Maria Kanellis and Mike Bennett have arrived on the SmackDown roster.
They were introduced as Mike and Maria Kanellis on tonight’s Money in the Bank pay-per-view, with the announcers mentioning that Mike had taken Maria’s last name. Maria cut a promo saying that for the last seven years, she had been looking for a partner and she ended up finding Mike. She said their goal in WWE is to “promote the power of love.”
It had been rumored that Bennett and Kanellis were heading to WWE following their departure from Impact Wrestling earlier this year. Both were spotted in St. Louis this weekend prior to the PPV.
Kanellis and Bennett started to appear together as an on-air couple going as far back as 2011 for Ring of Honor. They also were featured together in Impact Wrestling and in Japan for New Japan Pro Wrestling.
Tuesday night’s Fourth of July edition of SmackDown on the USA Network averaged 2.329 million viewers, down 11 percent from last week but right in line with what the show was doing just over a month ago.
For a comparison, Raw was down 14 percent last year when the show fell on the July 4th holiday. SmackDown likely held up a little better than expected due to the highly publicized return of John Cena.
SmackDown was first for the night in viewers on cable television by quite a wide margin, with no other shows cracking the 1.8 million barrier. The episode was also first in the 18-49 demo with a 0.75 rating, which was much higher than the second place Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest on ESPN2.
The show was up in the year-over-year ratings as the July 7th, 2016 episode of SmackDown did 2.241 million viewers for the taped show on Thursday night.
Here’s a look at SmackDown ratings in 2017 as compared to Raw from the same week. As per usual, the show retained between 80 and 90 percent of the Raw audience from the previous night:
Macedonians head to the polls on Sunday to vote in a referendum on whether to change the country’s name to North Macedonia.
If a majority vote in favour of the name change, neighbouring Greece has promised to lift its veto on the tiny Balkan nation joining Nato and the EU.
Macedonia’s long-standing desire to keep its name has been blocked by Athens ever since the Balkan country declared independence from the wreckage of the former Yugoslavia in 1991.
The Greeks are fiercely protective of their own region of the same name and resent what they regard as the Macedonians’ appropriation of Hellenistic culture.
Despite the bad blood between the neighbours, a majority of Macedonians seem to be leaning towards the yes vote.
It is a chance to ditch the long-winded and inelegant name they have been saddled with for the last 27 years – the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, or FYROM for short.
“There are no jobs for young people here. My son has no prospects. We have big economic problems. So I thinking joining the EU and Nato will offer us a better future,” Tiho, a 56-year-old taxi driver in the capital, said.
But others deeply resent having to add a geographical qualifier to their country’s name, saying that the title North Macedonia is a humiliation and diminishes the country on the world stage.
Greece accuses Macedonia of appropriating its ancient heroes such as this giant statue of Alexander the Great in SkopjeCredit:
Jan Wlodarczyk/Alamy
In a concession from Athens, the language of the country will officially be recognised as Macedonian and citizens’ nationality will be Macedonian.
“No one wants to change the name – why would you?” said Simonida Kacarska, the director of the European Policy Institute, a think tank in Skopje.
“But the issue has been going on for 27 years and people are sick of it. This is a chance to resolve it. We are making a compromise.”
The question that will be put to voters in the referendum is: "Are you in favour of membership in the European Union and NATO by accepting the deal between (the) Republic of Macedonia and Republic of Greece?"
The break in the impasse between the two countries came in June, after months of talks between Zoran Zaev, the Macedonian prime minister, and his Greek counterpart, Alexis Tsipras.
Both leaders have stuck their necks out politically and face trenchant opposition from domestic critics.
In Macedonia, conservative opposition parties and nationalist groups have called for a boycott of the referendum.
“It’s emotional. This is a country whose language and identity have been contested by its neighbours,” said Prof Kacarska, who gained her PhD at Leeds University.
“Part of the population is concerned that the change of name will change certain identity markers, even though our nationality and language will be recognised as Macedonian.
“The emotional attachment to the issue on both sides is incredible. It is still very high and will be for some time.”
Such is the historical animosity between Macedonia and its larger neighbours – Serbia, Albania, Bulgaria and Greece – that they are known as “the four wolves”.
An ethnic Albanian woman casts her ballot at a polling station in Skopje, MacedoniaCredit:
Thanassis Stavrakis/AP
Polling stations are open until 7pm local time, with the result expected to be known late on Sunday evening.
Nikola Dimitrov, the foreign minister, voted in the centre of the capital, describing the referendum as a “historic cross-roads” and the potential start of a new chapter for the country.
“I hope that this will be a smooth democratic process and that people will make the choice to move forward finally.
“This is a big, big day for Macedonia and for our friendship with Greece and our other neighbours. I’m excited. It’s also my birthday, so I hope there is an omen in that too.”
A key issue is turnout – if it is less than 50 per cent then the referendum result may be seen to lack legitimacy.
Mr Zaev, the prime minister, has said that if the no vote wins, he will resign.
If the yes vote wins, Skopje will have to make changes to its constitution and then put the deal to parliament for approval.
It would also have to be ratified by the Greek parliament, where Mr Tsipras’s coalition partners have said they will vote against it.
It is not clear if the prime minister will be able to gather enough votes from other parties to have the accord accepted.
