 to be publicly identified and fully investigated.

The US&nbsp;government’s investigation into sanctions violations by ZTE followed reports by Reuters (https://reut.rs/2H3p0Vl) in 2012 that the company had signed contracts to ship millions of dollars’ worth of hardware and software from some of the best known U.S. technology companies to Iran’s largest telecoms carrier.

Reuters also previously reported on suspicious activity related to Huawei. In January 2013, Reuters reported (https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-huawei-skycom/exclusive-huawei-cfo-linked-to-firm-that-offered-hp-gear-to-iran-idUKBRE90U0CA20130131) that a Hong Kong-based firm that attempted to sell embargoed Hewlett-Packard computer equipment to Iran's largest mobile-phone operator has much closer ties to China's Huawei Technologies than was previously known.

News of the Justice Department probe follows a series of US actions aimed at stopping or reducing access by Huawei and Chinese smartphone maker ZTE Corp to the US economy amid allegations the companies could be using their technology to spy on Americans.

US prosecutors in New York have been investigating whether Chinese tech company Huawei violated US sanctions in relation to Iran, according to sources familiar with the situation. Since at least 2016, US authorities have been probing Huawei's alleged shipping of US-origin products to Iran and other countries in violation of US export and sanctions laws, two of the sources said. News of the Justice Department probe follows a series of US actions aimed at stopping or reducing access by Huawei and Chinese smartphone maker ZTE Corp to the US economy amid allegations the companies could be using their technology to spy on Americans. The Justice Department probe is being run out of the US attorney's office in Brooklyn, the sources said. John Marzulli, a spokesman for the prosecutor's office, would neither confirm nor deny the existence of the investigation. The probe was first reported by the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday. Huawei, the world's largest maker of telecommunications network equipment and the No. 3 smartphone supplier, said it complies with "all applicable laws and regulations where it operates, including the applicable export control and sanction laws and regulations of the UN, US and EU." The probe of Huawei is similar to one that China's ZTE Corp says is now threatening its survival. The United States last week banned American firms from selling parts and software to ZTE for seven years. Washington accused ZTE of violating an agreement on punishing employees after the company illegally shipped US goods to Iran. ZTE, which sells smartphones in the United States, paid $890 million in fines and penalties, with an additional penalty of $300 million that could be imposed. US authorities have subpoenaed Huawei seeking information related to possible export and sanctions violations, two sources said. The New York Times last April reported the U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control subpoena, issued in December 2016, following a Commerce Department subpoena that summer. Both companies also have been under scrutiny by US lawmakers over cybersecurity concerns. In February, Senator Richard Burr, the Republican chairman of the US Senate Intelligence Committee, cited concerns about the spread of Chinese technologies in the United States, which he called "counterintelligence and information security risks that come prepackaged with the goods and services of certain overseas vendors." Huawei and ZTE have denied these allegations. Republican Senators Marco Rubio and Tom Cotton have introduced legislation that would block the US government from buying or leasing telecommunications equipment from Huawei or ZTE, citing concern that the Chinese companies would use their access to spy on US officials. In 2016, the Commerce Department made documents public that showed ZTE's misconduct and also revealed how a second company, identified only as F7, had successfully evaded US export controls. In a 2016 letter to the Commerce Department, 10 US lawmakers said F7 was believed to be Huawei, citing media reports. In April 2017, lawmakers sent another letter to Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross asking for F7 to be publicly identified and fully investigated. The US government’s investigation into sanctions violations by ZTE followed reports by Reuters (https://reut.rs/2H3p0Vl) in 2012 that the company had signed contracts to ship millions of dollars’ worth of hardware and software from some of the best known U.S. technology companies to Iran’s largest telecoms carrier. Reuters also previously reported on suspicious activity related to Huawei. In January 2013, Reuters reported (https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-huawei-skycom/exclusive-huawei-cfo-linked-to-firm-that-offered-hp-gear-to-iran-idUKBRE90U0CA20130131) that a Hong Kong-based firm that attempted to sell embargoed Hewlett-Packard computer equipment to Iran's largest mobile-phone operator has much closer ties to China's Huawei Technologies than was previously known.

US probing Huawei for possible Iran sanctions violations: Sources

An elderly man died late Saturday after a blaze erupted on the 50th floor of Trump Tower in New York which also injured four firefighters, officials said.

The New York Police Department said the 67-year-old man was found "unconscious and unresponsive" when officers arrived at the scene of the fire.

