Owensboro

White House warns Syria may be readying chemical attack

The White House warned strongman Bashar Assad that his regime would pay heavily for the slaughter of civilians.

CBO: Senate health bill leads to 22 million fewer insured Americans by 2026

The Senate health care bill would cause 22 million more people to be uninsured by 2026 than under current law, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office announced Monday.

Philando Castile's family reaches $3M settlement in death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The mother of Philando Castile, a black motorist killed by a Minnesota police officer last July, has reached a nearly $3 million settlement with the city that employed the officer, avoiding a federal wrongful death lawsuit that attorneys said could have taken years to resolve.

Basically Everyone but Russia Now Looks on the U.S. Less Favorably

The U.S. is less popular under Trump.

China's verdant 'forest city' will fight pollution with a million plants

If tree-covered skyscrapers act like enormous air filters, this cluster of buildings will be a clean air oasis. China has broken ground on a "forest city" in the southern city of Liuzhou. The development, which will span two-thirds of a mile along the Liujiang River, involves blanketing offices, apartments, hotels, and schools with more than a million plants and about 40,000 trees. SEE ALSO: How drones are helping to plant trees The verdant towers will help soak up urban air pollution, produce clean oxygen, and boost local biodiversity. The greenery also provides shade on sunny days and acts as an insulating blanket during winter, allowing tenants to use less heating and electricity. Liuzhou Forest City will span 175 hectares, or 0.67 miles, along the Liujiang River.Image: stefano boeri architettiIf the concept sounds familiar, that's because these buildings are the work of Stefano Boeri Architetti, the same architecture firm behind the two "vertical forest" buildings planned for Nanjing in eastern China.  Liuzhou city officials commissioned the Italian company to build the development, which will host about 30,000 people and be connected to the main Liuzhou city — population 3.8 million — via a fast-rail line used by electric cars. The forest city, now under construction, is expected to be completed by 2020, the Milan-based architects confirmed by email. 'Vertical forest' buildings in the Liuzhou development.Image: stefano boeri architettiThe development is a flashy but tiny effort to combat the dangerous smog and toxic air pollution that's choking China's industrialized cities. It comes as China is building more wind and solar power than any country in the world to slash emissions from coal plants, factories, and vehicles, and to combat climate change. Stefano Boeri's firm, which recently completed two verdant towers in Milan, is planning to expand into other smoggy cities, including China's Shijiazhuang, Guizhou, Shanghai, and Chongqing. In the Liuzhou Forest City, buildings, parks, and gardens will absorb almost 10,000 tons of carbon dioxide and 57 tons of fine dust pollutants per year, while producing about 900 tons of oxygen, the architects said in a press release.  By comparison, the two green towers in Nanjing will absorb 25 tons of carbon dioxide and produce 0.06 tons of oxygen.  An electric railway will link the 'forest city' to the main Liuzhou city.Image: stefano boeri architettiBeyond sucking up toxic air, the urban greenery is also expected to stifle noise pollution and support biodiversity by providing a habitat for the local birds, insects, and small animals that inhabit Liuzhou. The project will include residential areas, commercial and recreational spaces, plus two schools and a hospital. Along with plants, the buildings will also feature rooftop solar panels to produce clean electricity and use geothermal energy systems for interior air-conditioning. Stefano Boeri Architetti said the Liuzhou Forest City represents its broader effort to design a "new generation" of architecture and urban environments to address climate change. WATCH: China's big, beautiful, green 'vertical forests' will suck up toxic smog

Hillary Clinton: Reading ‘Harry Potter’ builds compassion for immigrants, refugees

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton cited a study that found reading “Harry Potter” helped to build compassion for marginalized groups in children.

Community buy Texas man car after finding him walking 3 miles to and from work in 32 degree heat

A man who was forced to walk miles to work in sweltering heat, has been bought a car by members of his local community. Justin Korva regularly braved temperatures of 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 Celsius) to get to his job at Taco Casa in Rockwell, Texas. The 20-year-old was picked up on his three-mile trek one morning by Andy Mitchell, who posted a picture of pair on Facebook next to a message explaining his journey.

