| 5 dead in Northern California shooting spree Posted: 14 Nov 2017 11:37 AM PST  Five people are dead and two others were left wounded in a shooting spree that began at a home in Northern California on Tuesday and ended at an elementary school, officials there say.
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| Congresswoman Says At Least 2 Members Of Congress Are Sexual Harassers Posted: 14 Nov 2017 07:58 AM PST  WASHINGTON ― Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) said Tuesday that she knows of two members of Congress who are currently in office ― a Democrat and a Republican ― who have sexually harassed staffers.
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| North Korean state newspaper announces 'death sentence' for Trump Posted: 15 Nov 2017 08:01 AM PST  A North Korean state newspaper has issued a death sentence for U.S. President Donald Trump after he insulted Kim Jong-Un during his recent trip to Asia, according to the Guardian.
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| Ohio Delays Execution After Failing To Find Sick Inmate's Vein Posted: 15 Nov 2017 12:12 PM PST  An ill Ohio death row inmate's execution was delayed Wednesday after a suitable vein could not be located for his lethal injection.
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| Now Sean Hannity Is Calling For Roy Moore To Drop Out Of Senate Race Posted: 14 Nov 2017 08:08 PM PST  Fox News host Sean Hannity called for Roy Moore, the Republican candidate running for Alabama's open Senate seat, to withdraw from the race if he cannot clear up allegations that he sexually abused teenage girls when he was in his 30s.
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| Democrats add to win column in deep-red Oklahoma Posted: 15 Nov 2017 02:33 PM PST  Democrats added another win in the deep-red Oklahoma Legislature on Tuesday, continuing the minority party's string of success and chipping away at the Republican Party's hold on state government.
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| Treasury secretary's wife Louise Linton raises eyebrows with latest photo-op Posted: 15 Nov 2017 01:12 PM PST  U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is on the money, literally -- and his wife couldn't appear happier about it.
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| Israel PM offers quake aid to arch foe Iran Posted: 15 Nov 2017 07:08 AM PST  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has offered aid to victims of the deadly earthquake in Iran, insisting enmity between the two governments does not prevent humanitarian sympathy. The offer was made in a video conference with the Jewish Federations of North America. It comes as many of the tens of thousands left homeless by the quake have vented anger at the Islamic regime for what they say has been the slow response of the charitable foundations set up after the revolution of 1979.
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| Lebanese patriarch, in Saudi, says supports reasons Hariri quit Posted: 14 Nov 2017 06:23 AM PST  By Stephen Kalin RIYADH (Reuters) - Lebanon's Christian Maronite Patriarch, visiting Saudi Arabia in an historic visit to the ultra-conservative Muslim kingdom, expressed support on Tuesday for the reasons behind Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri's resignation. Hariri, a Saudi ally, resigned abruptly on Nov. 4 in a move Lebanese political leaders ascribed to pressure from Riyadh. Hariri said his resignation had been prompted by an assassination plot and accused Iran and Hezbollah of sowing strife in the region.
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| Prisoner kills inmate who beat infant daughter to death Posted: 15 Nov 2017 09:40 AM PST  Authorities said a man serving a life sentence for murdering his two-day-old baby was found dead in his U.K. prison cell over the weekend.
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| Military seizes power in Zimbabwe Posted: 15 Nov 2017 09:49 AM PST ![Military seizes power in Zimbabwe]( "Military seizes power in Zimbabwe") Zimbabwe's military seized power saying it was holding President Robert Mugabe and his family safe while targeting "criminals" in the entourage of the only ruler the country has known in its 37 years of independence.
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| Women's anger transformed the 2017 elections. Get ready for 2018. Posted: 14 Nov 2017 12:09 PM PST  Women candidates and voters — often in districts that Democrats had given up contesting — helped the party to its extraordinary gains in Virginia. In the year since Donald Trump was elected, thousands of women across the country have expressed interest in running for office, and new organizations are springing up to help them.
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| Sixth Roy Moore Accuser Comes Forward, Says He Groped Her In 1991 Posted: 15 Nov 2017 03:37 PM PST  A sixth woman has accused Republican Senate candidate Roy Moore of sexual harassment, according to an account she gave to the Alabama news outlet AL.com.
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| What To Buy On Black Friday At Target Posted: 15 Nov 2017 12:27 PM PST  The countdown to Black Friday and Cyber Monday is on.
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| Olympic Weightlifter To Sell Gold Medal For Iran's Earthquake Victims Posted: 14 Nov 2017 02:44 PM PST  Olympic gold medalist Kianoush Rostami of Iran is auctioning off his prestigious medal to raise money for the victims of Sunday's catastrophic earthquake on the Iran-Iraq border, which has left at least 530 people dead and thousands injured.
