University of Kentucky to disband diversity office after GOP lawmakers pushed anti-DEI legislation
The University of Kentucky's president says the school will disband its office promoting diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
A quiet weekend at the box office, with ‘The Beekeeper' on top and some Oscar boosts
Holdovers and Oscar hopefuls dominated the North American box office charts this weekend in the absence of any new wide releases.
UN conference raises less than $1 billion for climate-wracked Horn of Africa in major disappointment
A high-level U.N. conference has raised less than $1 billion of the more than $5 billion organizers were hoping for to help over 30 million people in the Horn of Africa cope with a major climate crisis and mass displacement after years of conflict.
Danish brewer Carlsberg reports strong growth in 1st quarter
Danish brewer Carlsberg says it saw a strong growth in the first three months of the year despite trying to sell its business in Russia, where it generated around 10% of its sales.
Southwest Virginia sees its first cases of the COVID-19 strain from the UK
On Saturday, the Virginia Department of Health reported the 15th such case of the SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.7 in Virginia and the first in the Central Virginia region. The cases were identified in samples from three adult residents of Southwest Virginia who had no history of travel during their exposure periods. Virginia Department of Health map of regions and districts (Virginia Department of Health)[Where are Virginia’s coronavirus cases? AdWith its first case last month, Virginia became the 23rd state to report this new strain. As of Saturday, 49 total states are reporting a total of 2,102 cases of this strain, according to the CDC.
Central Virginia sees its first case of the COVID-19 strain from the UK
On Wednesday, the Virginia Department of Health reported the 12th such case of the SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.7 in Virginia and the first in the Central Virginia region. Virginia Department of Health map of regions and districts (Virginia Department of Health)[Where are Virginia’s coronavirus cases? The health department’s interactive map]VDH says that this strain is associated with increased person-to-person transmission of COVID-19. With its first case last month, Virginia became the 23rd state to report this new strain. AdAs of Wednesday, 45 total states are reporting a total of 1,881 cases of this strain, according to the CDC.
The COVID-19 strain from South Africa is now in Southwest Virginia
Doctors have diagnosed a person in Southwest Virginia as having one of the new strains of the coronavirus. An adult in Southwest Virginia tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.351, the strain that emerged in the South Africa late last year, according to the Virginia Department of Health. In addition, VDH reports that there are 12 cases of the strain that first emerged in the UK here in Virginia. Virginia Department of Health map of regions and districts shows what's considered 'Southwest Virginia' (Virginia Department of Health)VDH says that this strain is associated with increased person-to-person transmission of COVID-19. AdIn the United States, 19 cases of the B.1.351 variant have been detected in 10 states as of Feb 16.
Eastern Virginia sees its first UK COVID-19 strain, second case of South African strain
On Friday, the Virginia Department of Health reported the sixth such case of the SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.7 and the second to be outside of Northern Virginia. This patient is an adult resident of Eastern Virginia with no history of travel outside of Virginia. The second case of the new COVID-19 strain from South Africa has also made its way to Eastern Virginia. The only two cases of the South African strain in Virginia so far are in the eastern region. In Virginia, there are six total cases of the COVID-19 UK strain and two cases of the COVID-19 South African strain as of Friday.
Virginia now has four cases of the new COVID-19 strain from the UK
It seems the UK strand of the coronavirus is beginning to spread in Virginia. On Wednesday, the Virginia Department of Health reported the fourth such case of the SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.7 and the first to be outside of Northern Virginia. The map below shows precisely how VDH defines the Northwest regionVirginia Department of Health map of regions and districts (Virginia Department of Health)[Where are Virginia’s coronavirus cases? AdWith its first case last month, Virginia became the 23rd state to report this new strain. As of Tuesday, 33 states are reporting a total of 541 cases of this strain, according to the CDC.
Carilion, Centra doctors worry about new strains of COVID-19
VIRGINIA – Just as the vaccine had given the health care world a leg up in the battle against COVID-19, mutant strains of the virus have emerged. “These newer variants have more changes and that’s why we’re starting to worry a little bit,” said Dr. Paul Skolnik, the chair of medicine at Carilion Clinic. We don’t know what a new variant could do,” said Dr. Christopher Lewis, Centra Health’s vice president of medical affairs. Lewis said the question is whether or not these variant strains could be more infectious or more dangerous. Lab tests have proven that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines work to protect you from these new strains.