Mexico City, Mexico:
– Blue Demon defeated El Santo for the NWA World Welterweight Title
1955
Birmingham, Alabama:
– Frank Jares defeated Sonny Myers for the NWA Southern Junior Heavyweight Title
1958
St. Joseph, Missouri:
– Sonny Myers won a tournament final to win the Central States Heavyweight Title (Title was vacated by Richard Brown)
1961
Minneapolis, Minneapolis:
– AWA Champion Gene Kiniski wrestled Verne Gagne to a 60 minute draw
– Wilbur Snyder beat Hard Boiled Haggerty
– Leo Nomellini beat Bob Geigel
1961
Kansas City, Missouri:
– Bobo Brazil defeated Larry Hennig (sub. Rip Hawk)
– Tiny Smith defeated Don Leo Jonathan via DQ
– Dick the Bruiser defeated Bob Ellis in three falls
1964
Minneapolis, Minnesota:
– The Crusher beat AWA Champion Verne Gagne via DQ
– Mitsu Arakawa beat Wilbur Snyder
– Mad Dog Vachon beat Jack Lanza
– Larry Hennig drew Dale Lewis
1966
Chicago, Illinois:
– AWA Champion Mad Dog Vachon beat Ernie Ladd
– AWA Tag Team Champions Dick the Bruiser & the Crusher beat the Assassins
– Verne Gagne beat Chris Markoff
1972
Tampa, Florida:
– (Winner to meet NWA Champion Dory Funk Jr.) Buddy Colt beat Mr Wrestling Tim Woods
– Paul Jones beat Don Curtis
– Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens drew Jack Brisco & Johnny Walker
1973
Honolulu, Hawaii:
– AWA Champion Verne Gagne beat Superstar Billy Graham on a 3rd fall DQ
– AWA Tag Team Champions Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens beat Ken Patera & Billy Robinson
– Ripper Collins & Ed Francis beat Neff Maiava & Sam Steamboat in 2 out of 3 falls to win Hawaiian tag title
– Hard Boiled Haggerty beat Ric Flair
1974
Kansas City, Kansas:
– Mike George & Bob Geigel & Bobby Bold Eagle defeated Don Fargo & Bob Orton & Bobby Garcia
– Killer Karl Krupp defeated The Viking
– Pat O’Connor & Omar Atlas & Bill Kersten defeated The Interns & Dr. Ken Ramey
– in a Russian Chain Match; Harley Race defeated Bob Brown
Peoria, Illinois:
– AWA Tag Team Champions Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens beat The Crusher & Wahoo McDaniel
– Greg Gagne beat Larry Hennig
1977
Ft. Worth, Texas:
– Captain USA (Big John Studd under a mask) defeated Bruiser Brody for the American Heavyweight Title (later to become the World Class World Heavyweight Title)
1980
New Orleans, Louisiana:
– Ken Mantell defeated Wahoo McDaniel in a tournament final to win the Mid-South Louisiana Heavyweight Title (tournament was held
after Junkyard Dog had been forced to vacate the title after he was blinded by the Fabulous Freebirds_
1981
Chicago, Illinois:
– AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat The Crusher
– AWA Tag Team Champions Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell beat Adrian Adonis & Jesse Ventura
– Jerry Blackwell beat Baron Von Raschke
– Tito Santana no contest Sheik Adnan
1983
Fort Worth, Texas:
– Jimmy Garvin defeated Kevin Von Erich to win the American Heavyweight Title (later to become the World Class World Heavyweight Title)
Memphis, Tennessee:
– Jerry Lawler defeated Ken Patera for the AWA International Heavyweight Title
1986
Norfolk, Virginia: (Featured a concert by David Allen Coe)
– Rocky Kernodle & Todd Champion defeated Thunderfoot & Teijo Khan
– Ron Garvin & Manny Fernandez defeated Ivan & Nikita Koloff in a Texas Tornado Match
– Jimmy Valiant defeated Baron Von Raschke in a pole match
– NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Champion Black Bart defeated Sam Houston in a taped fist match
– Denny Brown fought Steve Regal to a draw
– Don Kernodle defeated the Barbarian via disqualification
– Wahoo McDaniel defeated Jimmy Garvin in an Indian strap match
– Baby Doll, Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson defeated Jim Cornette, NWA Tag Team Champions Bobby Eaton & Dennis Condrey
– NWA World Champion Ric Flair defeated Magnum TA via disqualification
– Dusty Rhodes & the Road Warriors defeated NWA National Heavyweight Champion Tully Blanchard, NWA TV Champion Arn Anderson, & Ole Anderson
1987
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
– Kendall Windham & Todd Champion defeated the MOD Squad
– NWA Jr. Heavyweight Champion Lazortron defeated Nelson Royal
– Sean Royal defeated the Italian Stallion
– Florida Heavyweight Champion Mike Rotundo fought Dory Funk Jr. to a 20-minute time-limit draw
– The Barbarian defeated Jimmy Valiant
– Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy, & Buddy Roberts defeated Ivan Koloff, Vladimir Petrov, & Manny Fernandez
– UWF Western States Heritage Champion Barry Windham defeated Arn Anderson
– NWA Tag Team Champions Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson defeated NWA US Tag Team Champions Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane in a non-title lumberjacks with tennis racquets match
– UWF World Champion Steve Williams defeated Dick Murdoch in a bunkhouse match
– Jimmy Garvin & Precious defeated Paul Jones (sub. for JJ Dillon) & Dark Journey
– Dusty Rhodes & Ron Garvin defeated NWA World Champion Ric Flair & NWA TV Champion Tully Blanchard in a double bullrope