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| Background checks, assault weapons ban gain support: US poll Posted: 15 Nov 2017 10:30 AM PST  Support for background checks for gun purchases and a ban on sales of assault weapons have reached new highs among US voters following a series of mass shootings, according to a poll published Wednesday. Ninety-five percent of the 1,577 people surveyed in the Quinnipiac University poll said they support requiring background checks for all gun buyers. This was the highest level of support for background checks since Quinnipiac first asked the question in February 2013 following the December 2012 massacre of 20 schoolchildren in Sandy Hook, Connecticut.
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| The Latest: Hospital staff to be put on leave after escape Posted: 15 Nov 2017 02:22 PM PST  HONOLULU (AP) — The Latest on a dangerous Hawaii man who escaped from the state psychiatric hospital (all times local):
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| The North Korean Soldier Who Defected Across DMZ Was Hit With 5 Bullets Posted: 14 Nov 2017 09:48 AM PST  North Korean media has not commented on the latest defection. The North Korean soldier who escaped into South Korea at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Monday is in critical condition at a South Korean hospital after suffering multiple gunshot wounds by his comrades. The unarmed man jumped from the car and made a mad dash to the border while North Korean guards let loose a hail of gunfire, The Associated Press introduced.
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| Trump touts poll showing majority disapprove of his performance Posted: 14 Nov 2017 07:25 AM PST  President Trump tweeted on Tuesday a graphic with the results of a daily tracking poll that shows 46 percent of Americans approve of his job performance. But the same poll, conducted by Rasmussen Reports, shows 53 percent disapprove.
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| Prosecutor Fired Over Rant on Uber Driver Apologizes: 'My Career Is Done' Posted: 14 Nov 2017 11:24 AM PST  Jody Warner was accused of being drunk and obnoxious by the driver, who recorded her as she berated him.
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| Watch Roy Moore's Lawyer Give A Train Wreck Interview On MSNBC Posted: 15 Nov 2017 10:53 AM PST  A lawyer for Alabama senate candidate Roy Moore responded to allegations of child sex abuse by invoking a reporter's "diverse background" and suggesting one of the women accusing Moore was mentally ill.
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| Zimbabwe crisis: 'Moment of hope' as Robert Mugabe's iron grip on power evaporates - latest news Posted: 15 Nov 2017 10:47 AM PST  Soldiers patrol streets of Harare Explosions rock Zimbabwe capital in early hours of morning Military 'takes over state broadcaster' Army says Mugabe is 'safe and security is guaranteed' Moves come amid rift between Mugabe and military Robert Mugabe profile: Legacy of a ruthless tyrant The military has taken over Zimbabwe, placing President Robert Mugabe under house arrest and detaining senior government officials in what many are expecting to be the beginning of a transition of power. Military officials denied carrying out a coup as they took over the state TV and broadcast a message insisting the president and his wife were "secure", adding that they were targeting a ring of government plotters following a power struggle that saw the vice-president flee the country last week. Jacob Zuma, the South African president, said he had spoken to Mr Mugabe by phone who told him he was "confined to his home but said that he was fine". "It is not a military takeover of government," an army spokesman said in a televised statement. "We are only targeting criminals around him who are committing crimes that are causing social and economic suffering in the country in order to bring them to justice. As soon as we have accomplished our mission we expect that the situation will return to normalcy." Graphic: Zimbabwe crisis mapped The address came hours after several loud explosions echoed across central Harare and troops seized the headquarters of the ZBC, Zimbabwe's state broadcaster. Several cabinet ministers, including local government minister Saviour Kasukuwere and finance minister Ignatius Chombo, and Mugabe's nephew Patrick Zhuwayo, were arrested. There was allegedly a brief gun fight outside Mr Chombo's house. All three are part of the G40 faction of Zanu-PF which is loyal to Grace Mugabe, who was being lined up to take over from her husband after the vice-president Emmerson Mnangagwa was fired last week. Zimbabwe has just experienced its first coup. This type is called a guardian coup but whatever name it's a coup. pic.twitter.com/HdwRInxeci— Chipo Dendere, PhD (@drDendere) November 15, 2017 Boris Johnson called for calm in a statement to the House of Commons in which he also criticised Mr Mugabe's legacy and suggested that a transition may provide a "moment of hope" for Zimbabweans. Speculation had been mounting on Tuesday that a coup was under way against Mr Mugabe, after the head of the armed forces threatened to "step in" over the sacking of an influential vice president. Gunfire erupted near Mr Mugabe's private residence in Harare in the early hours of Wednesday, residents living close to Mugabe's mansion in the suburb of Borrowdale said. Armed soldiers took positions at major