Africa CDC: New virus variant appears to emerge in Nigeria
“It’s a separate lineage from the U.K. and South Africa,” the head of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, John Nkengasong, told reporters. He said the Nigeria CDC and the African Center of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases would analyze more samples. The new virus variant in South Africa is now the predominant one there, Nkengasong said, as confirmed infections in the country approach 1 million. “We believe this mutation will not have an effect” on the deployment of COVID-19 vaccines to the continent, he said of the South Africa variant. Infections across the continent have risen 10.9% over the past four weeks, the Africa CDC director said, including a 52% increase in Nigeria and 40% increase in South Africa.
Carilion experts urge people to stay vigilant during holidays as vaccines are distributed
ROANOKE, Va. – Just days away from Christmas, local doctors are urging you not to let your guard down when it comes to COVID-19. As vaccines roll out, experts at Carilion say it’s more important than ever to be extra cautious by continuing to wear masks, practice social distancing and avoid large gatherings. “These sets of mutations may, and I emphasize may, increase contagiousness between people, transmissibility between people. It’s also possible that lack of precautions, mask wearing, social distancing, not getting together in big groups could also be at play here,” said Skolnik. In the last week, they’ve used about 75% of the initial Pfizer allotment.
London faces new restrictions as city sees higher virus risk
The government is negotiating with the leaders of Manchester, Lancashire and other communities in northern England about moving into the top risk tier, which would require the closure of many businesses. The opposition Labour Party’s spokesman on health issues, Jonathan Ashworth, described the measures as inadequate to stem the exponential growth of the virus. Hancock said discussions were continuing with Greater Manchester and Lancashire about moving those communities into the government’s highest risk tier. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham once again rejected government pressure to accept the higher risk rating without further financial support. “They are willing to sacrifice jobs and businesses here to try and save them elsewhere,″ a visibly furious Burnham said.
Airport dogs being trained to sniff out coronavirus
LONDON Trials are taking place in the UK to see whether specially trained airport sniffer dogs could detect COVID-19 in travelers, even before symptoms appear. Sniffer dogs are already a common sight in airports -- usually, they're looking out for drugs, weapons or other contraband. But specially trained dogs have also been trained to detect infections and diseases, including cancer, malaria and Parkinson's disease. Dogs that are already used to detect certain cancers and diseases will now be trialled to see if they can detect #coronavirus in humans. This preliminary trial has recruited six dogs, dubbed The Super Six -- theyre all either labradors or cocker spaniels.
The Latest: Sports stars to be exempt from UK quarantine
The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:___The UK government says selected sports stars are to be exempt from quarantine requirements when competing in England. However, those involved will instead live and work in bubbled environments behind closed doors, UK culture secretary Oliver Dowden announced on Sunday. The new measures will allow Formula One, international soccer, golf and snooker events to take place. Competitors involved in these events will be granted quarantine exemptions. International cricketers are also now formally exempt, although individual special arrangements have already been made for the touring West Indies and Pakistan teams this summer.
8 arrested in Vietnam in Essex truck deaths
(CNN) - Police in Vietnam have arrested eight people in connection with the deaths of 39 people found dead in a truck in England last month, Vietnamese state media reported Monday. Vietnamese police had arrested two suspects in connection to the deaths on Friday. The deputy director of the Nge An district police department said police suspected the arrested pair may also have been involved in previous missing persons cases. UK police investigating the deaths have also appealed to two brothers to hand themselves in. Last week the driver of the truck, Maurice "Mo" Robinson, 25, appeared in court, charged with 39 counts of manslaughter.
'Friends' Monopoly board game lets you play as the TV show's iconic characters
InsiderAfter first hearing about 'Friends' Monopoly, it was disappointing to find out it was only available in the UK. Well, after eight months of waiting, the board game has officially crossed (pivoted) the pond. In case you missed the initial release, the' 90s-sitcom-inspired game includes six player pieces to represent everyone from Rachel (handbag) to Joey (pizza) and features a board full of famous Friends locations.
