The Final Hour: May 2015

7.0 magnitude quake strikes offshore Alaska: USGS

An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0 struck off the southwest coast of Alaska late on Thursday, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. The USGS said the quake's epicenter was 104 km (64 miles) south-southeast of Ugashik and 61.7 km deep. The agency upgraded the temblor to a 7.0 after initially stating it was slightly weaker.

Read More: http://news.yahoo.com/6-9-magnitude-quake-strikes-offshore-alaska-usgs-071917408.html

Russia stockpiling weapons on Ukraine border

Russia's army is massing troops and hundreds of pieces of weaponry including mobile rocket launchers, tanks and artillery at a makeshift base near the border with Ukraine, a Reuters reporter saw this week. Many of the vehicles have number plates and identifying marks removed while many of the servicemen had taken insignia off their fatigues.

Read More: http://www.worldbulletin.net/news/159887/russia-stockpiling-weapons-on-ukraine-border

Kenyan lawyer offers livestock to wed Obama's daughter: report

A Kenyan lawyer has offered US president Barack Obama 50 cows and other assorted livestock in exchange for his 16-year old daughter Malia's hand in marriage, a report said Tuesday. Felix Kiprono said he was willing to pay 50 cows, 70 sheep and 30 goats in order to fulfil his dream of marrying the first daughter.

Read More: http://news.yahoo.com/kenyan-lawyer-offers-livestock-wed-obamas-daughter-report-150054452.html

Live anthrax inadvertently sent by U.S. military

Four lab workers in the United States and up to 22 overseas have been put in post-exposure treatment, a defense official said, following the revelation the U.S. military inadvertently shipped live anthrax samples in the past several days. CNN learned on Wednesday a Maryland-based lab received the live samples, which prompted an across the board urgent review to see whether any other live anthrax has been shipped.

Read More: http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/27/politics/live-anthrax-us-military-sent-inadvertently/index.html

Lucifer Makes Prime Time

I guess the Fox Network really is fair and balanced. They present the good, the bad, and the truly ugly. In this case the "ugly" is a program about Lucifer. That's right: Lucifer leaves Hell and becomes a resident of Los Angeles. I'm not making this up.

Read More: http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs138/1101818841456/archive/1121179471030.html

No let-up in massive India heatwave

Heatwave conditions continue to sweep India where more than 1,100 people have died in the past week, officials say. Although temperatures have marginally fallen in the worst-hit states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, they continue to hover around 45C (113F). But clouds have formed over some parts of the two states and weather officials say pre-monsoon showers are likely to provide some relief in the coming days.

Read More: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-32896102

The silent missile that can destroy enemy electronics with microwave PULSES: Air Force confirms terrifying new weapon

...For years, scientists have been attempting to create such a weapon as part of Champ, or the Counter-electronics High-powered microwave Advanced Missile Project. Now, the US Air Force claims it has advanced the technology, and says it can deploy it using the stealthy Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range (JASSM).

Read More: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3097937/This-silent-missile-destroy-enemy-s-electronics-PULSES-Air-Force-confirms-work-terrifying-new-weapon.html#ixzz3bGzWgjVM

Charlie Charlie Challenge: Catholic priest 'issues urgent warning over dangers of demon summoning game'

A Catholic priest has apparently issued an urgent warning about the dangers of "summoning a demon" by performing the weird Charlie Charlie Challenge. In an open letter to pupils at a well-known Catholic school, Father Stephen McCarthy appears to have told told pupils there was no way of knowing what would happen if they decided to invite a Mexican ghoul into their home.

Read More: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/technology-science/technology/charlie-charlie-challenge-catholic-priest-5763103

Islamic State launches wave of suicide attacks on Iraqi troops

Islamic State jihadists have unleashed a wave of suicide attacks targeting pro-government troops in western Anbar, a day after Baghdad launched a new offensive to drive them from the province.