buildings and routes. Zimbabwe Army General Constantino Chiwenga, Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, addresses a media conference held at the Zimbabwean Army Headquarters on November 13, 2017 in Harare Credit: AFP Two hours later, soldiers overran ZBC, a principal Mugabe mouthpiece, and ordered staff to leave. Shortly afterwards, three explosions rocked the centre of the southern African nation's capital, near the University of Zimbabwe campus, witnesses said. Tensions have been building in Zimbabwe since Mr Mnangagwa, a powerful figure in the ruling Zanu-PF party, fled to South Africa last week after he was fired and was then stripped of his lifetime membership of the party. The move was widely seen as part of a battle between Mr Mnangagwa and Mrs Mugabe, the first lady, over the presidential succession when Mr Mugabe dies or steps down. Rumours were swirling ton Wednesday morning that Mr Mugabe and his wife have been offered safe passage to Singapore, but this could not be confirmed. Eddie Cross, an opposition MP in Zimbabwe, has told BBC News that he believes Grace Mugabe has crossed the border to Namibia. South Africa urged neighbouring Zimbabwe to resist any "unconstitutional changes" of government, but stopped short of criticising the armed uprising. The African Union said it "seems like a coup" and called on the military to halt their actions and restore constitutional order. Armoured personnel carriers are stationed at major junctions in Harare as residents attempt to continue with their daily lives under the spectre of an alleged coup Credit: AP Boris Johnson, the foreign secretary, said that while Britain must do its part to support peace, the transition represented "potentially a moment of hope". He attacked the dictator's record and added: "Authoritarian rule, whether in Zimbabwe or anywhere else, should have no place in Africa... Elections are due to be held in the first half of next year. We will do all we can with our international partners to ensure this provides a genuine opportunity for all Zimbabweans to decide their future." Follow the latest news here. 6:47PM In 1980, Mugabe's future looked bright. How times have changed Colin Freeman writes: When the newly-elected President Robert Mugabe made his first victory speech in March 1980, many of the country's 300,000-strong white minority had already packed their bags. After years of fighting to overthrow white minority rule, the schoolteacher-turned rebel had finally achieved his vision of black majority government, and few expected magnanimity to those who now on the wrong side of history. To their surprise, the devotee of pan-Africanism and Marxism gave a speech that could have been written by fellow liberation fighter Nelson Mandela. "I urge you, whether you are black or white, to join me in a new pledge," a besuited Mr Mugabe said. "To forget our grim past, forgive others and forget." Even more remarkable was that he seemed to mean it. Lieutenant-General Peter Walls, the last commander of Ian Smith's Rhodesian armed forces, was asked by Mr Mugabe to stay in his job to integrate rebel fighters into the new Zimbabwean national army. Promises to protect white property and pensions were initially kept. And while statues of Rhodesia's colonial founder, Cecil Rhodes, were removed and streets renamed after black activists, most of Mugabe's radical policies remained rhetoric rather than reality. Foreign investment continued to flow, and so too did aid cash, with Zimbabwean literacy rates shooting up to become the highest in Africa. Read more here. 5:03PM Our cartoonist's take... 4:27PM Timeline Mugabe timeline 4:26PM African Union says Zimbabwe crisis 'seems like coup' The head of the African Union has said the crisis "seems like a coup" and called on the military to halt their actions and restore constitutional order. Alpha Conde, who is also Guinea's president, said the AU condemned the actions of top brass in the southern African nation as "clearly soldiers trying to take power by force". "The African Union expresses its serious concern regarding the situation unfolding in Zimbabwe," a statement said, expressing support for the country's "legal institutions". The African body further demanded "constitutional order to be restored immediately and calls on all stakeholders to show responsibility and restraint," it added. 2:51PM South Africa keen not to be seen as meddling South Africa has so far made a point of working through the Southern African Development Community regional bloc of states to avoid being seen as meddling in Zimbabwe's affairs. "It helps South Africa avoid the charge of unilateralism and big brotherism in the region," said Derek Matyszak, a senior research consultant in Harare with South Africa's Institute for Security Studies. What happens next in Zimbabwe, however, could have serious consequences for South Africa, which already hosts a large community of Zimbabweans who have fled their teetering economy. Another economic crash in Zimbabwe "will cause a second wave of economic refugees into South Africa, because they have no choice," said Mr Matyszak. 