Opts out of Miami Heat deal
According to James’ agent, Rich Paul, James’ will exercise the early termination option in his contract. James will be a free agent as of July 1, 2014. James had until June 30th to decide whether or not to opt out of the final two years of his contract with the Miami Heat. He would have made$20 million next season and had two years and about $42.7 million remaining on his deal.
1075 killed this month
According to a U.N human rights team in Iraq, at total 1075 have died this month, including at least 757 civilians and 599 injured in Nineveh, Diyala and Salah al-Din provinces between June 5th and June 22nd as troops led by Shiite-led government in Baghdad failed to stop the advance of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, also known as ISIS.
This figure — which should be viewed very much as a minimum — includes a number of verified summary executions and extra-judicial killings of civilians, police, and soldiers who were hors (de) combat
Death statistics files altered
Pauline DeWenter, a scheduling clerk for the VA in Phoenix, Arizona, reveals that files were altered to change the number of deaths of veterans who died while awaiting care. She also states that she was in charge of handling a “secret waiting list” containing the names of veterans who were waiting for care, some of which waited months for care or received no care at all. This is the first time DeWenter has spoken publicly about the Phoenix VA scandal.
“Deceased” notes on files were removed to make statistics look better, so veterans would not be counted as having died while waiting for care
NJPW agreement
GFW announces a announce partnership with Japanese promotion, NJPW. The companies will be able to trade talents for shows in both countries.
What NJPW has done in the past 40 years speaks for itself, Several top American stars have appeared there through the years, including current IWGP heavyweight champion A.J. Styles.
Global Force Wrestling is proud to announce our partnership with @njpw1972. http://t.co/Lx6L4SEs1a #JoinTheForce pic.twitter.com/NhP2mnP6id
— My World with Jeff Jarrett (@MyWorldPod) June 23, 2014
‘Migrant children can stay in US’
Biden’s visit to Guatemala to address the number of illegal immigrants entering the US from that country turned into a mixed message. After meeting with Central American leaders Biden says:
We do intend, and everyone agreed, it is necessary to put them back in the hands of a parent in the country from which they came.
Then, later on in his statement he indicated that some children will be able to stay in the US:
We’re sending immigration judges, attorneys to represent these young people and families with young people, and asylum officers. They have a right under our law to make the case — make the case that we’re here because we’re avoiding persecution. We’re avoiding something will physically affect our safety.
Veterans neglected for years
A report sent to the White House by the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) claims that two veterans went years without proper treatment. The report states that one veteran was in a facility for eight years before a complete psychiatric evaluation was ever performed. Another veteran had only one psychiatric note on his chart even though he had been an inpatient at a facility in Massachusetts for seven years. The agency is still investigating more than 50 whistleblower reports involving health and safety allegations at VA facilities nationwide.
Reporters sentenced
Three journalists from Al-Jazeera English are sentenced to seven years in prison by an Egyptian court on crimes related to terrorism. The men, an Australian, Peter Greste, Canadian-Egyptian acting Cairo bureau chief, Mohammed Fahmy, and an Egyptian producer, Baher Mohammed, also receives an extra three years in prison on separate charges. As they were sentenced Greste raises his fists in the air and Fahmy shouts:
I swear they will pay for this
Fahmy’s brother says they will appeal the verdict, but adds that he has little faith in the system.
Everything is corrupt
US Secretary of State arrives
John Kerry arrives in Iraq today to meet with Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki. Kerry will also meet with Iraq’s foreign minister and Shiite and Sunni leaders. Kerry will speak with key leaders about forming a new government that is “in line with the constitutional timeline that they’re on.” A State Department official says:
The trip will emphasize our highest-level commitment to Iraq during this time of crisis
Putin seeks compromise
Putin is supports Ukraine’s cease-fire declaration and is now asking for both sides to reach a compromise. Putin says the compromise must guarantee the rights of the Russian-speaking residents of eastern Ukraine. They must feel they are an “integral part” of their own country. The comments were made today following a ceremony commemorating the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union on this day in 1941.
