The controversy over Donald Trump's tax affairs has been thrust back into the US political spotlight after details from his 2005 return were leaked to an investigative journalist.
The White House responded angrily to the leak of the President's 12-year-old federal tax return but also confirmed the details contained in its two pages.
Mr Trump has consistently refused to release his tax returns, a break with presidential tradition.
It has led to accusations that the billionaire tycoon has something to hide in his finances.
The 2005 return revealed that Mr Trump paid federal taxes of $38m (£31m) on his income of $150m (£123m).
He also wrote off $100m (£82m) in business losses.
Additional pages containing more detailed information on bank accounts, loans and investments were not included in the leak.
Journalist David Cay Johnston told MSNBC he had received the tax return anonymously through the post.
It was revealed on the primetime Rachel Maddow Show.
Shortly before the broadcast, a White House official said: "You know you are desperate for ratings when you are willing to violate the law to push a story about two pages of tax returns from over a decade ago."
It added that Mr Trump had paid "no more tax than legally required".
Mr Trump has always said he cannot release his tax returns because of an on-going audit, something tax experts have questioned.
His advisers have consistently said that only the media, and not the American people, care about the issue.
But this leak has led to speculation over who may have been responsible and whether further tax returns might be forthcoming.
Johnston, who has written a book on Mr Trump, hinted that he would not be surprised if the President himself was behind the leak.
Trump's administration continues to face questions over alleged collusion with Russia during last year's election.
The President is also fighting high-profile battles over immigration and healthcare.
The White House remains locked in combat with the media.
"It is totally illegal to steal and publish tax returns. The dishonest media can continue to make this part of their agenda, while the president will focus on his, which includes tax reform that will benefit all Americans," said the White House official.
MSNBC said it believed it had acted in accordance with the law in reporting the leaked tax return.
Just before November's election, the New York Times revealed a partial tax return for Trump from 1995 which showed a $916m (£753m) tax deduction.
It would have allowed Mr Trump to avoid federal income tax for up to 18 years.
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Perfume giant Coty planning to axe 400 UK jobs in plant closure
Cosmetics and perfume giant Coty has announced plans to close a UK factory affecting 400 jobs, months after it took over the plant from former owner Procter & Gamble.
The site at Seaton Delaval in Northumberland is expected to shut by the end of next year.
It makes fragrances under the Boss, Lacoste, Gucci, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen and Escada brands.
The decision follows Coty's $12.5bn (£10.3bn) takeover of P&G's perfume, hair and make-up business which completed in October.
That deal united the US maker of Calvin Klein and Chloe perfume with P&G's Wella and Clairol hair brands.
Coty said the closure plans came after a "detailed study of our expanded global manufacturing capacities and capabilities… following the merger with P&G specialty beauty brands".
It said that as a result of the study it was proposing "to consolidate our fragrance operations into fewer core centres which will result in the proposed closure of the Seaton plant".
A spokesman said the decision did not have anything to do with Brexit.
Coty, whose brands include Max Factor and Rimmel cosmetics, enjoys revenues of around $9bn (£7.4bn).
It employs more than 20,000 people worldwide including 2,000 in Britain.
Coty followed its P&G merger with the £420m takeover of British hair products maker GHD.
The site at Seaton Delaval in Northumberland is expected to shut by the end of next year.
It makes fragrances under the Boss, Lacoste, Gucci, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen and Escada brands.
The decision follows Coty's $12.5bn (£10.3bn) takeover of P&G's perfume, hair and make-up business which completed in October.
That deal united the US maker of Calvin Klein and Chloe perfume with P&G's Wella and Clairol hair brands.
Coty said the closure plans came after a "detailed study of our expanded global manufacturing capacities and capabilities… following the merger with P&G specialty beauty brands".
It said that as a result of the study it was proposing "to consolidate our fragrance operations into fewer core centres which will result in the proposed closure of the Seaton plant".
A spokesman said the decision did not have anything to do with Brexit.
Coty, whose brands include Max Factor and Rimmel cosmetics, enjoys revenues of around $9bn (£7.4bn).
It employs more than 20,000 people worldwide including 2,000 in Britain.
Coty followed its P&G merger with the £420m takeover of British hair products maker GHD.