2:49PM Coup is 'potentially a moment of hope,' says Boris Johnson The foreign secretary has called for calm in Zimbabwe in a statement to the House of Commons. However, he added: "Mugabe's consuming ambitions was always to deny them that choice. And this House [pf Commons] will remember the brutal litany of his 37 years in office. The elections he rigged and stole; the murder and torture of his opponents; the illegal seizure of land leading to the worst hyper-inflation in recorded history. "Authoritarian rule, whether in Zimbabwe or anywhere else, should have no place in Africa... Elections are due to be held in the first half of next year. We will do all we can with our international partners to ensure this provides a genuine opportunity for all Zimbabweans to decide their future." "I think this is potentially a moment of hope. Lots of people in this country will be looking at it in that sense. "We must make sure we don't jump the gun, that we aren't premature, and that's why I've been cautious with the House today." Theresa May said the government was monitoring the "fluid" situation closely. 12:43PM Analysis: Don't expect the international community to kick up much of a fuss Our senior foreign correspondent Roland Oliphant has been looking into the international relations ramifications of the potential fall of Robert Mugabe. For every dictator who does not die in office, there eventually comes a point of no return - some unpredictable moment when one's iron grip on power evaporates overnight. Robert Mugabe has just passed that point. The immediate question now seems to be how his retirement will be managed. There is immense respect for Robert Mugabe inside Zanu PF, and officials in the ruling party have told the Telegraph that the military will try to handle things with "dignity." He may be sent into exile, or allowed to continue as a figure head president with little real power. The next question is how the international community will react. The African Union has a hardline policy of opposing the military coups that were once common across the continent, and as late as yesterday evening, the received wisdom among diplomats, analysts, and Zimbabwean businessmen was that the military wouldn't even dare taking things into their own hands. Zimbabwe is landlocked, and in such a fragile state economically that a blockade by South Africa, Zambia, and other neighbours could theoretically bring a junta to its knees in days. General Constantino Chiwenga appears to have called that bluff. For all their aversion to military interventions, Zimbabwe's neighbours have been increasingly worried by the country's ongoing economic collapse and the looming prospect of a messy transition when Mr Mugabe dies or retires. If the current military intervention does not descend into violence, it provides an opportunity for a relatively peaceful transition. It also installs a man - Emmerson Mnangagwa - who is well known to the political establishments in South Africa and Zambia, but also Britain, the former colonial power, and China, an increasingly influential player in Zimbabwe's economy. No government will risk endorsing what is in effect a military seizure of power. But as long as General Chiwenga maintains a veneer of constitutional respectability - by not declaring himself president, avoiding bloodshed, and allowing Mr Mugabe to retire quietly - don't expect the international community to kick up much of a fuss. It may be just the solution many were secretly hoping for. 12:13PM Police disarmed in Harare There are reports that the army has disarmed police in Harare in a bid to take full control of security in Zimbabwe. Fadzayi Mahere, who was hoping to stand in elections to become an MP took this picture today, claiming to show police being lined up in the street. View from the office window. pic.twitter.com/C7Nvjf23jF— Fadzayi Mahere (@advocatemahere) November 15, 2017 It is thought that the army is aligned with Emmerson Mnangagwa, the sacked vice-president, while the police are believed to be loyal to Grace Mugabe. 12:06PM Boris Johnson wants stability Boris Johnson, the foreign secretary has said: "It's very fluid and it's hard to say exactly how this will turn out. The most important point to make is that everybody wants to see a stable and successful Zimbabwe and I think we are really appealing for everybody to refrain from violence." Emily Thornberry, the shadow foreign secretary, said: "It must ultimately be for the Zimbabwean people to determine their own future government through free, peaceful and democratic elections." 12:03PM Opposition call for Mugabe to step down The Democratic Alliance, South Africa's main opposition party, has called for Mr Mugabe to step down and for "free and fair" elections to be held immediately. "The current instability in Zimbabwe must be a cause for concern for all African countries who stand for democracy on the continent," DA party leader Mmusi Maimane said in a statement. 11:38AM No sign of Mugabe President Mugabe was due to address state television at 11am, it was thought. The broadcast has not taken place, but we are monitoring state TV and will stream live video at the top of the page if we get it. 11:34AM Where is Grace Mugabe? Reports are circulating that President Mugabe's wife may have fled to Namibia. Eddie Cross, an opposition MP in Zimbabwe, has told BBC News that he believes Grace Mugabe has crossed the border to the west. Sky News were also told that Mrs Mugabe had been allowed to leave the country by the military last night as tensions grew over the apparent internal power struggle that had paved the way for her to take over as vice-president. Mrs Mugabe is unlikely to choose South Africa for exile after facing allegations that she assaulted a model there earlier this year. 11:25AM War veterans standing by military The head of Zimbabwe's influential war veterans association says they stand with the army and that President Robert Mugabe should stand down as party leader of the ruling Zanu-PF. Victor Matemadanda told reporters in Harare that the country has been sliding into a "state of chaos," adding that Zanu-PF should establish a commission of inquiry into Mugabe and why he decided to let his wife insult veterans and the armed forces. 