Read More: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/islamic-state/11632641/Islamic-State-launches-wave-of-suicide-attacks-on-Iraqi-troops.html

Obama’s Forthcoming Executive Action Could Impact Your Property

The Obama administration is expected to announce final details of “Waters of the United States” rule this week that could impact any property owner with water or a ditch that occasionally fills with water on their land... The Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers have sought to provide more clarity to what bodies of water are protected under the 1972 Clean Water Act...

Read More: http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2015/05/26/obamas-forthcoming-executive-action-could-impact-your-property/

Earthquake hits in Irish Sea

A magnitude three earthquake struck in the Irish sea this afternoon. It occurred at 3.41 pm, just 6 km off the Welsh coast, close to the island of Anglesey and Holyhead, The British Geological Survey have said.

Read More: http://www.newstalk.com/Earthquake-hits-in-Irish-Sea

US probing 11 threats to international flights

One flight, Air France flight 22 from Paris was escorted by two US F-15 fighter jets to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport after authorities received a threat, said the officials, who asked not to be identified. The plane landed safely and was cleared with no incidents or hazards reported by passengers or crew, said J. Peter Donald, an FBI spokesman.

Read More: http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/US-probing-11-threats-to-international-flights-404165

Twitter trend ‘Charlie Charlie Challenge’ has teens trying to summon demon

The latest topic to create some commotion on Twitter has teens trying to summon a demon named Charlie. The Charlie Charlie Challenge surfaced Thursday on Twitter and has gone viral across social media platforms. The challenge includes putting two pencils on a piece of paper in the shape of a cross. The words “yes” and “no” are written in boxes outlined by the pencils. Then the participants say “Charlie, Charlie are you here?”

Read More: http://fox5sandiego.com/2015/05/25/twitter-trend-charlie-charlie-challenge-has-teens-trying-to-summon-demon/

The world is drowning in debt, warns Goldman Sachs

The world is sinking under too much debt and an ageing global population means countries' debt piles are in danger of growing out of control, the European chief executive of Goldman Sachs Asset Management has warned.

Read More: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/11625406/The-world-is-drowning-in-debt-warns-Goldman-Sachs.html

China and Chile sign currency swap agreement

China's Prime Minister Li Keqiang and Chilean President Michelle Bachelet signed a currency swap deal on Monday seeking to deepen economic ties by boosting trade and investment.

Read More: http://news.yahoo.com/china-chile-sign-currency-swap-agreement-221303419.html

India heatwave toll 'nears 800'

The death toll in the heatwave sweeping India has reached nearly 800 with temperatures nearing 50C (122F) in some areas. Most deaths have taken place in the southern states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, where more than 750 people have died since last week. Reports say 24 people have died from the heat in West Bengal and Orissa.

Read More: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-32880180

Wolf volcano erupts on Galapagos island

On Monday, the Wolf volcano on Isabela Island erupted for the first time in 33 years, spewing fire, smoke and lava.

Experts say the eruption poses no risk to people living on the island.

USGS: Magnitude 4.8 earthquake in Fox Islands region

The Alaska Earthquake Center says there were no reports of the quake being felt or causing damage. The Fox Islands are more than 950 miles southwest of Anchorage.

Texas and Oklahoma flooding: Three dead and several missing

Two people were killed in weather-related accidents in Oklahoma and three lost their lives in San Marcos, Texas.

Some areas saw up to 10 inches (25cm) of rain over a 24-hour period, with more predicted across the region.

Twelve people, including two children, were reported missing along the Blanco river in Texas....

HSBC fears world recession with no lifeboats left

The world economy is disturbingly close to stall speed. The United Nationshas cut its global growth forecast for this year to 2.8pc, the latest of the multinational bodies to retreat.

Read More: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/11625098/HSBC-fears-world-recession-with-no-lifeboats-left.html

Russia launches massive air force exercise with 250 aircraft

The Russian military has launched a massive exercise involving 250 aircraft and other weapons. The Defense Ministry said...the drills will involve air force and air defense units of the Central, Western and Southern Military Districts totaling 12,000 servicemen. Combat aircraft will deploy to temporary bases and air defense systems will be sent to the Ashuluk and Kapustin Yar shooting ranges in southern Russia...