Kickboxer Scott Marsden, 14, dies after title fight in Leeds
A 14-year-old kickboxer who collapsed during an English title fight in Leeds has died.
Scott Marsden needed urgent medical attention during the competition on Saturday and was taken to hospital where his condition was described as critical.
Leeds Martial Arts College paid tribute to the "true champion".
"Our deepest condolences & sympathy go to our friends the Marsdens at this terrible time," it said in a statement.
"Scotty will always be in our hearts & our thoughts & we miss you dearly.
"A true champion in every way who's energy & positivity affected everyone he met.
"Rest now Scotty lad."
The teenager had been kickboxing since the age of four and was a pupil at Forge Valley secondary school in Sheffield.
He was a member of Marsden's All Styles Kickboxing, which has set up a JustGiving page to raise money for the youngster's family.
Scott Marsden needed urgent medical attention during the competition on Saturday and was taken to hospital where his condition was described as critical.
Leeds Martial Arts College paid tribute to the "true champion".
"Our deepest condolences & sympathy go to our friends the Marsdens at this terrible time," it said in a statement.
"Scotty will always be in our hearts & our thoughts & we miss you dearly.
"A true champion in every way who's energy & positivity affected everyone he met.
"Rest now Scotty lad."
The teenager had been kickboxing since the age of four and was a pupil at Forge Valley secondary school in Sheffield.
He was a member of Marsden's All Styles Kickboxing, which has set up a JustGiving page to raise money for the youngster's family.
Royal duties on 13 days for Prince William so far this year
Prince William has spent just 13 days this year carrying out royal duties, according to the Court Circular.
The Duke of Cambridge's duties in the first 72 days of the year were compiled, according to an examination by the Press Association of the daily record of royal engagements.
These duties included two investitures on behalf of the Queen, an India-UK cultural reception, the service unveiling the Iraq and Afghanistan memorial and Heads Together events with the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.
But it was his absence from Monday's Commonwealth Day festivities that has raised eyebrows.
The day included a service in which the Commonwealth Games baton set off from Buckingham Palace and is considered one of the most significant in the royal calendar.
The Queen's baton is on a 388-day relay across more than 140,000 miles and will visit every Commonwealth nation on its way to the hosts, Australia's Gold Coast next year.
Prince Harry, Prince Charles, Prince Philip and the Queen were among the royals present at the event but William, who has only attended twice previously, was in Switzerland.
William skipped his duties in favour of a skiing trip with friends in the resort of Verbier.
Graham Smith, chief executive of anti-monarchy campaigners Republic, said: "William clearly isn't that interested in taking his role seriously, and I wonder if he really wants to be king.
"The taxpayer has stumped up millions of pounds to give him a palatial London home and provide round-the-clock security - expecting him to do something for the country in return.
"If he's not interested in fulfilling his side of the bargain we should kick him out of Kensington Palace and insist he pays his own way."
The Duke of Cambridge's duties in the first 72 days of the year were compiled, according to an examination by the Press Association of the daily record of royal engagements.
These duties included two investitures on behalf of the Queen, an India-UK cultural reception, the service unveiling the Iraq and Afghanistan memorial and Heads Together events with the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.
But it was his absence from Monday's Commonwealth Day festivities that has raised eyebrows.
The day included a service in which the Commonwealth Games baton set off from Buckingham Palace and is considered one of the most significant in the royal calendar.
The Queen's baton is on a 388-day relay across more than 140,000 miles and will visit every Commonwealth nation on its way to the hosts, Australia's Gold Coast next year.
Prince Harry, Prince Charles, Prince Philip and the Queen were among the royals present at the event but William, who has only attended twice previously, was in Switzerland.
William skipped his duties in favour of a skiing trip with friends in the resort of Verbier.
Graham Smith, chief executive of anti-monarchy campaigners Republic, said: "William clearly isn't that interested in taking his role seriously, and I wonder if he really wants to be king.
"The taxpayer has stumped up millions of pounds to give him a palatial London home and provide round-the-clock security - expecting him to do something for the country in return.
"If he's not interested in fulfilling his side of the bargain we should kick him out of Kensington Palace and insist he pays his own way."