– Nikita Koloff defeated NWA US Champion Lex Luger via disqualification in a steel cage match
1988
Memphis, Tennessee:
– AWA Champion Jerry Lawler drew Kerry Von Erich
– Robert Fuller & Jimmy Golden beat Jeff Jarrett & Jimmy Valiant
– Phil Hickerson beat Scott Steiner
1992
Kansas City, Missouri:
– Tom Zenk & Marcus Alexander Bagwell defeated Michael Hayes & Jimmy Garvin
– Ricky Steamboat pinned Cactus Jack
– WCW TV Champion Steve Austin pinned Barry Windham
– Bobby Eaton pinned Larry Zbyzsko after Paul E. Dangerously interfered
– Dustin Rhodes & Ron Simmons defeated WCW US Champion Rick Rude & the Super Invader
– NWA/WCW Tag Team Champions Terry Gordy & Steve Williams defeated Rick & Scott Steiner
1999
WWF Fully Loaded: Buffalo, New York:
– Jeff Jarrett defeated Edge to win the Intercontinental Title
– D’Lo Brown defeated Mideon to win the WWF European Title
– Big Bossman defeated Al Snow to win the Hardcore Title
– Triple H defeated The Rock in a strap match
– WWF World Champion Steve Austin defeated The Undertaker in a First Blood match
2009
ROH Death Before Dishonor: Toronto, Ontario, Canada:
– Kenny Omega & The Briscoes beat Austin Aries & Kenny King & Rhett Titus
– Chris Hero beat Lance Storm
Orlando, Florida:
In a TNA Ultimate X Match, Manik won the TNA X Division Title over Sonjay Dutt and Greg Marasciulo
With approximately 250 people in attendance, MLW was back at GILT Nightclub in Orlando last night for their second show since the promotion returned. Here’s a rundown of the event:
– Serpentico defeated Snoop Strikes
For the finish, Serpentico used a Death Valley Driver into an Angel’s Wings front slam.
– Matt Riddle defeated “Filthy” Tom Lawlor
This was a violent, gritty match that was built around the choke hold. It got intense with tombstones, the Bro to Sleep, and countless German suplexes. Riddle finally applied the choke, with Lawlor giving the middle finger as he faded out.
Team Filthy tried to attack Riddle after the match, but he took each of them out. Riddle then challenged Lawlor and a partner of his choosing to face him and Jeff Cobb next month.
– Saieve Al Sabah defeated Parrow
Parrow dominated this one until Sabah countered a powerbomb attempt into a pin and scored the win.
– Seth Petruzelli & Rhett Giddins defeated The Dirty Blondes
There was a slow burn for the hot tag, with Petruzelli running wild before tagging Giddins in for the BBC clothesline.
– Barrington Hughes defeated Andrew Merlin
Hughes won quickly here.
– Jimmy Yuta defeated Vandal Ortagun
They had a competitive match. Ortagun worked the leg, but Yuta wouldn’t quit. A flying elbow ended up getting the victory for Yuta.
– Santana Garrett defeated Leva Bates
Bates was an injury replacement as Chelsea Green wasn’t able to wrestle at the show. The match got plenty of time, ending when Garrett won with the handspring splash.
Following the match, Priscilla Kelly attacked Garrett while she was celebrating and ran off before Garrett could see who it was.
– MJF defeated Joey Ryan
MJF won by submission. Ryan wanted a handshake after the match, but MJF gave him the middle finger instead. Ryan grabbed his finger and gave him the Dongplex.
– MVP defeated Brody King
This was a physical match. They brawled around ringside and into the chairs. King overpowered MVP throughout, but MVP got the win with his Drive-By kick. Stokely Hathaway was at ringside and tried to distract MVP during the match.
– Sammy Guevara (w/ Salina de la Renta) defeated Jason Cade
They did plenty of dives and wild athletic stuff. To the dismay of Cade, Guevara won with his feet on the ropes.
– Jimmy Havoc & Darby Allin defeated John Hennigan & Shane Strickland in a no DQ match
Absolutely wild brawl with thumbtacks, tables, chairs, and a staple gun used. Allin also did a huge dive off the balcony. There was mayhem all over the place and into the crowd’s chairs.
The finish saw Priscilla Kelly return with a chain, with her passing it into the ring to help Allin and Havoc win.
Two elderly Britons killed when their taxi was swallowed by a raging flash flood on Majorca have been named locally as Anthony and Delia Green.
The couple, who were in their 70s, are said to have died along with taxi driver Juan Sillero when the car was swept away by a torrent of water near the coastal resort of S’Illot.
Authorities on the popular tourist island said 10 people, three of them foreigners, died after torrential rain deluged the region around the town of Sant Llorenc, about 40 miles east of the capital, Palma.
Emergency services assisted by the military were said to be also searching for a five-year-old boy missing since the disaster.
Some parts of the island received up to 9in (23cm) of rainfall in a matter of hours on Tuesday evening.
Witnesses described having minutes to find safety as the water levels rose, inundating houses and catching motorists off guard.
The floodwaters tore down trees, swept numerous cars and trucks into piles of twisted metal and buried streets under mud.
Mr Green, 77, and his wife, 75, were being driven to a hotel in Cala Bona when the taxi was caught by the floodwaters, Diario de Mallorca reported.