Read More: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_RUSSIA_WAR_GAMES?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2015-05-25-10-34-48

Google Patents Toys That Watch and Listen to Your Kids

Worried about Google snooping on your Web browsing or email? That may be the least of the Internet giant's intrusions if this patent for sensor-packed dolls and toys ever gets put to use in your kids' room. Filed in 2012 but just published Thursday, the patent describes "interactive electronics that support social cues." In other words, toys that watch and listen.

Read More: http://www.nbcnews.com/tech/gadgets/google-patents-toys-watch-listen-your-kids-n363421

Obama’s Policies to Empower ISIS Exposed

For months, many Western observers have been closely following the minute-by-minute developments concerning the battle between Islamic State and coalition forces in the hopes that such data will help them discern what the future may hold.

Read More: http://canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/72239

New Orleans Cop Shot Dead in Cruiser

A New Orleans police officer was found shot dead in his marked patrol car this morning, city officials said. The shooting was reported around 7 a.m., the New Orleans Police Department said in a news release. The victim's car rolled forward and struck a curb after the shooting.

Read More: http://abcnews.go.com/US/orleans-cop-shot-dead-cruiser/story?id=31276815

Quake Hits Tokyo Days After Japan OK's Third Nuclear Restart

An earthquake shook buildings and halted train lines in Tokyo early Monday, days after Japan's nuclear regulator green-lighted the restarting of atomic energy at a third plant. The quake, with a preliminary magnitude of 5.6, was centered in Ibaraki prefecture just northeast of the country's capital,

Read More: http://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/quake-strikes-japan-days-after-nuclear-reactor-signed-n364071

Two tremors struck Nepal today amid rehabilitation attempts

Two tremors today struck Nepal, keeping people on the edge as the country struggled to rehabilitate millions of people affected by a devastating earthquake one month ago that killed nearly 9,000 people. A 5.0-magnitude tremor was felt at 3.23 a.m with epicentre at Gorkha district. Another 4.1-magnitude earthquake hit western Nepal with epicentre at Dolakhan.

Read More: http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/aftershocks-jolting-nepal-one-month-after-deadly-quake-115052500515_1.html

Hamas Declares Jerusalem ‘Eternal Capital’ of Islamic World

Hamas has declared that Jerusalem is the eternal capital of the Islamic world,” the Saudi Arabia-backed Al-Resalah reported. It appears that Hamas is desperate for propaganda to shore up support from the poor Gaza Arabs who suffer under the regime.

Read More: http://www.jewishpress.com/news/breaking-news/hamas-declares-jerusalem-as-eternal-capital-of-islamic-world/2015/05/25/

Saudi Arabia Places Army on High Alert Near Yemen Border

Saudi Arabia's army formations at the border with Yemen have been placed on high alert, according to television channel Sky News Arabia.

Read more: http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20150524/1022510915.html#ixzz3bAJ4M0dD

Flash Flood Danger Continues into Memorial Day Weekend As Rainfall Nears May Records

May rainfall totals are nearing, or even exceeding historic levels, approaching 20 inches in parts of Texas and Oklahoma. Those totals are bound to climb still higher in the coming days with more thunderstorms with torrential rain in the forecast.

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River Forecast: Wichita River at Wichita Falls, Texas

The rising Wichita River prompted evacuations of parts of the east side of Wichita Falls, Texas Wednesday night and Thursday morning. The river was forecast to crest sometime Friday less than a foot from its record crest from late June 2007.

6.5-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Pacific-Antarctic Ridge

The U.S. Geological Survey says a strong and shallow earthquake has struck the Pacific-Antarctic ridge in the middle of the southeastern Pacific, but a tsunami is unlikely.