The man was pronounced dead after being taken to Mount Sinai Roosevelt Hospital, according to police, which said the medical examiner's office would determine the cause of death as part of an ongoing investigation.

"This was a very difficult fire. As you can imagine, the apartment is quite large, we are 50 stories up. The rest of the building had a considerable amount of smoke," the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) said.

It said the four firefighters had "non-life threatening" injuries and that the blaze had been brought "under control."

Smoke began rising from the skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan around 6:00 pm (2200 GMT).

Streets surrounding the building owned by US President Donald Trump that serves as the headquarters for The Trump Organization and houses the president's penthouse were closed off as tourists snapped pictures on their phones.

The FDNY earlier tweeted a picture of the building with several windows of the 50th floor ablaze.

Trump later said the fire had been extinguished.

"Fire at Trump Tower is out. Very confined (well built building). Firemen (and women) did a great job. THANK YOU!" he said.

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Fire at Trump Tower is out. Very confined (well built building). Firemen (and women) did a great job. THANK YOU!
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Smoke began rising from the skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan around 6:00 pm.

An elderly man died late Saturday after a blaze erupted on the 50th floor of Trump Tower in New York which also injured four firefighters, officials said. The New York Police Department said the 67-year-old man was found "unconscious and unresponsive" when officers arrived at the scene of the fire. The man was pronounced dead after being taken to Mount Sinai Roosevelt Hospital, according to police, which said the medical examiner's office would determine the cause of death as part of an ongoing investigation. "This was a very difficult fire. As you can imagine, the apartment is quite large, we are 50 stories up. The rest of the building had a considerable amount of smoke," the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) said. It said the four firefighters had "non-life threatening" injuries and that the blaze had been brought "under control." Smoke began rising from the skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan around 6:00 pm (2200 GMT). Streets surrounding the building owned by US President Donald Trump that serves as the headquarters for The Trump Organization and houses the president's penthouse were closed off as tourists snapped pictures on their phones. The FDNY earlier tweeted a picture of the building with several windows of the 50th floor ablaze. Trump later said the fire had been extinguished. "Fire at Trump Tower is out. Very confined (well built building). Firemen (and women) did a great job. THANK YOU!" he said. Fire at Trump Tower is out. Very confined (well built building). Firemen (and women) did a great job. THANK YOU! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 7, 2018 ×

Trump Tower fire kills 1, injures 4

UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor surrendered on Thursday, a police spokesman said, after he was accused of attacking a bus carrying fighters leaving a media event ahead of UFC223 this weekend.

McGregor and his entourage entered the Barclays Center in Brooklyn around 1:30 p.m. and tossed a hand truck at a bus, causing a minor injury to a passenger, Sophia Mason, a spokeswoman for the New York Police Department, told the New York Times in an email.&nbsp

McGregor surrendered to police at the department`s 78th Precinct, but had not been charged as of late Thursday as police continued their investigation, a spokesman told Reuters.&nbsp

Video footage circulated on social media showed McGregor running in a loading area and picking up an item and throwing it at a window on the back of the bus.&nbsp

Clips of video shot from inside the van showed an object hitting and cracking the vehicle`s windshield before the driver reversed away.&nbsp

"This is the most disgusting thing that has ever happened in the history of the company," UFC president Dana White told website MMA Junkie.

Russian lightweight contender Khabib Nurmagomedov is due to face Max Holloway in a showdown for McGregor`s belt, which he won in 2016 but never defended, and White has said the winner of Saturday`s bout during UFC 223 at the Barclays Center will be crowned undisputed champion.&nbsp

Earlier in the week, Nurmagomedov confronted Artem Lobov, the 29-year-old McGregor`s Russian friend, team mate and sparring partner, in a hotel in New York, an incident which may have provoked the Irish fighter.&nbsp 
White subsequently told reporters at the venue that Lobov would not be allowed to fight Alex Caceres as scheduled on Saturday.&nbsp