New research sheds light on largest-ever Anglo-Saxon treasure hoard
Doctor David Symons, curator of antiquities holds a cross as part of The Staffordshire Hoard, the UK's largest collection of Anglo Saxon treasure ever found, at Birmingham Museum on September 24, 2009, in Birmingham, England. The haul of over(CNN) - A decade after the largest haul of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver was discovered in an English field, archaeologists are shedding new light on the origins of the treasure. In "The Staffordshire Hoard: An Anglo-Saxon Treasure," a book released Friday, archeologists point to "convincing evidence" that precious Christian objects were carried as talismans into battle, most likely by priests. Experts say the objects could be some of the earliest known examples of Anglo-Saxon ecclesiastical metalwork, blending traditional motifs with new Christian objects that were being adopted as the religion became established in England. The collection of artifacts contains both Christian and pagan symbolism, and it bears influences from different times and places, experts say.
Airport tests faster ways to get people onto planes
Getty Images(CNN) - Airline passengers could see their boarding times cut by up to 10% if a new trial at a major UK airport is successful. Waiting for someone in row three to cram their bags into overhead storage, squeezing past someone in the aisle seat to reach your window seat -- these are just some of the awkward realities of modern aircraft travel. But a new trial at Gatwick, the UK's second-largest airport, could change this. The trial includes boarding people from the back row to the front, with window seat passengers boarding first, followed by middle and then aisle seats. A Gatwick spokesperson told CNN that in the first week of the trial a flight of 158 passengers boarded in 14 minutes -- two to three minutes faster than normal.
Facebook agrees to pay fine over Cambridge Analytica
Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images(CNN) - The fight between Facebook and the UK government's data regulator over Cambridge Analytica has come to an end. Facebook has agreed to pay the 500,000 ($645,000) penalty imposed by the UK Information Commissioner's Office, which found the company failed to safeguard user data gathered by political data firm Cambridge Analytica. The regulator issued the small fine last year, but Facebook appealed the ruling. Facebook and its CEO Mark Zuckerberg have faced intense scrutiny after Cambridge Analytica obtained the personal data of as many as 87 million Facebook users. Facebook will also gain access under the settlement to documents obtained by the UK government from Cambridge Analytica, which the company said it will use to further investigate the issue.
Britain on course for December general election
(CNN) - The stage has been set in the UK for a December general election after the opposition Labour Party swung behind the move, potentially paving a course out of the country's paralyzing political impasse. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn confirmed his party would support Prime Minister Boris Johnson's attempt in Parliament on Tuesday to force an early poll. Corbyn had opposed Johnson's earlier attempts to force a vote, but said in a statement on Tuesday that his party will back it now that the European Union has extended the Brexit process. "We will now launch the most ambitious and radical campaign for real change our country has ever seen," Corbyn said. The exact date is still unclear, with the government favoring a December 12 polling day but opposition blocs leaning towards a vote earlier in the same week.
Potentially fatal tick-borne infection found for first time in UK
LONDON - A potentially fatal infection spread by ticks has been detected for the first time in the UK, according to health authorities. Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus is an infection that causes no symptoms in most people. Those that spend time walking in rural areas where infected ticks are found are at risk of contracting TBE and other tick-borne diseases. In 2017, there were 3,079 reported cases of TBE in Europe, including 9 associated fatalities, according to PHE research. It is possible that migratory birds introduced TBE-infected ticks to the UK, or they could have arrived along with pets traveling from Europe, according to PHE.
EU approves three-month Brexit extension
EU leaders announced that an agreement to extend Brexit to Jan. 31 has been agreed to in principle. (CNN) - European leaders have approved the UK's request for a three-month extension to the Brexit process, averting a no-deal split on Halloween but extending the political saga into next year. Opposition parties had blocked Johnson's effort to force a poll while a no-deal break from the EU remained on the table. UK inches towards Christmas general electionAs the EU's decision is confirmed, Johnson is prepping for a vote on his general election request on Monday. The UK hasn't had a general election in December since 1923, but the option appears the most likely path out of the country's unending political deadlock.
Why would people from China risk their lives to enter the UK?
Nearly 10 million of the international migrant population of 258 million are Chinese citizens, according to the Migration Policy Institute, making China the fourth-largest country of origin for international migrants. But this is not always true, especially for Chinese migrants. In 2017, 293 potential victims of modern slavery in the UK were reported to originate from China, the government said. But Dustmann added the number of illegal Chinese migrants in the UK is still small compared to those in Mediterranean countries such as Spain and Italy, mainly because it is more difficult to enter the UK. So why are so many Chinese citizens willing to take such risks?
