Vatican recognizes Palestine
The Vatican announces it will sign a treaty that includes official recognition of the “State of Palestine.” Vatican Official:
Yes, it’s a recognition that the state exists. The treaty concerns the Catholic Church’s activities in that territory and both parties are expected to sign it soon.
Black Spider letters released
27 letters, written between September 2004 and March 2005, from Prince Charles to government ministers, the so-called “black spider” memos because of Charles’s scrawly handwriting style, are published after a 10-year legal battle to keep them from public view. The letters reveal the scale of Charles’ lobbying and cover issues including equipment provided for British soldiers in Iraq, badger culling, herbal medicine, problems in the dairy sector, and saving the Patagonian toothfish. Clarence House issues a statement on behalf of the Prince:
The publication of private letters can only inhibit his ability to express the concerns and suggestions which have been put to him in the course of his travels and meetings.
Traveling at twice speed limit
Federal investigators say the train was travelling at 102 mph, when engineer applied the locomotive’s emergency braking system just after entering the curved stretch of track. The maximum allowed speed on the curve is 50 miles per hour. The brakes slow the train to 102 mph before the locomotive and all seven passenger cars derail. Black box event recordings and video from the train have yet to be fully analysed. NTSB experts believe the derailment would have been prevented by installation of an advanced safety system called “positive train control”. Authorities have offered no explanation for why the locomotive was traveling so fast. They intend to interview the engineer in the next few days. NTSB official:
This person has gone through a very traumatic event and we want to give him an opportunity to convalesce for a day or two. But that is certainly a very high priority for us.
Posts coup failed
Nkurunziza’s office posts on the president’s Twitter and Facebook accounts:
A group of soldiers mutinied this morning and made a fantasy declaration of a coup d’etat. This attempted coup was foiled and these people … are sought by defense and security forces so they are brought to justice.
Belgium suspends aid
Belgium suspends aid to Burundi, the first country to pull funds due to violent clashes in the African country, after concluding that current conditions do not allow election candidates to campaign. Belgium had pledged four million euros to assist with the organisation of the forthcoming elections — of which a 50 percent tranche has already been paid. The country will also pull out of a five million euro police cooperation deal, which it has in place jointly with the Netherlands. Belgian minister:
In the current circumstances the payment of the remaining two million can only be put on hold.
Comments on Idol cancelation
Clark comments about Fox ending American Idol after its fifteenth season.
Even when people say ratings are coming down, that’s like, what, 20 million to 15 [million]? It’s still millions more than the others! They’re killing all the other shows on the network. I do think it’s a lot harder because there’s such a plethora of them. I don’t think it matters how you got here, it matters if you’re good enough to hang around
FDA clears Neuroderm clinical trials
The FDA clears Israeli pharmaceutical firm NeuroDerm’s U.S. clinical studies to proceed in the second half of this year.
Having lifted the clinical hold in the first half of 2015 means that our U.S. clinical development program of ND0612H and ND0612L is proceeding on track. Parkinson’s patients have been hoping for a less invasive, non-surgical alternative that can deliver levodopa continuously. We remain committed to the execution of our plan to bring these product candidates to the market as soon as possible, and to make a significant impact on the lives of Parkinson’s patients.
Used banned IV before Pacquiao fight
SB Nation reports that Mayweather took saline and vitamins injections which had been banned under World Anti-Doping Agency guidelines. Although the substances contained in the IV were not banned by WADA, whose standards United States Anti-Doping Agency says it follows, the fact that they were given intravenously was not allowed. WADA rules do not allow intravenous infusions or injections of more than 50 milliliters per six hours “except for those legitimately received in the course of hospital admissions, surgical procedures, or clinical investigations” because they can be used to “dilute or mask the presence of another substance.” Three weeks after the fight Mayweather received exemption from the USADA, however Nevada State Athletic Commission said such an exemption could not be granted, unless by them. USADA statement:
Although Mr. Mayweather’s application was not approved until after his fight with Mr. Pacquiao and all tests results were reported, Mr. Mayweather did disclose the infusion to USADA in advance of the IV being administered to him. Furthermore, once the TUE [therapeutic use exemption] was granted, the NSAC and Mr. Pacquiao were immediately notified even though the practice is not prohibited under NSAC rules.
Mayweather:
Let’s not forget that I was the one six years ago who insisted on elevating the level of drug testing for all my fights. As a result, there is more drug testing and awareness of its importance in the sport of boxing today than ever before. I am very proud to be a clean athlete and will continue to champion the cause.
While Mayweather was given an exemption three weeks after the fight, Pacquiao was denied a request to be injected with the legal painkiller Toradol on fight night to ease pain in his injured rotator cuff, which he had surgery on after the bout. The commission declined Pacquiao’s request because it was not made in a timely manner, and he had not previously disclosed the injury.
Criticizes radical Islam for Garland shooting
Cruz criticizes radical Islam for Garland shooting. He also praises police officers for killing the terrorists.
We saw the ugly face of radical Islam in Garland, Texas…Radical Islamists behead Christians and even conduct attacks in Texas…Thankfully, one police officer helped those terrorists meet their virgins.