Rescue workers reportedly found the car submerged and on its side at the mouth of the torrent in S’Illot at 2am (1am BST) on Wednesday.
Military divers found the couple’s bodies still inside, while Mr Sillero was later found lifeless nearby, the paper said.
The aftermath of the Majorca floodsCredit:
M Lopez/AFP
A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are supporting the family of two British people following their deaths in Spain, and will do all we can to assist them at this deeply difficult time.
"Our staff remain in contact with the Spanish authorities who are responsible for responding to the floods, and are ready to assist any other British people who require our help."
According to Diario de Mallorca, the bodies of an 81-year-old man and 83-year-old woman were among the first to be found on Tuesday.
Debris and muddy water cover a street in Sant Llorenc des Cardassar, on the Spanish Balearic island of MajorcaCredit:
M Lopez/AFP
Rafel Gili Sastre, 71, a former municipal mayor, was later found dead at his home, the paper said.
Authorities said 80 soldiers and seven vehicles from the military’s emergency unit had joined more than 100 rescuers deployed in the area on Wednesday.
Meanwhile tennis star Rafael Nadal, who is from the island, was seen joining in with the clean-up effort.
He said: "My solidarity and support goes out to the families and friends of victims and all the affected by these tragic floods," he said.
The head of a French gay rights group suffered a broken nose and insults on a Paris street in what he called a shocking homophobic attack.
Guillaume Melanie, president of the Urgence Homophobie association which helps victims of LGBT violence around the world, said he was attacked as he was leaving a restaurant with a group of activists.
"Tonight it’s my turn," Mr Melanie tweeted, alongside a picture of his bruised and bloodied face.
“Homophobic attack outside a restaurant. Nose broken. Shocked. Blood everywhere. I’m homosexual and this is 2018.,” he wrote.
Mr Melanie is filing a police complaint against persons unknown.
He had been celebrating with friends and colleagues after a foreign victim of anti-LGBT violence had successfully obtained a French residence permit.
"We were somewhat obstructing the way in the street and a man pushed us rather violently.
"I said ‘Go easy’ and then another man who was with him said ‘You’re just a dirty faggot’ and ‘You should all be burned’ and punched me hard,” he told AFP.
Ce soir c’est mon tour. Agression homophobe à la sortie d’un restau. Nez cassé. Choqué. Du sang partout. Je suis homosexuel, et nous sommes en 2018.@SOShomophobie @Tof_Beaugrand @stop_homophobie @Lyes_Alouane @MarleneSchiappa pic.twitter.com/O8nxg5rk3C
— Guillaume Mélanie (@Guillaumelanie) October 16, 2018
Mr Melanie, who suffered a broken nose, received messages of support from several politicians. "I’m doing OK. I’m still standing and combative. Their hatred won’t have my hatred," he wrote on Twitter.
This is by no means the first homophobic attack to shock the French capital in recent months.
Earlier this month, a gay couple were insulted and attacked for kissing on the street in the northeast of the city. One of their two attackers was arrested and sentenced to a year’s imprisonment.
Last month, Arnaud Gagnoud, 27-year old actor, was mocked and beaten with a helmet after hugging his partner outside a theatre in eastern Paris’s 20th arrondissement.
Agression choquante et intolérable dans le 20ème arrondissement de Paris. Deux jeunes hommes qui s'embrassent et s'ensuit une rouée de coups. On ne compte plus la succession d'agressions homophobe et transphobe. Jusqu'où irons-nous ? Soutien total à @arnaudgagnoud et son copain. pic.twitter.com/SKfFKziMpH
— Joël Deumier (@joeldeumier) September 19, 2018
A teenager has been charged over the attack, which left Mr Gagnoud requiring seven stitches.
“I knew it would happen to me…I just didn’t know when it would take place. So it’s today,” he wrote afterwards on Instagram.
Then on October 8th, two young women were beaten up in public for the same reason and on October 13th a man was attacked in the 15th arrondissement for wearing make-up.
In a tweet, he said: "I never thought that I would tweet something like this but it doesn’t only happen to others: I was a victim of homophobic aggression last night in the 15th arrondissement of Paris because I wore make-up."
Anne Hidalgo, the mayor of Paris, expressed support for Mr Melanie, saying it must act as a "collective jolt" in the fight against homophobia and inviting the NGO head to work with the city towards an action plan.
"There can be no question of resigning ourselves to this violence," she said.
American authorities are on the hunt for a serial bomber after suspicious packages targeting leading Democrats and others were discovered in what was dubbed an act of “terrorism”.
Basic explosive devices described as “pipe bombs” were sent to the homes of former president Barack Obama, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton and the New York headquarters of broadcaster CNN.
The three bombs followed the discovery of a similar device at the residence of George Soros, the billionaire philanthropist and prominent donor to liberal causes, on Monday.
On Wednesday night more suspicious packages were being investigated near offices of Democratic politicians including Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the former head of the Democratic National Committee. Two packages were also sent to California Congresswoman Maxine Waters, the FBI said.
Police officers said they were investigating whether an individual or a group of people were behind the apparent attempts to take life, warning that other packages may still be undiscovered.
A bomb disposal expert outside the Time Warner Center in New York on WednesdayCredit:
KEVIN COOMBS /Reuters
Many of those targeted have been fiercely criticised by Donald Trump, the US president, in recent years during his rise to the White House and since he took office.