UK police: 39 people found dead in truck are Chinese nationals
(CNN) - British police have said that all 39 people who were found dead in a truck in a UK industrial park on Wednesday were Chinese nationals. CNN witnessed Northern Ireland forces search two properties in County Armagh, southwest of Belfast. Police in England, Northern Ireland and now Belgium scrambled overnight to establish the chain of events that led to the deaths. They also told CNN that Robinson's parents have traveled to England to support him. "It's not something (emergency services) deal with on a day-to-day basis," Carter told CNN.
'Fresh Prince' star Ribeiro flaunts moves on 'Strictly Come Dancing'
(CNN) - Now this is a story all about howAlfonso Ribeiro turned TV upside-downAnd we'd like to take a minuteJust sit right thereWe'll tell you how the "Fresh Prince" star ended up on UK airOK, enough messing around. Alfonso Ribeiro guest judged on Saturday evening's episode of "Strictly Come Dancing," a UK celebrity ballroom dance competition, and everybody was hamming it up in his honor. The actor is most famous for his role as Carlton Banks on the popular 90's series "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." In 2014, he was the winner of season 19 of "Dancing with the Stars," the US version of "Strictly Come Dancing." To anticipate Ribeiro's arrival, the show's stars shared a video of themselves doing the Carlton, the dance made famous by Ribeiro's "Fresh Prince" character.
3 more arrests made in theft of solid gold toilet
"America", a fully-working solid gold toilet, created by artist Maurizio Cattelan, is seen at Blenheim Palace on Sept. 12 in Woodstock, England. His most notable piece being(CNN) - Police investigating the theft of a solid gold toilet from a stately home in the UK made three arrests Wednesday. The fully functioning toilet is a piece of art made entirely from 18-karat gold that was installed in Blenheim Palace, England, as part of an exhibition by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan. Police have been investigating its theft since Sept. 14 and previously made two arrests. "Firstly, it's plumbed in and secondly, a potential thief will have no idea who last used the toilet or what they ate.
Ban air miles to combat climate crisis, UK committee recommends
A measure to eliminate air miles and "mileage runs" is one of a number of recommendations from the Committee on Climate Change. LONDON - Air miles programs should be banned and a levy on frequent flyers implemented in order to reduce carbon emissions from aviation, the UK government's climate advisory body has said in a new report. The measure is one of a number of recommendations from the Committee on Climate Change (CCC), which published its research Thursday on how the UK can meet its target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. An air miles levy would be based on the number of miles flown by each passenger, penalizing those who fly the most while leaving the majority of people unaffected. Last week, International Airlines Group (IAG) -- which includes British Airways, Aer Lingus and Iberia -- promised to remove or offset all carbon emissions from its fleet of more than 570 aircraft by 2050.
Kim Kardashian defends Meghan and Harry over press treatment
(CNN) - As the UK's Prince Harry takes on the tabloid media over its treatment of his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Kim Kardashian has weighed in on the royal couple's side. Speaking at the 2019 Armenia Technology Convention in Yerevan, Kardashian said: "I think that everyone makes their own choices and decisions. Kardashian commended the duke and duchess for using their high profile to shed light on important causes, including mental health awareness. Most recently, they joined forces with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in an advertising campaign for the NHS's new Every Mind Matters initiative. Prince Harry denounced the 'bullying" media for conducting what he called a "ruthless campaign" against his wife.
Severe obesity among 10 and 11-year-olds hits all-time high in UK
Getty ImagesLONDON - Severe obesity has hit an all-time high among children in England in their last year of primary school, a government report has found. The NHS defines children's obesity by calculating their Body Mass Index (BMI), taking into account their sex and age. The findings come just a week after a report by the World Obesity Federation, which warned that there are 158 million obese children around the world. In absolute terms, the US is expected to have 17 million obese children by 2030, the largest number after China and India, the report found. "Combined overweight and obesity prevalence ranged from 41.5% for children living in the most deprived areas to 24.1% for children living in the least deprived areas," the report found.
Boris Johnson will seek Brexit delay if no deal is reached
(CNN) - UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will request a Brexit extension if no deal is reached with the European Union by October 19, according to documents read out in Scotland's highest court on Friday, PA news agency reports. The developments come after the Prime Minister unveiled his Brexit plan earlier this week in a letter to the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker. On the island of Ireland, only the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) of Northern Ireland has voiced its support for the government's new Brexit proposals. Varadkar said the problem was that the proposed Brexit deal appeared to create two borders, adding that there was "a long way to go" until an agreement acceptable to all sides could be reached. Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who appeared alongside Varadkar at the joint press conference, also said an extension was "better than no deal."