How To Protect Yourself Against Petya Ransomware

A ransomware attack known as Petya has hit computer systems around the world. Here's how to protect yourself from the attack.

Pope tells new cardinals: be humble, help poor, fight injustice

By Philip Pullella VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Francis elevated five senior clerics from outside Italy and the Vatican to the top rank of cardinal on Wednesday, urging them to be humble and not forget refugees and victims of war, terrorism and injustice. Appointing new cardinals is one of the most significant powers of the papacy, allowing a pontiff to put his stamp on the future of the 1.2 billion-member Church. Cardinals are the pope's closest advisers in the Vatican and around the world and those under 80 years old are known as "cardinal-electors" because they can choose his successor.

All the President's Lies

The New York Times Sunday published an extraordinary definitive list of the more than 100 lies Donald Trump has told as president. Lawrence O'Donnell talks to Stuart Thompson, who worked on the piece.

The Latest: No word in court or from lawyer where boy is

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Latest on the arrest in Las Vegas of a California man on a murder charge in the disappearance of his 5-year-old son after a trip to Disneyland (all times local):

White House tells ‘Obamacare victims’ that ‘help is on the way’ amid Senate push

On Monday, Vice President Mike Pence held a “listening session” in his office with people who said they had negative experiences with Obamacare.

Mystery of missing Chinese scholar shakes up Illinois school

CHICAGO (AP) — Yingying Zhang, the daughter of a working-class factory driver from China, took the same career path as many other young Chinese academics before her: She travelled to a university in the U.S. with dreams of one day landing a professorship and being able to help her parents financially.

Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong detained by police 

Hong Kong student pro-democracy campaigner Joshua Wong was detained by police on Wednesday after an anti-China protest ahead of a visit by President Xi Jinping. Wong was among around 30 protesters who had staged a three-hour sit-in at a harbourfront statue and were led away into police vans. Xi's visit this week marks 20 years since Hong Kong was handed back to China by Britain and comes at a time when fears are growing that Beijing is tightening its grip on the semi-autonomous city.

Asylum Seekers in Canada Trapped in Legal Limbo

Thousands of people who fled to Canada to escape President Donald Trump's crackdown on illegal migrants have become trapped in legal limbo because of an overburdened refugee system, struggling to find work, permanent housing or enroll their children in schools, reports Reuters.

Emmett Till Mississippi civil rights memorial vandalised for second time in two months

An sign marking the site where black teenager was accused of whistling at a white woman - something that would subsequently result in him being lynched - has been vandalised for the second time in two months. The marker on the Mississippi Freedom Trail was damaged last month when someone scratched on it. Allan Hammons, whose company manages the Mississippi Freedom Trail, more than a dozen signs established in 2011 to mark seminal moments and locations in the civil rights movements, said the incident was deeply disturbing.

Pilot begs passengers to pray as malfunction causes jet to shake violently

During the normal course of a commercial plane trip, you might never actually hear the pilot's voice at all. If you do, it's typically to thank you for flying or a quick update on the estimated arrival time, but on a recent AirAsia X flight from Perth, Australia to Malaysia, passengers were treated to something quite different. After an engine malfunction caused the entire plane to begin to shake violently while in the air, the pilot took to the intercom to urge the 359 souls on board to pray for their lives and safe landing of the aircraft. The flight, which was headed for Kuala Lumpur, took to the skies at around 6:40 local time and flew for over an hour without issue. It was then that the passengers reported hearing a loud bang, followed by an uncontrollable shaking of the entire plane. The airline has classified it as simply a "technical issue," but in the multiple videos passengers posted to social media it's clear that the situation was extremely frightening. https://www.instagram.com/p/BVv9kMug7Fq/ "I thought I might die," one passenger posted to Instagram, along with a video of the incident. The plane, an Airbus A330, managed to make an about-face and return to the Perth airport without further incident. The airline and safety regulators are currently investigating the malfunction, and the pilot was applauded for his efforts.