Successful missile test
North Korea claims the submarine-based test fire of a new design missile is successful. This continues the countries display of rapidly advancing military capabilities. Official:
[North Korea] now possesses a world-level strategic weapon capable of striking and wiping out in any waters the hostile forces infringing upon [North Korea’s] sovereignty and dignity.
Vows to finish politics degree
Black says that she will continue to work on her politics degree, even though she has already become an MP. She still has one exam to finish and will return to Glasgow University at the end of the May.
I’ve worked hard for the last few years so I’m not going to chuck it now.“This is about making Scotland’s voice heard like it’s never been heard before and now we have got the chance to do that.
Opposition calls EU to suspend funds
Burundian opposition leaders call for the EU to suspend €8m of financial assistance and to demand that the government postpone the election. The EU is the main financial contributor to the Project to Support the 2015 Electoral Cycle in Burundi. Alliance for Democratic Change (ADC-IKIBIRI) spokesperson:
We believe the EU’s €8m is a considerable sum. It is shocking that the EU is financing these elections which are killing people, forcing voters of the opposition to flee the country like refugees…It would be unacceptable for the European taxpayer to agree that €8m, which can be used for something else, should be thrown in the trash like that. If these elections are forced to happen, there will be a civil war…Radios have been closed, human rights activists have been imprisoned and these prisoners are refused food and care, are being tortured to the indifference of the international community. The violation of these values must be unacceptable for Europeans partners.
‘The cards weren’t dealt in our favor’
Gruffud takes to Instagram to describe his feelings on Forever’s cancellation:
My dear friends, fans, supporters. Tonight, as you all now know, I received a phone call that I was hoping not to receive, and to be honest I really wasn’t expecting it. I knew the numbers hadn’t been great, but I also knew the studio and the network both loved the show, and of course that it had an incredible fan base…so I thought we were in with a pretty good chance.
It’s been an incredible, wonderful year, one that I will never, ever forget. And guess what? The memories belong to us. We get to keep them ‘forever!’ Thanks again a million times for your unwavering support. Stay strong, be brave, and show kindness as often as you can!
Pledges a ‘greater Britain’
Cameron pledges to make Great Britain even greater after winning the 2015 general election.
We will govern as a party of one nation, one United Kingdom…That means ensuring this recovery reaches all parts of our country, from north to south, to east to west.
Criticizes Clinton immigration proposal
Graham strongly opposes Clinton’s proposal to expand President Obama’s offer of deportation relief to undocumented parents of children brought to the U.S. illegally.
What she’s doing is ensuring a third wave of illegal immigration. I think there’ll be a backlash in this country.
Calls for Geller’s death
Choudary says Geller is asking for an attack and a death sentence by insulting the Islamic prophet Muhammad:
We’re talking about people who deliberately had a competition to insult the messenger Mohammad… If you saw the cartoons that Charlie Hebdo drew you would understand the anger. And now this woman was to draw cartoons or have people draw cartoons to insult the prophet knowing full well that this carries the death penalty in Islam…She should be put before Sharia court and tried. And of course she would face capital punishment…You cannot continue to go down this road and expect the Muslims to stand back. You know I would retaliate if someone insulted my mother. let alone the prophet, who I love 100 times more than my own family.
Hannity:
You’re just pathetic. You’re evil and pathetic.
Choudary accuses the U.S. of being the “champions of murdering innocent people.” Geller responds:
We [are] the champions of freedom, sir. Look how you can’t take it. You want to kill people.
A place for all faiths
In a statement, developers of the Menorah Islands project say that these islands will be a haven for interfaith collaboration, as well as scientific and technological advancements, and provide jobs and housing for Israel’s economy.
Districts for learning and science… will be an idealized example of what the future on Planet Earth and beyond can look like.
The Kickstarter fundraising campaign has 31,203 supporters, who have to date donated $129,500.
Plans to advance science, technology
The developers of the Menorah Islands say one of the major goals for the Islands is the advancement of science and technology in ways to benefit the entire globe, across all types of science disciplines. Spokesperson:
Districts for learning and science… will be an idealized example of what the future on Planet Earth and beyond can look like.
Congress ‘must stop Iran deal’
Cruz urges Congress to stop Iran nuclear deal. He claims that a bad deal with Iran would jeopardize the life of million of Americans.
Our first priority should be stopping a bad Iran deal that jeopardizes the lives of millions of Americans and millions of our allies. There is nothing more important this body can consider, not trade, not the budget. There is nothing more important. The first responsibility of this body is to protect the national security of this country – to protect the lives and safety of men, women, and children across this country – and the President’s Iran deal deeply jeopardizes the safety of Americans.
Will not be pressured into canceling Tel Aviv concert
Warwick says she will not submit to pressure from Waters, who has called on entertainers to not perform in Israel.
[Ms. Warwick] would never fall victim to the hard pressures of Roger Waters, from Pink Floyd, or other political people who have their views on politics in Israel. Waters’ political views are of no concern to Ms. Warwick, as she holds her own unique views on world matters. Art has no boundaries. Ms. Warwick will always honor her contracts. If Ms. Warwick had an objection to performing in Israel, no offer would have been entertained and no contract would have been signed.