US, UK, Australia urge Facebook to halt plan to encrypt user messages
CNN imageMENLO PARK, Calif. - US Attorney General William Barr and senior government officials from the UK and Australia are formally asking Facebook to give up on its plan to encrypt user messages across its platforms. The encryption debate, which pits tech companies that want to ensure user communications are private and secure against law enforcement's desire to access such messages, is decades old. "We respect and support the role law enforcement has in keeping people safe," a Facebook spokesperson said in a statement provided to CNN. "We strongly oppose government attempts to build backdoors because they would undermine the privacy and security of people everywhere." 'It would fundamentally compromise the security and privacy of encrypted communications on Facebook."
Calm before Storm Lorenzo brings stunning sunrise to England
Fisherman Ian Jepson, who fishes off the north coast of Cornwall 12 months of the year, tweeted a view off the coast of Perranporth. (CNN) - As Storm Lorenzo approaches the UK, parts of England woke up to a dramatic and colorful sunrise, as several photos posted on social media Thursday morning show. The former hurricane is nearing from the west, bringing high clouds over the region, according to CNN Weather's Monica Garrett. Angelika Smith snapped spectacular photos of the sunrise in Churchover near Rugby, Warwickshire. Mark Bentley, who is an amateur photographer, caught the chilly sunrise on camera near Burford in West Oxfordshire.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson plans to suspend Parliament again
(CNN) - Weeks after its last attempt to suspend Parliament was ruled unlawful, the UK government says it will request that parliament be suspended again. A statement from Downing Street said the government intends to end the current parliamentary session on Oct. 8. A new parliamentary session will start six days later on Oct. 14 with a queen's Speech, which sets out the government's legislative agenda. The planned suspension would be for "the shortest time possible," the government said. The-CNN-Wire & 2019 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company.
Europe braces for remnants of Hurricane Lorenzo
Hurricane Lorenzo will pass near the Azores as a Category 2 storm and continue moving northeast. (CNN) - Warnings of flash flooding and dangerous high winds have been issued in Europe as remnants of the record-breaking Hurricane Lorenzo approach the continent. This will make it the first hurricane to track through the mid-Atlantic archipelago since 2012. Wave heights in western Ireland are expected to reach 40 feet on Thursday and Friday. 'Life-threatening surf'One to two inches (25 to 50mm) of rainfall is expected over the western Azores on Tuesday and Wednesday, reported the NHC.
Women dying unnecessarily from heart attacks, health charity says
Two women a day are dying unnecessarily from heart attacks in England and Wales because of a gender gap in awareness, diagnosis and treatment, a leading health charity says. LONDON - Two women a day are dying unnecessarily from heart attacks in England and Wales because of a gender gap in awareness, diagnosis and treatment, a leading health charity says. The charity wants to end the misconception that heart attacks are a male disease and to encourage women to know the risks and symptoms -- twice as many women in the UK die of coronary heart disease than of breast cancer. One of the studies suggests that smoking, high blood pressure and diabetes increase the likelihood of heart attacks more in women than in men. Yet women are dying needlessly because heart attacks are often seen as a man's disease, and women don't receive the same standard of treatment as men.
British couple spends $11,800 on Airbnb rental that doesn't exist
Ian and Denise Feltham, a couple from the UK, made vacation plans based on an Airbnb listing for a property that apparently didn't exist. IBIZA, Spain - Ian and Denise Feltham, a couple from the UK, made vacation plans based on an Airbnb listing for a property that apparently didn't exist. The dog-friendly listing -- the Felthams were traveling with their two Yorkshire terriers -- seems to have been based on a real apartment. The Las Boas staff member called the Airbnb listing a "fake," saying no such property even exists among the 40 units we saw on Las Boas' website. Ian Feltham has confirmed to CNN that photos on Las Boas' website match photos posted with the Airbnb listing he and his wife booked.