Chinese Navy Gets New Indigenously Built Destroyer

The most advanced domestically built military ship is equipped with the latest air, missile, ship and submarine defense systems. China is believed to be planning a total of four such ships.

Can Democratic pediatrician Mai-Khanh Tran unseat one of the most powerful House Republicans in 2018?

In many ways, Dr. Mai-Khanh Tran isn’t all that different from millions of other Democrats who have been dismayed or depressed or indignant since Donald Trump was elected president. On election night, Tran watched in shock as the returns rolled in. The next morning, she wept at work — Tran is a pediatrician — with her colleagues.

Woman Stabbed to Death While Walking Home Through Park Behind School: 'No One Deserves That'

Debra Gulliver, 33, was stabbed at least 12 times.

4 Dead, Liverless Sharks Wash Ashore in Weird Whodunit

Orca whales have claimed the life of another great white shark by eating its liver and leaving it for dead, making it the fourth such gristly death in less than two months. During a four-day period in early May, researchers reported finding the bodies of three great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) that had washed ashore along South Africa's Western Cape province. Now, a fourth dead, liverless shark has washed ashore, according to a post today (June 26) on the Marine Dynamics blog, a site hosted by a shark cage diving company.

Police: Girl's actions caused her to fall from NY park ride

QUEENSBURY, N.Y. (AP) — A teenage girl's actions, not mechanical malfunctions, caused her to slip under a restraining bar on an amusement park gondola ride before falling into the arms of bystanders below, police said Monday.

Iraqi forces seize more ground in Mosul from Islamic State, PM sees victory soon

By Stephen Kalin MOSUL, Iraq (Reuters) - Iraqi forces on Tuesday pushed towards the river side of Mosul's Old City, their key target in the eight-month campaign to capture Islamic State's de-facto capital, and Iraq's prime minister predicted victory very soon. Iraqi forces, battling up to 350 militants dug in among civilians in the Old City, said federal police had dislodged IS insurgents from the Ziwani mosque and were only a few days away from ousting militants completely from the Old City.

Female teacher arrested for allegedly having sex with student in car

A female substitute teacher has been arrested and charged with alleged sexual contact with a 17-year-old student in Missouri. Loryn Barclay, 24, has been charged with purportedly having sex with the student in his car and at his home on numerous occasions between November 2016 and January 2017. A local police officer who also serves at the school, Jay Jastal, was tipped off about the possible relationship.

The iPhone is no longer the fastest phone in the world

A new type of smartphone face-off has become increasingly popular over the past couple years. In an effort to measure real-world performance, YouTube vloggers have devised an unscientific test that compares the speeds of two phones. In a nutshell, they have a preset list of apps that they open in succession once to see how quickly a smartphone loads the apps. Then, they open all the apps again in the same order to see how quickly a smartphone can recall them from memory. Ever since this new breed of smartphone speed tests emerged, one line of devices has been unbeatable. Despite seemingly never quite measuring up on paper in terms of specs, Apple's iPhones continued to trounce any and all Android comers. But now, for the first time ever, an Android phone has finally topped Apple's latest iPhone to steal the crown and become the fastest phone in the world. We typically try not to spoil the ending when we post about these real-world speed tests, though in the past the ending has always been obvious. Regardless of which new Android flagship phone faces off with the iPhone, it always ends up getting embarrassed. In fact, we've even seen brand new Android powerhouses lose to previous-generation iPhone models in the past. On Tuesday evening, however, the unthinkable finally happened. Apple's latest iPhone model, the iPhone 7 Plus, was pitted against the just-released OnePlus 5 in one of these real world speed tests. The race was a close one. While the iPhone 7 Plus was able to win the first "lap," albeit narrowly, the OnePlus 5 and its whopping 8GB of RAM blew past Apple's iPhone while recalling apps from memory in the second lap. In the end, the OnePlus 5 took the crown. It might be considered a cruel twist of fate that the Android phone to finally supplant Apple's iPhone as the world's fastest phone is a handset that copied the iPhone 7 Plus so blatantly, both inside and out. We suppose that's just the way the cookie crumbles. The full speed test video is embedded below.