Mr Trump initially issued a call for unity as he condemned the “despicable acts” and said the “full weights of our government” were being deployed to find those responsible.
He said: "In these times, we have to unify, we have to come together, and send one very clear, strong, unmistakable message that acts or threats of political violence of any kind have no place in the United States of America."
Mr Trump added: “We are extremely angry, upset, unhappy about what we witnessed this morning and we will get to the bottom of it.”
At a campaign rally in Mosinee, Wisconsin, later, he said public figures had a duty to tone down their rhetoric, but also suggested the media was partly to blame.
"No one should carelessly compare political opponents to historical villains, which is done, it’s done all the time," Mr Trump said.
"We should not mob people in public spaces or destroy public property. There is one way to settle our disagreements. It’s called peacefully at the ballot box.
"As part of a larger national effort to bridge our divides and bring people together, the media also has a responsibility to set a civil tone and stop the endless hostility and constant negative and often times false attacks and stories," he added. "Have to do it. They’ve got to stop."
US postal bombs – map
The comments followed veiled criticism from leading Democratic politicians in New York, the city where some of the packages were found, who called for an end to “overheated rhetoric”.
Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, the two most senior Democrats in the US Congress, later attacked Mr Trump’s plea, saying his words "ring hollow until he reverses his statements that condone acts of violence".
The first suspected bomb had been found at the residence of Mr Soros, who has become a target of abuse for right-wing figures, on Monday night.
Late on Tuesday a suspicious package was discovered addressed to Hillary and Bill Clinton’s house in Westchester County, New York.
Then on Wednesday morning a similar device was found addressed to the home of Barack and Michelle Obama in Washington, DC.
Two packages containing explosive devices addressed to Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton were discovered
The US Secret Service said in a statement that they had detected the suspect devices – later said by police to be “pipe bombs” – during routine screening of mail and before they reached their targets.
Then mid-morning on Wednesday presenters on CNN covering the story from the broadcasters’ New York studio were interrupted by a fire alarm. The office in the Time Warner Center, by the south-west corner of Central Park, was then evacuated.
It emerged that a live explosive had been discovered in the broadcaster’s mail room. The package had the name of John Brennan, the former CIA director, on the front. It also contained a white powder. The area was cleared and the bomb squad called.
The explosive was eventually driven through Manhatten in a bomb-proof vehicle and taken into the Bronx, where it will be tested. A string of other suspect packages emerged throughout the day.
Andrew Cuomo, the New York governor, said one had been discovered at his office, though it later turned out not to be a bomb. Other suspicious packages were investigated at the offices of Democratic congresswomen including Ms Wasserman Schultz in Florida, Kamala Harris in California and Maxine Waters in Washington.
There were reports that some of the explosives found had Ms Wasserman Schultz’s office named as a return address on the envelope – which may explain the suspect package at her work.
Mrs Clinton said after the bomb discovery: "It is a troubling time. It is a time of deep divisions. We have to do everything we can to bring our country together."
Democrats critique Trump rhetoric
.@realDonaldTrump's words ring hollow until he reverses his statements that condone acts of violence. Time & time again, he has condoned physical violence & divided Americans with his words & his actions.
Read my full statement with @SenSchumer here: https://t.co/tgaxuW6M3D
— Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) October 24, 2018
Meanwhile CNN president Jeff Zucher said there is a "total and complete lack of understanding" at the White House about the seriousness of their attacks on the media. Mr Trump has previously called US news outlets the "enemy of the people".
Trump attending rally in Wisconsin
President Trump is still planning to travel to Wisconsin for a rally this evening in support of Republican Governor Scott Walker, Bill Shine, the White House Communications Director, has told CNN.
Soros' son: 'Something changed in 2016'
Alexander Soros, the son of George Soros, said in an opinion piece for The New York Times that his father had long faced verbal criticism and threats over his involvement in politics, "but something changed in 2016".
"Before that, the vitriol he faced was largely confined to the extremist fringes, among white supremacists and nationalists who sought to undermine the very foundations of democracy. But with Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, things got worse," he wrote.
He placed direct responsibility with those who sent the devices, but added: "I cannot see it divorced from the new normal of political demonisation that plagues us today."
Opinion: Donald Trump must do more than condemn bombs in the mail
Telegraph columnist Rob Crilly says the president must do more than condemn bombs in the mail. Read his piece in full here.
Maxine Waters office targeted
Democratic Representative Maxine Waters said police have informed her that her office in Washington was also the target of a suspicious package.
Package at NY Governor's office 'not a bomb'
A spokesman for the New York Police Department said a suspicious package sent to Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office was not a bomb. The spokesman said it is unrelated to the other devices.
President Trump calls for 'unity'
President Trump has called for "unity" in his first public comments on the suspicious packages appearing across the US today.
Speaking from the White House, he said: "The safety of Americans is my highest and absolute priority. As we speak the packages are being inspected by experts and a major investigation is under way."
Mr Trump said he was briefed by the FBI, Department of Justice and Security Service on the attacks. "The full weight of the US government is being deployed" to investigate, he said. "We will spare no expense or resource in this effort."
President Trump speaks publicly about the attacks for the first timeCredit:
AP
"In these times we have to unify, we have to come together and send one very clear, strong unmistakable message – that acts or threats of political violence of any kind have no place in the United States of America."
"This egregious conduct is abhorrent to everything we hold dear as Americans. We are extremely angry, upset, unhappy about what we witnessed this morning and we will get to the bottom of it."