UK officials: Toxic skin-whitening creams should be avoided
LONDON - Skin-whitening creams can be as toxic as paint strippers and should be "avoided at all costs," the UK's Local Government Association has warned. Many skin-whitening products are banned in the UK due to harmful ingredients -- but recent seizures of banned products indicate they are still being sold in a booming industry, the LGA said in its press release. Skin-whitening creams with natural or non-harmful ingredients are legally allowed, but they are often expensive, driving up the demand for cheap and dangerous banned products, said the LGA. Company executives who are caught selling these banned products can be fined up to 20,000 pounds (about $24,500) and jailed for up to a year. But skin safety and health concerns aside, many critics say skin-whitening products are inherently problematic for furthering the racialized narrative of fair-skinned beauty.
Transgender man who gave birth loses court battle to be registered as father
(CNN) - A transgender man who gave birth with the help of fertility treatment lost his legal fight to be registered as the child's father, rather than its mother, in the UK High Court on Wednesday. Born female, Freddy McConnell transitioned to become a man and was legally recognized as male when he became pregnant in 2017, giving birth in 2018. The 32-year-old took legal action after a registrar told him that UK law required people who give birth to be registered as mothers on birth certificates. Whilst that person's gender is 'male,' their parental status, which derives from their biological role in giving birth, is that of 'mother.'" Existing legislation and UK and European human rights case law, McFarlane said, did not directly engage with the central question.
Tearful last Thomas Cook flight as travelers try to get home
Jaime Reina/Getty Images via CNN(CNN) - The last scheduled Thomas Cook flight to land shortly after company's collapse saw flight crew in tears, according to passengers on board, as travelers around the world scrambled to reschedule hotels and flights. Willis said she learned of the Thomas Cook's collapse on Facebook before the flight, which was the operator's final flight according to Flight Radar. The couple had booked a wedding package with Thomas Cook last year. "There are no signs for Thomas Cook guests, and nobody mentioned anything at breakfast," he said. "But this is a partner hotel for Thomas Cook, so they've probably been informed they'll be paid by ATOL."
Boris Johnson says he didn't lie to the Queen
LONDON - UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has rejected accusations that he lied to the Queen over his controversial suspension of Parliament in the run-up to the Brexit deadline. Johnson was asked on Thursday if he had lied to the monarch, after a Scottish court ruled the day before that his government's advice to the Queen, which led to the five-week prorogation, was "unlawful." "Absolutely not," Johnson replied, according to the UK Press Association. "We need a Queen's Speech, we need to get on and do all sorts of things at a national level," Johnson added. The Scottish judges disagreed with the government, saying Wednesday that the suspension was motivated by the "improper purpose of stymying Parliament."
Scottish judges rule UK parliament suspension is unlawful
EDINBURGH, Scotland - Three judges at Scotland's highest court of appeal have ruled that the UK government's decision to shut down Parliament is unlawful. The court did not immediately issue an order to lift the suspension -- also known as prorogation -- noting that the UK Supreme Court is expected to hear the case next week. The government says it will appeal the Scottish court's decision to the Supreme Court. SNP MP Joanna Cherry QC, who was among the cross-party group of politicians who brought the action, tweeted: "All 3 judges in Scotland's Highest court of appeal rule Prorogation unlawful!" Government 'disappointed' at rulingReacting to the ruling, a UK government spokesperson said: "We are disappointed by today's decision, and will appeal to the UK Supreme Court."
British Airways strike sees fares rise by up to 2,200%
Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images(CNN) - This week's British Airways strike has caused chaos for an estimated 280,000 passengers who were due to fly with the airline. All eight daily easyJet flights from Nice to London were sold out on Monday and Tuesday, the British Airways strike days. British Airways is selling return fares to Nice on other dates in September for 58 -- making this week's flights nearly 22 times as expensive. Ironically, the flight is sold as a British Airways flight, but operated by Air Belgium, so it is exempt from the strike action. A two-night trip to Tokyo, departing Monday, cost 2,704 ($3,341), going out on Japan Airlines in premium economy (economy was sold out) and returning Wednesday in economy on British Airways.
Heroin worth $148 million seized in UK's biggest ever bust
(CNN) - UK authorities seized almost 1.3 tons of heroin with a street value of 120 million ($148 million) from a container ship, in the nation's largest-ever bust involving the drug. The 1,297 kilogram haul would sell for 27 million at wholesale prices, but its value would rocket to 120 million at street level, the NCA said. "This is a record heroin seizure in the UK and one of the largest ever in Europe," said Matt Horne, NCA deputy director of investigations. That load, worth 40 million ($48 million) at street level, was removed and law enforcement tracked the container to Rotterdam via Antwerp. "NCA officers on the front line lead the fight against the serious and organized criminals who chase profits while dominating and intimidating communities," he said.