11:16AM Mugabe speech delayed Mugabe was expected to address the nation at 11am but it appears to have been delayed. We are monitoring state TV and will broadcast a live stream at the top of the page when we get it. 10:55AM UK ambassador says military still on the streets Message from Simon Thomas, Acting Ambassador. @UKinZimbabwepic.twitter.com/qEmCugBQko— UKinZimbabwe (@UKinZimbabwe) November 15, 2017 10:49AM Zuma: 'Mugabe under house arrest but safe' President Robert Mugabe is under house arrest in Zimbabwe, South African President Jacob Zuma has said in a statement. "President Zuma spoke to President Robert Mugabe earlier today who indicated that he was confined to his home but said that he was fine," the South African government said. 10:46AM Mugabe to make speech Robert Mugabe is due to address the nation in a live broadcast on state TV. He is likely to clarify the situation after claims of a coup and suggestions that he is being held under house arrest with his wife Grace. Watch his full address at the top of this article. 10:39AM Former Africa minister says Britain must support transition James Duddridge, the Conservative MP, who was responsible for Zimbabwe at the Foreign Office between 2014 and 2016, said Britain should support a smooth transition. He said President Mugabe should be given a "soft landing" outside the country to allow a "less bloody" switch to a new government. Mr Duddridge told the Press Association: "It is for the Zimbabwean people to chart a way forward, not Her Majesty's Government. "But I think they are doing that, they will do that, and we will support them coming out of what has been a rather nasty dictatorship by one man to a slightly more functioning democracy, probably transitioning by a government of national unity. "But it may very well be that we need to provide support in the transition to maintain stability - that is in the Zimbabwean people's interests, it is in the British national interest. He added: "So I very much hope for a bloodless and peaceful transition from an autocratic dictator, who has served his time and needs to move on, to a more democratic, open nation state that will trade and prosper and start to rejuvenate the Zimbabwean people. "There's always a concern when there's a transition of power but we must remember Mugabe is loved by many people around Africa as a revolutionary leader. "But he's morphed from that into a rather distasteful dictator who has abused his position. "Providing Mugabe with a soft landing outside of Zimbabwe which, whilst is distasteful given everything that he has done and has been done in his name, will allow for a less bloody transition." 9:56AM South Africa urges Zimbabwe to resist "unconstitutional change" South Africa has urged neighbouring Zimbabwe to resist any "unconstitutional changes" of government. President Jacob Zuma wants Zimbabwe to resist "unconstitutional" change Credit: SUMAYA HISHAM/ REUTERS President Jacob Zuma "has expressed hope that developments in Zimbabwe would not lead to unconstitutional changes of government," according to a statement released in Pretoria. Zuma appealed for "the country to resolve the political impasse amicably and has urged the Zimbabwean defence force to ensure ... the maintenance of peace". Millions of Zimbabweans have moved to South Africa to seek work and flee Mr Mugabe's regime. 9:28AM Robert Mugabe: Legacy of a ruthless tyrant Robert Mugabe's legacy as one of the most ruthless tyrants of modern times may be finally coming to an end. His savage rule over Zimbabwe was dominated by murder, bloodshed, torture, persecution of political opponents, intimidation and vote-rigging on a grand scale. Read our full profile of the Zimbabwean leader here. 9:21AM Citizens scramble to banks to withdraw cash Queues have formed outside banks in Harare as Zimbabweans scramble to withdraw their cash after military flooded the streets and reports of a coup spread. Zimbabweans queue to withdraw money in Harare Credit: PHILIMON BULAWAYO/Reuters Schoolchildren seen passing military officers stationed across the capital Credit: Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi/AP Schoolchildren were also pictured on their way to class as armoured vehicles and military personnel patrolled the roads across the capital. State radio has been replaying the military's announcement that President Mugabe is "secure". The recordings have been interspersed between patriotic songs from the independence period of the 1980s, according to BBC Monitoring. 8:01AM China says Zimbabwe military chief's visit was normal visit China has said that Zimbabwe military chief General Constantino Chiwenga's visit to the country last week was a normal military visit. Mr Chiwenga threatened to "step in" over the sacking of Zimbabwe's vice president last week. China is closely watching the situation in Zimbabwe and hopes that relevant parties can properly handle their internal affairs, foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a daily news briefing this morning. Rumours are swirling that Robert Mugabe and his wife Grace have been offered safe passage to Singapore, but this could not be confirmed. 