Melania Trump condemns 'unacceptable' attacks
Melania Trump, the First Lady, addressed the day’s events during an event at the White House.
“We can not tolerate those cowardly attacks and I strongly condemn all who choose violence,” she said. She also thanked the Secret Service and law enforcement officials for their response.
'America is better than this'
As someone who has been on the receiving end of threading packages, I can tell you how disgusting these acts are! America is better than this. These acts should be condemned by all and I hope they throw any individual caught in jail, for a very long time.
— Eric Trump (@EricTrump) October 24, 2018
Every American should be angry about these potentially explosive devices targeting U.S. political figures. We should not ever tolerate terrorism against anyone. Period. The full weight of the federal govt should be used to find,arrest,prosecute & punish whoever is behind this.
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) October 24, 2018
Florida police confirm suspicious package near Democratic office
Florida police have confirmed that they are investigating a suspicious package near the offices of Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
Local media showed images of a bomb squad unit from the Broward Sheriff’s Office, which confirmed it was at her building in the south Florida town of Sunrise, around 30 miles north of Miami.
Ms Wasserman Schultz had a five-year stint as the Democratic Party chair but resigned following a leak of emails in 2016 suggesting an insider attempt to hobble the campaign of Hillary Clinton’s rival in the White House primaries, Bernie Sanders.
It is not known if she was in her office at the time. She was expected to appear later with Mrs Clinton at a campaign event.
New York leaders call for end to 'hatred and division'
Mayor Bill De Blasio said: "At a time when there is a lot of hatred and division, it does not make sense to exacerbate it."
Addressing all "public officials", Mr De Blasio urged: "Don’t encourage violence, don’t encourage hatred, don’t encourage attacks on media.
"Unfortunately this atmosphere of hatred is contributing to the choices people are making to turn to violence, there’s no question about it. Let’s turn down the temperature."
New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo, said: "We are weeks from an election and that’s obviously in the air and that’s an obvious factor.
"We have political differences and that’s good for democracy. What is not good is overheated rhetoric, extremism that pushes people to violence. And at the end of the day… we’re all Americans.
"Keeping the dialect civil is very important. And for elected leaders who in many ways set the tone, that is especially important."
New York governor confirms package sent to his office
New York’s Democratic governor Andrew Cuomo announced that a suspicious device was also sent to his office in Manhattan.
"A device has been sent to my office in Manhattan," Mr Cuomo told the press conference. "The device sent to my office has been identified and is being handled as we speak."
The governor, who is a trenchant critic of Mr Trump and who is seeking a third term as chief executive of the country’s fourth most populous state, said he "wouldn’t be at all surprised" if more devices show up.
Devices appear to be pipe bombs
Bryan Paarmann, the FBI special agent in charge, said that "so far the devices have been what appeared to be pipe bombs".
Commissioner John Miller revealed that after the first device was found on Monday, law enforcement officials began to take "proactive steps". These involved visiting politicians and media outlets – and in fact New York police officers were instructing staff at CNN’s newsroom to be on the look out for suspicious packages when the device was discovered.
'We will not allow these terrorist thugs to win'
New York’s Governor, Andrew Cuomo, said New Yorkers should remember that the city has the best law enforcement agencies "on the globe". "We should take comfort in that level of professionalism that we have in this city and in this state," he said. "As everyone is aware there are a number of packages that have been received."
Mr Cuomo added: "This is the world that we live in. Terrorism, the attempt to spread fear, is the world that we live in. It is heightened lately…This is a circumstance of who we are and where we are.
"Terrorism only works if you let it work. We are resilient and we will not allow these terrorist thugs to change the way we live our lives. They fail unless we allow them to win and we will not allow them to win"
Mr Cuomo also stressed that New Yorkers will see a heightened police presence across the city as a precautionary measure.
"You shouldn’t be alarmed… But we will not let terrorism win. Not today, not ever," he said.
NY Mayor: 'Act of terror to undermine our press and leaders'
Bill De Blasio, the New York Mayor, said: "What we saw here today was an effort to terrorise. This clearly is an act of terror attempting to undermine our free press and leaders of this country through acts of violence.
"I want to make very clear that the people of New York City will not be intimidated, that we are going to go about our lives undeterred because the very concept of terrorism is to change us and we will not allow that to happen. You cannot be terrorised if you refuse to allow the terrorists to win. People of this city have shown time and again that they stand up in the face of these efforts to intimidate."
Mr De Blasio said he wanted to reassure residents that there would be an increased police presence in the city. But he added: "we do not at this time have credible and specific threats in New York City".
NYPD Commissioner: White powder with explosive device
James O’Neill, the NYPD Commissioner, has given a press briefing on the latest developments from today’s events.
He said a "live explosive device" and an envelope containing white powder were found in the CNN building today.
"We’ve seen this before. We’ve seen worse," he said. "We will not be intimidated and we will bring these perpetrators to justice".
This photo obtained by @ABC and confirmed by two law enforcement sources shows the device recovered from @CNN by the NYPD bomb squad. pic.twitter.com/HFzTMSoJXG
— Gio Benitez (@GioBenitez) October 24, 2018
NYPD’s chief of counter terrorism said the explosive device sent to CNN’s headquarters in New York appeared to be sent by the same "individual, or individuals" who mailed pipe bombs to George Soros, Hillary Clinton and former President Barack Obama.