Monday, March 13, 2017
Poland says Minnesota man was Nazi unit commander
Poland is to seek the extradition of a Minnesota man suspected of being a Nazi unit commander who ordered the killing of 44 Poles during World War Two.
Prosecutor Robert Janicki said various evidence gathered in years of investigation into US citizen Michael K confirmed "100%" that he was a commander of a unit in the SS-led Ukrainian Self Defence Legion, which is accused of burning villages and killing civilians in Poland.
The man's last name was not released in line with the country's privacy laws, but he has been identified by the Associated Press as 98-year-old Michael Karkoc, from Minneapolis.
His family deny he was involved in any war crimes.
Prosecutors of the state National Remembrance Institute asked a regional court in Lublin, Poland, to issue an arrest warrant for Mr Karkoc.
If granted, Poland would seek his extradition because it does not allow trial in absentia, Mr Janicki said.
He said the man's age would be was no obstacle in seeking to bring him before justice.
"He is our suspect as of today," Mr Janicki said.
If convicted of contributing to the killing of civilians in the villages of Chlaniow and Wladyslawin in July 1944, Mr Karkoc, a retired carpenter, could face a prison term for life.
German prosecutors previously launched their own investigation into Mr Karkoc after claims he had been a former commander in the SS-led unit that had committed war crimes in Poland.
Although there was never any doubt expressed over Mr Karkoc's identity, they shelved their investigation after doctors at the geriatric hospital in the US where he was being treated provided medical evidence that led them to conclude he was not fit for trial.
Prosecutor Robert Janicki said various evidence gathered in years of investigation into US citizen Michael K confirmed "100%" that he was a commander of a unit in the SS-led Ukrainian Self Defence Legion, which is accused of burning villages and killing civilians in Poland.
The man's last name was not released in line with the country's privacy laws, but he has been identified by the Associated Press as 98-year-old Michael Karkoc, from Minneapolis.
His family deny he was involved in any war crimes.
Prosecutors of the state National Remembrance Institute asked a regional court in Lublin, Poland, to issue an arrest warrant for Mr Karkoc.
If granted, Poland would seek his extradition because it does not allow trial in absentia, Mr Janicki said.
He said the man's age would be was no obstacle in seeking to bring him before justice.
"He is our suspect as of today," Mr Janicki said.
If convicted of contributing to the killing of civilians in the villages of Chlaniow and Wladyslawin in July 1944, Mr Karkoc, a retired carpenter, could face a prison term for life.
German prosecutors previously launched their own investigation into Mr Karkoc after claims he had been a former commander in the SS-led unit that had committed war crimes in Poland.
Although there was never any doubt expressed over Mr Karkoc's identity, they shelved their investigation after doctors at the geriatric hospital in the US where he was being treated provided medical evidence that led them to conclude he was not fit for trial.
Turkey demands apology from Dutch PM as row simmers
Turkey has said the Netherlands will be forced to apologise for barring its ministers from speaking in Rotterdam, the latest twist in a spat between the two NATO allies.
Talking in a business meeting, the Turkish deputy prime minister Numan Kurtulmus said the government will give "the necessary response", but did not expand on any measures Turkey were planning.
Turkey has also summoned the Dutch envoy three times, presenting him with two formal protest notes addressed to the Dutch government.
A diplomatic feud broke out between the two countries at the weekend after Turkish ministers were banned from attending a pro-Ankara rally in Rotterdam.
Dutch authorities refused to allow Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu to land in the country, and went on to expel Turkish family minister Fatma Betul Sayan Kaya.
Riot police also used horses, dogs and water cannon to disperse a crowd of over 1,000 protesters gathered near the Turkish consulate.
The row centres over Ankara's political campaigning abroad.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been attempting to gather support from Turkish nationals living in Europe ahead of the 16 April referendum that could give him sweeping new powers.
The first note said the treatment of Ms Kaya was a violation of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations.
Demanding a "written apology from the Dutch government", Turkey also reserved the right to seek compensation.
:: Dutch election - how do you choose between 28 parties?
The second note criticised the "disproportionate" treatment by security forces against "people using their right to peacefully gather together".
Saying that the treatment of Turkish nationals was "inhumane and derogatory", Ankara demanded that those responsible be identified and punished.
The Dutch government has made no immediate response to the demands.