6:49AM Opposition party calls for return to democracy Zimbabwe's opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) is calling for a peaceful return to constitutional democracy. The MDC, the main political challenger to Mugabe's ZANU-PF party for the last two decades, also said it hoped the military intervention would lead to the "establishment of a stable, democratic and progressive nation state". A military tank is seen with armed soldiers on the road leading to President Robert Mugabes office in Harare Credit: AP 5:54AM 'Bloodless correction' The Associated press reports that Zimbabwe's war veterans' association has called the army's actions a "bloodless correction". Chris Mutsvangwa, chairman of the war veterans' group, told the AP in Johannesburg that Army General Constantino Chiwenga has carried out "a bloodless correction of gross abuse of power." Mutsvangwa said the army will return Zimbabwe to "genuine democracy" and make the country a "modern model nation." Mutsvangwa and the war veterans are staunch allies of Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was fired from his post of vice president by Mugabe last week. 5:34AM Scenes in the capital Reuters says Zimbabwean soldiers and armoured vehicles have blocked roads to the main government offices, parliament and the courts in central Harare. Nearby, some Zimbabweans queued for cash outside banks while public taxis ferried commuters to work. A military tank is seen with armed soldiers on the road leading to President Robert Mugabe's office in Harare on Wednesday morning Credit: AP Armed soldiers search a vehicle on the road leading to President Robert Mugabe's office in Harare Credit: AP 4:55AM Army statement in full The televised statement made by Zimbabwe Major General SB Moyo, Chief of Staff Logistics: "We wish to assure the nation that His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, and commander in chief of Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Comrade RG Mugabe, and his family are safe and sound and their security is guaranteed. "We are only targeting criminals around him who are committing crimes that are causing social and economic suffering in the country in order to bring them to justice. "As soon as we have accomplished our mission, we expect that the situation will return to normalcy. To the civil servants, as you are aware, there is a plan by the same people to influence the current purging that is taking place in the political sphere to the civil service. We are against that act of injustice and we intend to protect every one of you against that. "To the judiciary, the measures underway are intended to assure that as an independent arm of the state you are able to exercise your independent authority without fear of being obstructed." 4:25AM Finance minister 'arrested' Zimbabwe's military has detained Finance Minister Ignatius Chombo, a government source told Reuters. Chombo was a leading member of the so-called 'G40' faction of the ruling ZANU-PF party, led by Mugabe's wife Grace, that had been vying to succeed the 93-year-old president. 4:04AM Army's coup denial follows a trend Not clear if this is a full coup, but for what it's worth: every coup plotter I've interviewed rationalizes their coup attempts as "not a military takeover" too. https://t.co/wPfMzwIkqD— Brian Klaas (@brianklaas) November 15, 2017 3:07AM 'A euphemism for house arrest' Reporters and analysts have been trying to read between the lines after the rather ambiguous statement from the army. Here is some of the reaction. Is that an euphemism for house arrest?— Thabisa Sibanda (@SibandaSibbs) November 15, 2017 It now seems pretty clear. Is there anybody out there who thinks this is NOT a coup? https://t.co/aI2KLGgVRB— Naunihal Singh (@naunihalpublic) November 15, 2017 "Avoid unnecessary movement" = curfew, no?— Nqaba Matshazi (@nqabamatshazi) November 15, 2017 2:39AM Zimbabwe military officers say Mugabe is 'safe' In a state TV address, Zimbabwe military officers say Mugabe is safe and criminals around him are beng targeted. The Army encouraged people to remain calm, but avoid unnecessary movement Zimbabwe has just experienced its first coup. This type is called a guardian coup but whatever name it's a coup. pic.twitter.com/HdwRInxeci— Chipo Dendere, PhD (@drDendere) November 15, 2017 The full statement from the Zimbabwe Defense Forces. [15 November 2017 (03:15 - 04:15)] pic.twitter.com/nfW59Oefvo— �� (@iAmAugustine_) November 15, 2017 2:21AM Army 'targeting criminals around Mugabe' Statement happening on ZBC now. Says President Mugabe and his family are safe but army is targeting criminals around him. Says as soon as they are done situation will come to normalcy.— Christopher Farai (@ChrisCharamba) November 15, 2017 2:19AM Soldiers read address on state broadcaster It's happened. Military has taken over #Zimbabwe airwaves, says they will target "criminals surrounding" #Mugabe to remedy "country's suffering." pic.twitter.com/ffzwxcEt7r— Jeffrey Smith (@Smith_JeffreyT) November 15, 2017 1:59AM British citizens urged to stay indoors The UK embassy in Harare has urged British citizens to stay indoors during the 'uncertain situation'. Due to the uncertain situation in Harare, incl. reports of unusual military activity, we advise British nationals in the city to stay safely at home/indoors until the situation becomes clearer. Monitor this account for updates.