He was accused of attacking a bus carrying fighters

UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor surrendered on Thursday, a police spokesman said, after he was accused of attacking a bus carrying fighters leaving a media event ahead of UFC223 this weekend. McGregor and his entourage entered the Barclays Center in Brooklyn around 1:30 p.m. and tossed a hand truck at a bus, causing a minor injury to a passenger, Sophia Mason, a spokeswoman for the New York Police Department, told the New York Times in an email. McGregor surrendered to police at the department`s 78th Precinct, but had not been charged as of late Thursday as police continued their investigation, a spokesman told Reuters. Video footage circulated on social media showed McGregor running in a loading area and picking up an item and throwing it at a window on the back of the bus. Clips of video shot from inside the van showed an object hitting and cracking the vehicle`s windshield before the driver reversed away. "This is the most disgusting thing that has ever happened in the history of the company," UFC president Dana White told website MMA Junkie. Russian lightweight contender Khabib Nurmagomedov is due to face Max Holloway in a showdown for McGregor`s belt, which he won in 2016 but never defended, and White has said the winner of Saturday`s bout during UFC 223 at the Barclays Center will be crowned undisputed champion. Earlier in the week, Nurmagomedov confronted Artem Lobov, the 29-year-old McGregor`s Russian friend, team mate and sparring partner, in a hotel in New York, an incident which may have provoked the Irish fighter. White subsequently told reporters at the venue that Lobov would not be allowed to fight Alex Caceres as scheduled on Saturday.

Mixed Martial Arts: McGregor surrenders to New York police after media day chaos

Mixed Martial Artist Conor McGregor on Friday was charged with three counts of assault and one count of criminal mischief following a rampage at a UFC press event in Brooklyn on Thursday.

The 29-year-old, who became the first UFC fighter to hold two world titles simultaneously today surrendered before the police after the violent incident.&nbsp

"He's been charged with assault, three counts of assault, and one count of criminal mischief," a statement from the New York Police Department said.&nbsp

"He's still in custody, still at the police precinct until he's removed to court this morning," it added.

As the UFC held a media day ahead of the upcoming fight card at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Saturday, McGregor and his entourage entered through a side entrance and attacked a van containing other fighters.&nbsp

Video of the same went viral on social media which showed objects being thrown at the van, and a number of people were injured by glass fragments as windows were smashed.&nbsp

The 29-year-old became the first UFC fighter to hold two world titles

Mixed Martial Artist Conor McGregor on Friday was charged with three counts of assault and one count of criminal mischief following a rampage at a UFC press event in Brooklyn on Thursday. The 29-year-old, who became the first UFC fighter to hold two world titles simultaneously today surrendered before the police after the violent incident. "He's been charged with assault, three counts of assault, and one count of criminal mischief," a statement from the New York Police Department said. "He's still in custody, still at the police precinct until he's removed to court this morning," it added. As the UFC held a media day ahead of the upcoming fight card at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Saturday, McGregor and his entourage entered through a side entrance and attacked a van containing other fighters. Video of the same went viral on social media which showed objects being thrown at the van, and a number of people were injured by glass fragments as windows were smashed.

Conor McGregor charged with assault in New York after rampage

The United States federal judge&nbspdismissed the motion filed by New York accusing Saudi Arabia of playing a role in 9/11 attacks.

According to report the judge George Daniels dismissing the lawsuits said that the plaintiffs' lawsuit meets the requirements of the to court to proceed under the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act.

The judge reportedly said that the lawsuit,&nbsp"narrowly articulate a reasonable basis".

Daniel the same judge has rejected same claims in the past.

US Congress passed Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act in 2016 which permits to sue a foreign state if such state was designated as a state sponsor of terrorism by the United States Department of State.

In a further hearing, he dismissed the claims against two Saudi Banks and construction company with ties to Osama Bin Laden citing the reason that it lacks jurisdiction.

Thousands of people were killed in a terrorist attack on World Trade Centre in 2001.

In 2001, Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda carried out a coordinated attack on World Trade Centre killing at least 2,996 people and injuring over 6,000 people.

The attack caused infrastructure damage of $10 billion.

The judge reportedly said that the lawsuit, 'narrowly articulate a reasonable basis'

The United States federal judge&nbspdismissed the motion filed by New York accusing Saudi Arabia of playing a role in 9/11 attacks. According to report the judge George Daniels dismissing the lawsuits said that the plaintiffs' lawsuit meets the requirements of the to court to proceed under the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act. The judge reportedly said that the lawsuit, "narrowly articulate a reasonable basis". Daniel the same judge has rejected same claims in the past. US Congress passed Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act in 2016 which permits to sue a foreign state if such state was designated as a state sponsor of terrorism by the United States Department of State. In a further hearing, he dismissed the claims against two Saudi Banks and construction company with ties to Osama Bin Laden citing the reason that it lacks jurisdiction. Thousands of people were killed in a terrorist attack on World Trade Centre in 2001. In 2001, Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda carried out a coordinated attack on World Trade Centre killing at least 2,996 people and injuring over 6,000 people. The attack caused infrastructure damage of $10 billion.

US judge rejects Saudi motion to drop 9/11 charges

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