Read More: http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/05/19/shallow-6-5-earthquake-strikes-pacific-antarctic-ridge/

Banks fined $2.5 billion, to plead guilty to market rigging

JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, Barclays and The Royal Bank of Scotland conspired with one another to fix rates on U.S. dollars and euros traded in the huge global market for currencies, according to a settlement announced Wednesday between the banks and U.S. Justice Department. Currency traders allegedly shared customer orders through chat rooms and used that information to profit ahead of their clients.

Read More: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/banks-fined-2-5-billion-140901678.html

Islamic State 'in control' of Syria's Palmyra

Islamic State militants have taken near complete control of the Syrian city of Palmyra, home to some of the world's most magnificent ancient ruins. There are fears that the militants will destroy the ruins, which Unesco has designated a World Heritage site. Government troops have almost entirely withdrawn from the city following an IS advance, an eyewitness told the BBC.

Read More: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-32820857

North Korea says it has technology to make mini-nuclear weapons

North Korea claimed Wednesday that it has been able to make nuclear warheads small enough to fit on a missile — a development that, if verified, would mark a major advance in the country’s military capabilities and the threat it can pose to the world.

Read More: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/pyongyang-says-it-has-technology-to-make-small-submarined-mounted-nuclear-warheads/2015/05/20/0e96d0bc-fec0-11e4-833c-a2de05b6b2a4_story.html

Scientists Discover First-ever Warm-blooded Fish

In a press release on Tuesday, NOAA Fisheries confirmed that the opah circulates heated blood throughout its body much like birds or mammals, albeit at a much lower temperature. “Fish that typically inhabit such cold depths tend to be slow and sluggish, conserving energy by ambushing prey instead of chasing it,” NOAA stated. “But the opah’s constant flapping of its fins heats its body, speeding its metabolism, movement and reaction times, scientists report today in the journal Science.”

Read More: http://www.outdoorhub.com/news/2015/05/15/scientists-discover-first-ever-warm-blooded-fish/

The oil price war has just begun

The first, issued on May 12 by OPEC, says, in essence, that Saudi Arabia’s effort to keep its own oil production at near-record highs is succeeding in wresting market share back from US producers of shale oil, also called “light, tight oil” (LTO). The second, issued a day later by the International Energy Agency (IEA), agrees, but only up to a point.

Read More: http://www.businessinsider.com/the-oil-price-war-has-just-begun-2015-5

Ollie North: Obama Invites Iraq 'Bloodbath of Biblical Proportions'

Despite White House assurances to the contrary, the loss of the Iraqi city of Ramadi to Islamic State (ISIS) forces is not a minor setback, retired Lt. Col. Oliver North says. U.S. forces fought "every day" in Ramadi between 2004 and 2007 because of the city's strategic importance, North said Monday on Fox News Channel's "On the Record with Greta Van Susteren."

Read More: http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/Oliver-North-Ramadi-Iraq-ISIS/2015/05/18/id/645368/

Nebraska declares state of emergency in bird flu outbreak

Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts declared a state of emergency on Thursday, after federal agriculture officials confirmed a second farm site had tested positive for the rapidly spreading avian flu virus. The declaration follows earlier, similar actions by governors in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa, whose states have all been hard hit by the ongoing bird flu outbreak that has led to the culling of more than 33 million birds in 16 U.S. states.

Read More: http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/05/14/us-health-birdflu-usa-idUSKBN0NZ29S20150514

Russian, Chinese Warships Enter Mediterranean to Hold Joint Naval Drills

A group of Russian and Chinese warships have left the Black Sea and entered the Aegean Sea to hold their first ever joint naval exercises in the Mediterranean Sea, the Russian Defense Ministry said Friday.

Read More: http://sputniknews.com/military/20150515/1022178153.html

A woman claiming to be an 'Ambassador for God' is suing all gay people

An American woman who claims to be an "ambassador for God" has filed a lawsuit against all the world's gay people for allegedly breaking religious law.

Sylvia Ann Driskell laid out her case in a neatly-handwritten seven-page document filed with a federal court in Nebraska.

The 66-year-old asks the judge to rule on the question of whether homosexuality "is a sin or not a sin".