— UKinZimbabwe (@UKinZimbabwe) November 15, 2017 1:56AM 'Shots heard near Mugabe's residence' A Harare resident has told AFP that gunfire erupted near President Robert Mugabe's private residence. "From the direction of his house, we heard about 30 or 40 shots fired over three or four minutes soon after 2:00 am," a resident who lives close to Mugabe's mansion in the suburb of Borrowdale told AFP. 1:29AM Tanks remain on the streets of Harare Armed Zimbabwean soldiers sit on top of a military tank in Harare in the early hours of Wednesday Credit: AP Yet the capital is still mostly calm. A street scene along Robert Mugabe road in Harare Credit: AP 1:05AM Robert Mugabe - Zimbabwe's leader for 37 years Robert Mugabe profile 12:51AM Government staying quiet during tense day The government has said little during the day as tensions mounted. In the only official word from the government, Isaac Moyo, Zimbabwe's ambassador to neighbouring South Africa, earlier dismissed talk of a coup, telling Reuters that the government was "intact" and blaming social media for spreading false information. "There's nothing really happening. They are just social media claims." 12:25AM US embassy closes for Wednesday The US embassy in Harare says it will be closed on Wednesday due to "ongoing uncertainty in Zimbabwe" and is monitoring the situation. Due to ongoing uncertainty in Zimbabwe, the U.S. Embassy in Harare will be minimally staffed and closed to the public on November 15. Embassy personnel will continue to monitor the situation closely. @StateDept— U.S. Embassy Harare (@usembassyharare) November 15, 2017 It has also reportedly advised US citizens to stay home and "shelter in place". US Embassy in Harare has just sent an email at 1.54am to US citizens to stay home and "shelter in place" due to uncertainty. Embassy closed tomorrow. #Harare#Zimbabwe— Jean G (@jean_goredema) November 15, 2017 12:18AM Explosions were heard near University of Zimbabwe campus The Associated Press reports that armed soldiers are assaulting passers-by in Harare, as well as soldiers loading ammunition near a group of four military vehicles. It said the reported explosions could be heard near the University of Zimbabwe campus. 12:06AM Soldiers 'in control of state broadcaster' Reuters is reporting that soldiers have taken over the state broadcaster's offices. Military personnel took over the headquarters of Zimbabwe's ZBC state broadcaster in the early hours of Wednesday, two members of staff and a human rights worker said, compounding speculation of a coup. Some ZBC members of staff were manhandled when soldiers occupied the premises, the sources said. However, staff were told they "should not worry" as the soldiers were merely there to protect the site, one source added. 12:01AM Explosions heard in Harare Reports are emerging of at least three explosions in Zimbabwe's capital Harare as military vehicles are seen in streets. Loud explosions going on in Harare right now, military trucks very much active #Zimbabwe— Prof Changamire (@1changamire) November 14, 2017
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| Airbus lands biggest-ever contract for 430 A320s Posted: 14 Nov 2017 04:59 PM PST  Airbus announced its biggest-ever order on Wednesday, signing a deal to supply 430 of its medium-range A320 family of aircraft to US investment firm Indigo Partners, at a list price of $49.5 billion (42 billion euros). "An order for 430 aircraft is remarkable," said Airbus chief operating officer, John Leahy. The announcement sent Airbus's share price soaring, rising by more than 3.0 percent to 86.09 euros in a generally softer market.
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| The Latest: Gunman's mother says son was frustrated by feud Posted: 14 Nov 2017 08:06 PM PST  RANCHO TEHAMA RESERVE, Calif. (AP) — The Latest on deadly shootings in Northern California (all times local):
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| Trump supporters tell Jimmy Kimmel why they want Hillary Clinton 'impeached' Posted: 15 Nov 2017 12:28 PM PST  Amid the dizzying amount of criminal allegations surrounding President Trump and Hillary Clinton, "Jimmy Kimmel Live" hit the streets of Los Angeles to ask Trump supporters why they think Clinton should be impeached, although she holds no public office.
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| Russia's MiG-35 Is Almost Done with Flight Testing (But There Is a Problem) Posted: 14 Nov 2017 05:10 PM PST  RSK-MiG will wrap up flight testing of the new Mikoyan Mig-35 Fulcrum-F fighter before the end of the year. The company is waiting to finalize a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense before serial production can begin. The Russian Air Force is expected to purchase an initial batch of 24 of the new MiG-29 derivative.
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| Unrest Growing in Zimbabwe as Tanks Close in on Capital Posted: 14 Nov 2017 10:19 AM PST  Mugabe last week fired Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa and accused him of plotting to take power, including through witchcraft.
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| What You Need To Know About The Crisis In Zimbabwe Posted: 15 Nov 2017 09:55 AM PST  Zimbabweans who tuned into their state television channel in the early hours of Wednesday found that an army general, clad in military camouflage, had replaced their usual programming.