John Miller and FBI officials said the devices all appeared to be crude pipe bombs. The New York device was black and had wires.
Mr Miller said it started on Monday night with the device sent to Mr Soros. He said they’re looking at the devices as a pattern, and they have not made any arrests. No one was injured by any of the devices.
San Diego paper evacuated
The San Diego Union Tribune has also been evacuated, but it is unclear whether this a linked incident.
The newspaper said its staff were evacuated after a stack of suspicious looking packages were spotted near the front doors.
The building also includes the office of Democrat senator Kamala Harris, who is expected to run in 2020.
Our office was evacuated today after suspicious packages were found near the building. The packages were not addressed to the Senator or our office. We are grateful to the San Diego Police Department for their work to swiftly investigate this issue.
— Lily Adams (@adamslily) October 24, 2018
Leading Republicans calls incident 'domestic terrorism'
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on Wednesday the targeting of Democratic politicians Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama with potential explosives amounted to acts of "domestic terrorism."
"I stand with all Americans in condemning today’s attempted acts of domestic terrorism," the Republican senator said in a statement.
Paul Ryan, the House Speaker, also condemned the sending of the suspicious packages just 13 days before crucial midterm elections, saying "we cannot tolerate any attempt to terrorise public figures."
Hillary Clinton: 'Troubling time'
Hillary Clinton has spoken about the suspect package that was addressed to her during an event in Florida.
The former Democratic presidential candidate said she and her family were doing "fine" and said the Secret Service intercepted the suspicious package "long before" it got to their home
"Every day we are grateful for their service and commitment," she told the audience. "But it is a troubling time isn’t it? It’s a time of deep divisions and we have to do everything we can to bring our country together.
"We also have to elect candidates who will try to do the same, who will set goals that will lift up every single Floridian and American, who will understand what the challenges are today.
"Usually when people ask me how I’m doing, which happens quite often, I say well as a person I’m great but as an American I’m worried. I worry about the direction of our country."
Ms Clinton attending events in Florida ahead of November’s midterm elections when the package was delivered to her New York home.
Mike Pence: Perpetrators will be brought to justice
Speaking at an event Mike Pence, the US Vice President, said those responsible for today’s attacks "will be brought to justice".
Trump joins condemnation of attacks
I agree wholeheartedly! https://t.co/ndzu0A30vU
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 24, 2018
Bomb removed from CNN building
The device has now been removed from the Time Warner Center, Harriet Alexander reports. It’s being driven away from the city, followed by helicopters. The chief commissioner of NYPD has just gone in to the building, accompanied by the city’s counter terrorism chief.
Florida police probing suspicious package near Democrat office
Florida police say they are probing a suspicious package near the office of a Democrat lawmaker. It follows earlier reports that Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s Florida office was evacuated.
ALERT!!! We are working an investigation of a suspicious package near Sawgrass Corporate Parkway. Please stay out of the area of NW 8th St and NW 136th Ave. We will provide further updates when available.
— Sunrise Police FL (@SunrisePoliceFL) October 24, 2018
Ivanka Trump joins condemnation
I strongly condemn the attempted acts of violence against President Obama, the Clinton family, @CNN & others. There is no excuse—America is better than this.
Gratitude to the @SecretService and law enforcement for all they do to keep this nation safe.
— Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) October 24, 2018
President Trump has not yet tweeted about the incidents himself. However his press secretary has issued a statement rebuking the attacks.
Bomb squad enter CNN building
Harriet Alexander is on the ground in New York: "We’ve just seen a group of perhaps a dozen more NYPD officers enter the building, some with sniffer dogs. All eyes are on what we believe to be the bomb squad truck. The device is expected to be brought out to that truck.
"Jeff Zucker, the CNN president, has just sent a second email saying that the NYPD remain in the building. He also said searches have been carried out at their offices worldwide, but it appears only their New York office affected."
Vice President condemns 'cowardly' attack
We condemn the attempted attacks against fmr Pres Obama, the Clintons, @CNN & others. These cowardly actions are despicable & have no place in this Country. Grateful for swift response of @SecretService, @FBI & local law enforcement. Those responsible will be brought to justice.
— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) October 24, 2018
Reports of package sent to White House 'incorrect'
CLARIFICATION: At this time the Secret Service has intercepted TWO suspicious packages – one in NY and one in D.C. Reports of a third intercepted package addressed to the WH are incorrect. We refer media to our statement: https://t.co/lJdTn04KmI
— U.S. Secret Service (@SecretService) October 24, 2018
CNN package was addressed to former CIA director
The suspicious package sent to the CNN newsroom was addressed to the Former CIA director John Brennan, the network said. Mr Brennan, a regular critic of President Trump, is in fact a contributor of MSNBC – not CNN.
The package was sent to ’10 Columbus Circle’. This is not the official address for the CNN newsroom but the address which comes up if you search for the network’s New York headquarters online.
Police swarm across downtown New York
Harriet Alexander, The Telegraph’s US Correspondent, reports from New York: "Here at Columbus Circle, there is a heavy police presence, and constant sirens. The bomb squad is here, with sniffer dogs. The latest news appears to be that a pipe bomb was sent to a CNN correspondent, and intercepted in the mail room.
"The building has been evacuated. Jeff Zucker, the president of the media company, has just emailed all staff to tell them they are “working with authorities to determine the severity of the situation”. He said that other CNN offices are also being searched around the world, as a precaution. Remarkably, the subway beneath the Time Warner Building is still open and operating normally, albeit with dozens of police on the platforms."