China protests alleged Indian border incursion

China has made a formal protest after accusing Indian border guards of crossing from Sikkim state into its Tibetan territory, China's foreign ministry said Tuesday. India and China have long been embroiled in a bitter border dispute at both ends of the Himalayas, with the two countries accusing soldiers of crossing over into the other's territory. "Our position to uphold our territorial sovereignty is unwavering," spokesman Lu Kang told a regular briefing, adding China has lodged "solemn representations" with India.

Trump promotes faulty White House math on health care

In addition to the elementary math error, the president's tweets attacked CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, the Washington Post and the New York Times as "fake news."

15 Still Missing After Tourist Boat Sinks in Colombia

The latest on the tourist boat packed with more than 150 passengers that capsized, leaving at least six people dead.

Are Whales Methodically Killing South Africa’s Great White Sharks?

The great white sharks were found dead, their livers removed as if by a surgeon. Some were missing testicles and a heart.

Man with Super Smiley Mugshot Allegedly Threatened to Kill Lawmaker on Facebook: Cops

Cops say Steve St. Felix threatened Republican State Rep. Jose Felix Diaz.

Hostages in Philippine town forced to fight, loot, become sex slaves: army

By Kanupriya Kapoor MARAWI CITY, Philippines (Reuters) - Civilians held hostage by Islamist militants occupying a southern Philippine city have been forced to loot homes, take up arms against government troops and serve as sex slaves for rebel fighters, the army said on Tuesday. Citing accounts of seven residents of Marawi City who either escaped or were rescued, the military said some hostages were forced to convert to Islam, carry wounded fighters to mosques, and marry militants of the Maute group loyal to Islamic State. Some escapees say bodies of residents have been left in the streets, some for weeks, and civilians are distressed by government air strikes and artillery bombardments that have reduced parts of Marawi to rubble.

3 Chicago officers accused of lying about teen's shooting

CHICAGO (AP) — Three Chicago police officers have been indicted on charges that they conspired to cover up and lie about what happened when a white police officer shot a black teenager 16 times — which prompted outrage when a video of the killing was finally released.

These $80 wireless headphones are just as good as $300 Beats

$300 Beats wireless over-ear headphones are a fantastic option if you've got plenty of expendable income. For those of us who want the same build quality and sound quality without spending so much money, we've got just the thing. The Ghostek soDrop 2 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones are a bargain at their normal price of $100, offering aptX Bluetooth 4.0 Technology, great battery life and crystal clear HD sound. Right now they're on sale on Amazon though, which means you can get them for just $80. These headphones have been a huge hit with our readers in the past, so definitely check them out if you didn't already grab a pair the last time they were on sale. Here are some key details from the product page: HD Crystal Clear Sound, Let the Beat Drop Full Volume Blast with These Bass Sensitive Headphones from Ghostek® These Headphones Feature Bi-Directional Noise Reduction Technology So That You Can Listen to CD Quality Sound The soDrop 2's Feature aptX® Bluetooth 4.0 Technology That Provide Rich Sound for Any Type of Music. High Quality Soft Leather & Brushed Aluminum Metal Accent the soDrop 2 You Can Connect the soDrop 2'sTo Virtually Any Bluetooth Enabled Device from a Distance Of 30-Feet A Microphone In The Ear Cup Let's You Take Calls Without Having to Remove The Headphones & For The Really Long Trips, Ghostek® Includes a Detachable Male to Male 3.5MM Audio Line Cable. You Can Wear These Headphones for Hours Without Your Ears Feeling Tired

Thank Putin, Not Trump, For NATO’s New Defense Spending Boost

NATO allies plan to increase defense spending this year, but Trump can’t take full credit.

Gay marriage around the world

Paris (AFP) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel has softened her opposition to gay marriage, which is legal in about 20 countries around the world, 13 of which are in Europe.