Admin to deport faster
Along with opening an additional detention center for illegal immigrants, the Obama Administration announces it will also work to process them more quickly. According to The Wall Street Journal, the facility located in New Mexico, one of several facilities in the US, will house the families while they wait deportation. Alejandro Mayorkas, deputy secretary at the Department of Homeland Security:
We will house them in facilities that are humane and compliant with legal requirements
Survivor returns to work
Jeff Bauman returns to his job at Costco in Nashua, New Hampshire, for the very first time last week, nearly 14 months after the attack. Bauman lost both of his legs above the knee.
Save honey bees plan
The President creates a task force comprised of various agencies to investigate the issue of the rapidly decreasing bee population. The Environmental Protection Agency and United States Department of Agriculture will lead the effort to determine why honey bees, monarch butterflies and other pollinators are rapidly decreasing in number and investigate ways to boost conservation of these species.
Pollinators contribute more than $24 billion to the United States economy, of which honey bees account for more than $15 billion through their vital role in keeping fruits, nuts, and vegetables in our diets.
Pays back taxes to save home
O’Brien pays $8,000 in back taxes to take his Rhode Island residence off the state auction. The talk show host’s publicist releases a statement that he had not been aware of the delinquent tax bills because the bill did not reach his accountant in Los Angeles.
As soon as I was made aware that the tax bill on my parents’ house was being mailed to the wrong address, I paid the bill immediately. The problem has been corrected. I am grateful to the reporter at the Westerly Sun who spotted this error and notified me.
North Korea condemns
Kim Jong Un condemns Rogen and Franco for making the movie, Interview, in which they attempt to assassinate the Dear Leader. A North Korean spokesperson says:
[this] shows the desperation of the US government and American society. A film about the assassination of a foreign leader mirrors what the US has done in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and Ukraine. And let us not forget who killed [President John F.] Kennedy – Americans.
Excommunicates Italian Mafia
Francis announces that Italian Mafia members are excommunicated and no longer a part of the Catholic Church. Excommunication excludes Catholics from the church and can be imposed by church authorities for serious offenses. No Pope has ever discussed the issue of excommunication and the Mafia.
Those who in their life have gone along the evil ways, as in the case of the Mafia, they are not with God, they are excommunicated.
Shares first baby photo
Clarkson and Blackstock introduce their daughter, River Rose, to the world on Twitter.
Here is our beautiful baby girl River Rose; 6lbs 6oz, 18 inches, and the greatest thing on the planet 🙂
Cannes Lionheart award
Bono becomes the first ever recipient of the “honorary award that is given in exceptional circumstances.”
Bono has used his celebrity status to successfully establish a global brand, through which he has built unique relationships with other such brands, to raise awareness and funds for the fight against AIDS and achieve greater good for humankind. We are delighted and privileged that Bono will share his inspirational story with our Cannes Lions delegates and we look forward to presenting him with the first Cannes LionHeart in recognition of his achievements.
During his acceptance speech, Bono says:
This is the most important room for (RED) to ever be in.
Ranks last in 2014 customer satisfaction rating
McDonald’s ranks last in American Customer Satisfaction Index’s ranking of fast food restaurants for 2014. Their satisfaction score fell from 73 percent in 2013 to 71 percent in 2014. The ratings are based on interviews from 4,572 customers contacted between January and March 2014.
We are always listening to our 27 million customers every day and appreciate hearing feedback from them and other sources as it helps us improve and evolve.
Transfers to rehab facility
Morgan is moved to a rehabilitation center. His rep says:
Tracy has been transferred to an undisclosed rehab center, where he is expected to remain for the next few weeks. While he is continuing to show signs of improvement, he still has a long way to go. He and Megan wanted to publicly express their deepest gratitude to everyone at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital for the unbelievable care and attention they provided him.
Google Auto Link
Google introduces Google Auto Link (GAL), an in-car system that will be able to sync with Google Android smartphones. The system will rival Apple’s current Apple Car Play. It is the first product developed under its new partnership with Open Automotive Alliance. The partnership includes Audi, Honda, General Motors, Hyundai and chipmaker NVIDIA Corp . Developers who attend the Google I/O Conference in late June will be able to view the interface and a demonstration.