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| GM challenges Tesla with promise of profitable electric cars Posted: 15 Nov 2017 11:39 AM PST  "We are committed to a future electric vehicle portfolio that will be profitable," Barra said at the Barclays Global Automotive Conference in New York. Electric and autonomous vehicles - known in the industry as EVs and AVs - are widely seen as the keystones of future transport, but Tesla, Ford Motor Co and other manufacturers are still working out how to make money on them.
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| Jogger stabs man with knife after he groped her Posted: 15 Nov 2017 02:31 AM PST  "A male approached her from behind and attacked her, groped her," Salt Lake City Police Detective Greg Wilking told the broadcaster. "Apparently when she runs she carries with her a small knife," he said.
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| Roy Moore: new woman comes forward, claiming sexual assault when she was 16 Posted: 13 Nov 2017 06:05 PM PST  Woman says Alabama nominee for Senate attacked her in a car and threatened her: 'You are a child. Another woman has come forward to accuse Alabama Senate nominee Roy Moore of sexual misconduct when she was a teenager, as national Republicans continued to flee from the controversial candidate. Beverly Young Nelson, speaking on Monday at a news conference in New York with attorney Gloria Allred, alleged Moore sexually assaulted her when she was 16.
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| Trump: China agrees NKorea nuclear weapon freeze not enough Posted: 15 Nov 2017 02:30 PM PST  WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the U.S. and China agree that North Korea cannot just freeze its nuclear weapons program in exchange for concessions and that it must eliminate its arsenal.
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| A Newly Discovered Planet Could Harbor Life – and It's (Relatively) Close to Us Posted: 15 Nov 2017 08:30 AM PST  Ross 128 b is roughly the same size as Earth and could have a similar temperature
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| Could France's Leclerc Tank Destroy America's M1 or Russia's Best Armor in Battle? Posted: 14 Nov 2017 07:11 AM PST  Could Paris have the world's best tank? Could France's Leclerc Tank Destroy America's M1 or Russia's Best Armor in Battle? At 60 tons, the Leclerc is 10 tons lighter than most Western main battle tanks are. "So what do you think of France's new super tank, the Leclerc?" a retired colonel in the French army's logistical brigade jokingly asked me in 2002.
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| Jeff Sessions Admits He Has No Idea What DOJ Is Doing To Prevent Election Hacking Posted: 14 Nov 2017 01:59 PM PST  More than a year after Russia attempted to interfere in the U.S. elections, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said he was unsure what the Justice Department was doing to make sure it doesn't happen again.
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| Shep Smith Breaks From Fox News Coverage, Tears ‘Uranium One’ Scandal To Shreds Posted: 15 Nov 2017 05:08 AM PST  Fox News anchor Shep Smith broke from his network's hyperventilating coverage of the "Uranium One" pseudoscandal to debunk allegations of wrongdoings by Hillary Clinton.
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| Couple Sentenced to 130 Years in Prison Each for 'Worst Case' of Child Neglect Posted: 14 Nov 2017 08:10 AM PST  Aislyn Miller and Kevin Fowler's 9-month-old daughters were found weighing about eight pounds each during an urgent care visit.
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| Pope auctions Lamborghini to rebuild Christian Iraq Posted: 15 Nov 2017 02:49 AM PST  VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis got the keys to a fancy new Lamborghini on Wednesday — but he won't be tooling around the Vatican gardens in it.
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| Pentagon To Pay For Soldier’s Gender Confirmation Surgery Posted: 14 Nov 2017 09:28 PM PST  The Pentagon will pay for an active-duty soldier's gender confirmation surgery, which took place Tuesday afternoon, according to a statement sent to multiple news outlets.
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| The World Is About to Have a New $100 Billion Man Posted: 14 Nov 2017 06:26 AM PST  Jeff Bezos is on the verge of having a net worth of $100 Billion.
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| British spy behind explosive Trump-Russia dossier says up to 90% is likely true Posted: 15 Nov 2017 02:34 PM PST  The former British intelligence officer who compiled the infamous dossier that included allegations of collusion between President Donald Trump and the Russian government says that he thinks the dossier is between 70 and 90 per cent accurate, according to a new book on the subject. In the book, Collusion: How Russia Helped Donald Trump Win, former MI6 agent Chris Steele is quoted telling friends that he thinks the dossier will be vindicated, the Guardian reports.
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| An Inconvenient Sequel – the science, history, and politics of climate change | John Abraham Posted: 15 Nov 2017 03:00 AM PST  Former US vice president Al Gore delivers his speech during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo International Film Festival in Tokyo on November 3, 2017. Al Gore's new movie 'An Inconvenient Sequel' is, in some ways, similar to his groundbreaking Inconvenient Truth project, but different in other ways. First, it gives some of the science of climate change.
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