Sea level rise is accelerating, with Greenland in leading role

Global sea level rise is accelerating as the Greenland Ice Sheet sheds more of its ice, scientists have found.  Given this quickening pace, it's possible that by the end of this century, sea level rise could threaten coastal communities around the world, from Miami to Mumbai.  A new study, published Monday in the journal Nature Climate Change, is one of a few recent works to confirm an acceleration in sea level rise during the past few decades. There had been greater uncertainty about this before, with climate deniers latching onto that and arguing that such an acceleration has not, in fact, been occurring. SEE ALSO: Trump to mayor of sinking island: Don't worry about sea level rise However, by using calculations of the various contributing factors to sea level rise, such as melting ice sheets, water expansion that occurs as the oceans warm, and other factors, researchers from institutions in China, Australia, and the U.S. found that global mean sea level increased from about 2.2 millimeters per year in 1993 to 3.3 millimeters per year in 2014.  July 30, 2013 in Qaqortoq, Greenland.Image: Joe Raedle/Getty ImagesWhile that may seem tiny, the numbers add up quickly. These rate changes are the difference between a decadal sea level rise rate of 0.86 inches and 1.29 inches, with greater acceleration expected in the future.  The findings also made clear how major contributors to sea level rise have been changing over time. And it doesn't paint a pretty picture.  Whereas global ice mass loss constituted 50 percent of sea level rise in 1993, this rose to 70 percent in 2014. The study found that the largest increase came from the Greenland Ice Sheet, which made up just 5 percent of the global mean sea level rise rate in 1993, and now constitutes 25 percent of it.  Given scientists' concerns about Antarctica's stability, look for melting glaciers to comprise an even greater share of the sea level rise budget in the near future. Sea level is accelerating! and largest change is coming from increased mass flux of Greenland ice sheet. Now contributes 25% of annual rise. — Chris Harig (@chrisharig) June 26, 2017 The sea level rise rates we expect over next 100 years are several times what the Dutch dealt with in the last 500 years of dike building. — Chris Harig (@chrisharig) June 26, 2017 A different study published in early June found the rate of sea level rise just about tripled between 1990 and 2012.  A study published in 2016 found that if global warming continues above 2 degrees Celsius, or 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit, above preindustrial levels through 2100, then sea levels would end up rising faster than at any time during human civilization. That study found that in a warming scenario of 5 degrees Celsius, or 9 degrees Fahrenheit, which is roughly the path we’re on now, New York City could see more than a meter, or about 3.6 feet, of sea level rise with an even higher upper limit. This would make a Hurricane Sandy-sized storm surge far more common in the city. A separate study published in February found that current rates of sea level rise are likely unprecedented in at least the past 2,800 years. This week's findings are in line with NASA's estimate for the current rate of sea level rise, which is 3.4 millimeters per year.  Calved icebergs from the nearby Twin Glaciers are seen floating on the water on July 30, 2013 in Qaqortoq, Greenland.Image: Joe Raedle/Getty ImagesThe significance of the new study is that it resolves lingering uncertainties about mismatches between what scientists know about contributors to sea level rise, and measured rates from satellites. This study, along with other recent work, shows the two match up closely, and it nails down the sea level rise acceleration.  Also, the new research shows that coastal communities that are already struggling with increased flooding on an annual basis, such as Miami Beach, will have to cope with a rapidly worsening situation in coming decades.  For every millimeter that the local sea level rises, the easier it becomes for the ocean to hit previously unheard of flood levels. Storm surges ride on top of background sea levels, and like a basketball player playing on a court with a steadily rising floor, even weaker storms are becoming more likely to score a slam dunk.  WATCH: It's official, 2016 was Earth's warmest year on record

Mother's Picture Of Son's Hospital Bills Goes Viral

With the costs of Ethan's healthcare, the family's bills skyrocketed. However, with their current insurance plan, they only had to pay $500.

Heart-Pounding River Rescue Caught on Video as Swimmer Clings to Rock Above Waterfall

Kalani Tuiono is lucky to be alive.