These are the books on the coveted Booker Prize 2019 shortlist
Gary Tamin/freeimages.comLONDON - Attention all bookworms: The field of contenders for the 2019 Booker Prize for Fiction just shrank from 13 to six. For more than 50 years, the Booker Prize has recognized outstanding fiction in the English-speaking world and is considered one of the top literary awards. This year's longlist of 13 books was announced in July. The shortlist was announced Tuesday, leaving six authors and their books in the running for the 2019 Booker Prize of 50,000 or roughly $60,325. Here's the list of the authors who made the 2019 Booker Prize's longlist along with their books.
Woman interrupts live TV broadcast with passionate Brexit plea
(CNN) - A Portuguese woman interrupted a live Sky News interview to deliver an emotional speech about the uncertainty facing EU citizens after Brexit, in a moment that has resonated widely on social media. "I work and I gave this country my youth," the woman told the reporter. EU citizens living in the UK can apply to the EU settlement program, which also applies for citizens of Switzerland and the European Economic Area. If the UK leaves the EU with a withdrawal agreement, the deadline to apply will be June 30, 2021. But many EU citizens have experienced problems when applying for the program.
Rover built to look for life on Mars
A working prototype of the ExoMars rover at the Airbus Defense Space facility on Feb. 7, 2019, in Stevenage, England. (CNN) - What's the first stop for a rover destined to search for signs of life on the Red Planet? Europe's first planetary rover, dubbed "Rosalind Franklin," has now been built and taken its next step towards space travel. The rover has a clear mission: to find out if there is life on Mars. Mars' surface is believed to be very radioactive, meaning life is unlikely to be found on the surface.
Greta Thunberg to arrive in NYC late after yacht hits bad weather
Greta Thunberg set off from Plymouth, UK on board the Malizia II yacht on Aug. 14. (CNN) - Climate activist Greta Thunberg is set to arrive later than planned in New York after the yacht taking her across the Atlantic got held up by adverse conditions. On Sunday, Thunberg had said on Twitter that the vessel, the Malizia II, was due to dock in the city on Tuesday. Thunberg set off from Plymouth, UK on board the Malizia II yacht on Aug. 14. The Malizia II will allow her to make a zero-emissions journey thanks to solar panels and underwater turbines that generate electricity.
London firefighters tackle fire near Grenfell Tower
Dan Kitwood/Getty Images(CNN) - Firefighters in west London are tackling a fire at an apartment block near Grenfell Tower, where 72 people died in a blaze June 2017, the UK's Press Association (PA) reported on Friday. Eight fire engines and 60 firefighters were sent to the scene after reports of smoke coming from a building on Darfield Way in north Kensington, the London Fire Brigade said. One eyewitness, Danielle Bond, told PA that the fire had reached the sixth floor. "The fire is spreading upwards, don't know what it's like inside but flames are going up the building on one side," she said. The-CNN-Wire & 2019 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company.
Highest-revenue airline routes
UK-based air travel intelligence company OAG has crunched the data to discover the routes and airlines that generate the highest revenue around the world, in both total annual revenue and revenue per hour. Here are the top 10 routes. Hide Caption
Europe's heat wave shatters records
(CNN) - Europe is sweltering in intense heat, suffering through the latest heat wave in a summer that has seen at least 12 countries experience record-breaking temperatures. In June, a heat wave broke temperature records in eight countries, including France, the Czech Republic and Switzerland. A Eurostar train traveling from Belgium to London broke down on Wednesday, trapping passengers in 40 degrees Celsius heat, without air conditioning. Otto said that France took important mitigation measures after a heat wave in 2003 contributed to tens of thousands of premature deaths. These were activated during the June 2019 heat wave and measures including closing schools and setting up helplines reduced the impacts," he said.