CNN confirms no devices found in other office
Latest from CNN’s President to staff (11am). pic.twitter.com/UDJ1hFIlOW
— CNN Communications (@CNNPR) October 24, 2018
White House vows punishment for those responsible
Sarah Sanders, the White House press secretary, has been asked about the apparent bombs on camera by a reporter for a network of local broadcasters. The journalist tweeted out the clip.
Ms Sanders said: “The White House condemns these types of horrific and despicable acts and will work with law enforcement to make sure anybody responsible is punished to the full extent of the law." She added: “Certainly it’s okay to disagree in politics but it’s never okay to take action against another individual and we certainly don’t want to see that happen.”
Just spoke with @PressSec about the potential explosive devices being found….her latest reaction below. "its ok to disagree in politics, but its never ok to take action against another individual…" pic.twitter.com/UcMRpelPRN
— Mark Meredith (@markpmeredith) October 24, 2018
Bomb squad dealing with suspected package
The suspicious package delivered to the Time Warner building in New York is being removed by the city’s bomb squad. It has been placed in a bomb containment unit on a truck which will take it to the Bronx. It is understood that this can contain the explosion in case it detonated during its disposal.
Containment vessel for explosive device arriving. @CNNnewsroom pic.twitter.com/m0HPitADqi
— Jim Sciutto (@jimsciutto) October 24, 2018
Time Warner package was pipe bomb
The device sent to the Time Warner Center, which houses CNN’s New York newsroom, was constructed with a pipe and wires, according to a New York Police Department source. Law enforcement authorities are treating the device as a real explosive. The device was discovered in the mailroom of Time Warner Center. It is unclear who the package was addressed to.
White House condemns attacks
“We condemn the attempted violent attacks recently made against President Obama, President Clinton, Secretary Clinton, and other public figures,” said Sarah Sanders, the White House press secretary. "These terrorising acts are despicable, and anyone responsible will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. The United States Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies are investigating and will take all appropriate actions to protect anyone threatened by these cowards."
CNN's New York newsroom evacuated
US network’s CNN New York office has been evacuated after receiving a suspicious package.
CNN reporters broadcasted from the street outside their bureau in a bustling part of Midtown near Central Park, saying they heard the fire alarm and the lights went off, before they walked down the stairs.
The network has been repeatedly criticised for Republicans for its coverage of the Trump administration over the last two years.
"It was a package mailed into the building that caught the security screening," said CNN presenter Jim Sciutto.
Scene outside CNN NY HQ right now. #NYPD Bomb squad here. @CNNnewsroom pic.twitter.com/avUVaSKDRu
Valtteri Bottas remains confident in his ability to fight Lewis Hamilton for the world title this year, despite the latter’s comfortable win in last weekend’s Styrian Grand Prix.
Bottas hit the ground running in the opening race of the 2020 campaign, but the Finn was never a threat to his dominant Mercedes teammate in the second round of racing that took place at the Red Bull Ring.
Hamilton’s masterclass performance suggests the Briton has already recouped the upper hand, but Bottas disagrees, insisting he’s grown again as a driver in the past twelve months and has the skills to take the fight to the reigning world champion.
Mercedes to keep Bottas onboard for 2021!
“I think in any sport, and especially in Formula 1 – it’s quite a special sport – it’s quite easy to doubt yourself, but for the moment I have no reason to,” Bottas said, quoted by Crash.net
“Obviously over the years you find the right tools, how to find your confidence and the trust in yourself and what you are doing. I have no reason to doubt any of my ability or skills.
“I know Lewis had a strong weekend. He did a good job. Also, based on last weekend, I know what I am capable of.
“So, I really feel many improvements in my driving since last year, so that’s why I’m confident it’s going to be a good battle for the Championship this year.
“So, I’m not going to let one weekend, even multiple weekends, drag me down. I’ve learned that. Just going to focus on the job and improving myself as we go.”
Bottas admitted that last weekend’s defeat required an analysis, but the eight-time Grand Prix winner says his prospects for the future “are looking good”.
“In some things I’m going to have a look in the mirror why it was bit more difficult and could have been possibly a good battle with Lewis,” he said.
“But I think, from where I started and how the race went, I think it felt like I and us as a team, we could really maximise everything, so being able to, as a team, get the first 1-2 of the year, only the second race, is obviously really impressive.
“Like Lewis said, I’m just really thankful for everyone. It’s a privilege to drive for this team. But, of course, I’m not 100 per cent happy because I didn’t win.
“That’s how it goes as a driver but Lewis did a great job this weekend and… yeah… still points-wise it’s still early days and everything is looking good, so that’s why I can’t wait for the future.”
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The Gophers won three matches in a row to close out a victory Saturday.
Minnesota defeated Air Force in a dual meet on Saturday at the Sports Pavilion, bouncing back after losing three duals a week ago.
The Gophers won 22-12 over the Falcons, finishing with an overall record of 6-4 in the meet.
“I think we made progress from last week, and that’s the thing we were trying to do,” head coach J Robinson said. “We’re not where we wanted to be as far as being aggressive and going after people, but we made progress, and that’s important.”
Redshirt freshman Skyler Petry started out the meet for the Gophers at 125 pounds with a close victory. Continue reading at www.mndaily.com