U.S. judge halts deportation of Iraqis nationwide

By Steve Friess DETROIT (Reuters) - A federal judge halted late on Monday the deportation of all Iraqi nationals detained during immigration sweeps across the United States this month until at least July 10, expanding a stay he imposed last week. The stay had initially only protected 114 detainees from the Detroit area. U.S. District Judge Mark Goldsmith sided with lawyers from the American Civil Liberties Union who filed an amended complaint on Saturday seeking to prevent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from deporting Iraqis from anywhere in the United States.

Woman dies of ‘horrific’ injuries nearly two years after her ex set her on fire

A woman who was doused with petrol and set on fire by her ex-boyfriend, has died nearly two years after the attack. Judy Malinowski suffered fourth and fifth-degree burns to 80 per cent of her body after Michael Slager set her on fire at a Gahanna, Ohio, petrol station. Slager, 41, initially claimed that he didn't mean to set her on fire.

The Latest: Aid group fears for migrants at Italy border

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — The Latest on Europe's response to the large numbers of migrants and refugees trying to reach the continent (all times local):

Starting today, you can finally get an Amazon Fire TV that’s actually a TV

Amazon’s Fire TV Stick and Fire TV box are two of the most popular streaming media devices on the planet. Amazon’s interface is terrific and simple, and tossing Alexa into the mix makes it a slam dunk. These devices are great for TVs you already have in your home, but now there’s finally a solution for Amazon lovers who are buying a new TV. Check out the Element 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV - Amazon Fire TV Edition. It just launched today, it’s available in four different sizes, the pricing is super affordable, and it has Amazon’s Fire TV interface built in! Here are some highlights from the product page: Fire TV Edition is a smart TV experience that seamlessly integrates your favorite streaming and live over-the-air content on a unified home screen (HD antenna required). Experience true-to-life 4K UHD picture quality with over 8 million pixels for stunning clarity, deep contrast, and brilliant colors. Refresh Rate: 60 Hz (Native), 120 Hz (Effective). The Fire TV experience is built in so you can enjoy over 15,000 channels, apps, and Alexa skills. Get universal search results across over 140 channels and apps including Netflix, Hulu, HBO NOW, SHOWTIME, STARZ, and Prime Video. The included Voice Remote with Alexa allows you to control live TV playback, launch apps, search for TV shows, play music, switch inputs, control smart home devices, and much more. Prime members get unlimited access to Prime Video, featuring thousands of movies and TV episodes at no additional cost. Dimensions (W x H x D): TV without stand: 48.7” x 28.3” x 3.3”, TV with stand: 48.7” x 30” x 10.1” Multiple device input/output options: 4 HDMI 2.0 including 1 with ARC, 1 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3.0, SD card, Ethernet, composite/component, headphone, optical audio out.

Key senator says Congress to stop arms sales to Gulf until Qatar crisis is solved

The Republican chairman of the Senate foreign relations committee has said the US Congress will hold up approval of arms sales to the Gulf as a result of the Saudi-led blockade of Qatar. Senator Bob Corker said the nations of Gulf Cooperation Council had failed to take advantage of a summit with President Trump in May to overcome their differences and had “instead chosen to devolve into conflict”.

Israel strikes Hamas bases in Gaza after rocket: officials

Israeli airstrikes hit a series of targets in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip overnight, officials said, hours after a rocket from the Palestinian enclave landed in the Jewish state. Strikes were recorded in at least three locations in Gaza, Palestinian security sources and eyewitnesses said, with Hamas bases struck near the southern city of Rafah and Gaza City, as well as open land southeast of Gaza City. The Palestinian health ministry said there were no immediate reports of injuries, but an AFP photographer in Gaza saw at least one man bleeding being taken for treatment from a house near the base.

Two New Mexico Women Hospitalized With The Plague

New Mexico health officials say two women, in their 50s and 60s, were diagnosed and hospitalized with the plague this week. What are the symptoms of the plague?