$5M worth of gold seized by UK police
Bruno Vincent/Getty Images(CNN) - About 4 million ($5 million) worth of gold was seized at London's Heathrow Airport by Border Force officers as part of an international investigation into a suspected South American drugs cartel. Border Force agents at Heathrow Airport subsequently moved in to detain the shipment when it arrived in the UK, based on intelligence provided by the NCA. Nick Jariwalla, Border Force Heathrow director, added that removing large amounts of money or gold from the control of criminal networks "hits them where they feel it most, in the pocket." The NCA and Heathrow's Border Force have previously uncovered large hauls in connection to international drugs trafficking from South America. In 2017, a Heathrow security worker was charged with attempting to import cocaine worth up to 480,000 ($600,120) into the UK from South America.
Study: Small glass of juice or soda a day can increase cancer risk
FreeImages.com/J-rod J(CNN) - There's more bad news for fans of sugary drinks such as soda and fruit juice. A new study has linked drinking just a small glass of a sugary drink per day -- 100 ml, about a third of a typical can of soda -- to an 18% increase in overall cancer risk and a 22% increase in risk for breast cancer. "High sugary drinks consumption is a risk factor for obesity and weight gain," she said, and, "obesity is in itself a risk factor for cancer." Touvier suggested that people should stick to public health guidelines that recommend limiting sugary drinks to a maximum of one glass a day. "For too long the nutri-myth of sweeteners being a health risk has remained in popular culture," she told the Science Media Centre in the UK.
Kevin Spacey questioned about UK assault allegations, Variety report
(CNN) - Actor Kevin Spacey, who's due to appear in court Monday in an indecent assault and battery case, has been questioned in the US by officers from London's Metropolitan Police Service over alleged sexual assault offenses in the UK, Variety reported exclusively Saturday. The report, without citing specific sources, says six allegations of sexual assault have been lodged with Scotland Yard, London's police force, by six different men between 1996 and 2013. Civil lawsuit droppedFriday, the accuser in that case dropped a civil lawsuit he had filed against Spacey a week earlier. CNN is not naming the accuser because he is an alleged victim of sexual assault. A lost cell phoneAt issue in Monday's pretrial hearing is the cell phone on which the accuser texted his girlfriend and sent a video during the alleged assault.
Amazon ordered to stop work on UK food delivery deal
UK regulators have ordered Amazon to pause its investment in UK food delivery startup Deliveroo while they consider whether the deal amounts to a takeover. (CNN) - UK regulators have ordered Amazon to pause its investment in UK food delivery startup Deliveroo while they consider whether the deal amounts to a takeover. Deliveroo, which is based in London, is a top UK restaurant delivery service and is expanding globally. Amazon led a $575 million investment in the startup in May, and has since signaled that the company could become a key part of its food delivery ambitions. The food delivery sector is dominated by companies including GrubHub and Uber Eats.
Rabbit rabbit! Why people say this good-luck phrase on first day of month
Pixabay(CNN) - Rabbit rabbit! Others say "white rabbit," or repeat the word "rabbit" in some other quasi-ritualistic pattern, but the intent is always the same: To start the month on a good (rabbit's) foot. And supposedly, he also said rabbit, rabbit at the beginning of every month." The superstition probably got a boost in the 1990s, when kids' TV network Nickelodeon included mentions of "Rabbit Rabbit Day" in its programming. Whatever the reason, it's no stretch to see why it's "rabbit rabbit" and not "possum possum," or whatever.
Treatment for overactive thyroid linked to increased risk of dying from cancer
(CNN) - Going back to the 1940s, radioactive iodine has been among the treatments for an overactive thyroid. But it has also been linked to cancers in other parts of the body down the line, especially when it's used in higher doses as a treatment for primary thyroid cancer. The research, funded by the National Cancer Institute, found a "modest" association between the amount of radioactive iodine absorbed by different organs and the collective risk of dying from a solid cancer of those organs. A previous analysis of the same study, published more than two decades ago, didn't find a significantly increased risk of total cancer mortality. An overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, occurs when the gland produces too much of these hormones.
Elton John slams Vladimir Putin as hypocritical in open letter
Executive producers Sir Elton John and David Furnish attend the "Rocketman" UK premiere on May 20, 2019, in London, England. (CNN) - Elton John is slamming President Vladimir Putin for his remarks on LGBT issues after the recent censorship of the singer's biopic in Russia. "I am not trying to insult anyone because we have been condemned for our alleged homophobia," Putin said in the interview published Thursday. "Let everyone be happy, we have no problem with what," Putin told the outlet. In his statement Friday, John applauded government policies that allow LGBT people to legally marry.