Mr Erdogan said the Netherlands "will pay a price" for its behaviour, adding: "Nazism is alive in the West."
Such comments have led the German government to call on Turkey to stop using Nazi comparisons in criticising the behaviour of the Netherlands.
The Netherlands has now issued a travel waning to Dutch citizens in Turkey, warning of "a high risk of terrorist attacks" across the country.
General elections, where far-right politician Geert Wilders is expected to make large gains, will take place in the Netherlands on Wednesday.
Talking in a business meeting, the Turkish deputy prime minister Numan Kurtulmus said the government will give "the necessary response", but did not expand on any measures Turkey were planning.
Turkey has also summoned the Dutch envoy three times, presenting him with two formal protest notes addressed to the Dutch government.
A diplomatic feud broke out between the two countries at the weekend after Turkish ministers were banned from attending a pro-Ankara rally in Rotterdam.
Dutch authorities refused to allow Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu to land in the country, and went on to expel Turkish family minister Fatma Betul Sayan Kaya.
Riot police also used horses, dogs and water cannon to disperse a crowd of over 1,000 protesters gathered near the Turkish consulate.
The row centres over Ankara's political campaigning abroad.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been attempting to gather support from Turkish nationals living in Europe ahead of the 16 April referendum that could give him sweeping new powers.
The first note said the treatment of Ms Kaya was a violation of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations.
Demanding a "written apology from the Dutch government", Turkey also reserved the right to seek compensation.
:: Dutch election - how do you choose between 28 parties?
The second note criticised the "disproportionate" treatment by security forces against "people using their right to peacefully gather together".
Saying that the treatment of Turkish nationals was "inhumane and derogatory", Ankara demanded that those responsible be identified and punished.
The Dutch government has made no immediate response to the demands.
Mr Erdogan said the Netherlands "will pay a price" for its behaviour, adding: "Nazism is alive in the West."
Such comments have led the German government to call on Turkey to stop using Nazi comparisons in criticising the behaviour of the Netherlands.
The Netherlands has now issued a travel waning to Dutch citizens in Turkey, warning of "a high risk of terrorist attacks" across the country.
General elections, where far-right politician Geert Wilders is expected to make large gains, will take place in the Netherlands on Wednesday.
Boaty McBoatface sent on first Antarctic mission
A submersible christened Boaty McBoatface after a public vote to name a polar research ship backfired is being sent on its first Antarctic mission.
The autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) will investigate water flow and turbulence in the Orkney Passage, a 2.17-mile (3.5km) deep area of the Southern Ocean.
Boaty became famous last year after the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) asked members of the public to name the research vessel.
A huge majority backed a campaign for the name Boaty McBoatface - but officials rejected the winner and instead chose to name the ship after naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough.
As a compromise they announced a remotely operated submersible would be named in honour of the more popular choice.
Boaty is to depart Punta Arenas in Chile on 17 March with the DynOPO (Dynamics of Orkney Passage Outflow) expedition.
The craft will travel through a cold abyssal current that forms a key part of the global circulation of ocean water.
Lead scientist Professor Alberto Naveira Garabato, from the University of Southampton, said: "The Orkney Passage is a key choke-point to the flow of abyssal waters in which we expect the mechanism linking changing winds to abyssal water warming to operate.
"We will measure how fast the streams flow, how turbulent they are, and how they respond to changes in winds over the Southern Ocean.
"Our goal is to learn enough about these convoluted processes to represent them in the models that scientists use to predict how our climate will evolve over the 21st century and beyond."
BAS oceanographer and co-investigator Dr Povl Abrahamsen said: "The DynOPO project will provide us with a unique, high-resolution dataset combining moored and moving instruments, which will help us get to the bottom of the complex physical processes occurring in this important region."
The autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) will investigate water flow and turbulence in the Orkney Passage, a 2.17-mile (3.5km) deep area of the Southern Ocean.
Boaty became famous last year after the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) asked members of the public to name the research vessel.
A huge majority backed a campaign for the name Boaty McBoatface - but officials rejected the winner and instead chose to name the ship after naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough.
As a compromise they announced a remotely operated submersible would be named in honour of the more popular choice.
Boaty is to depart Punta Arenas in Chile on 17 March with the DynOPO (Dynamics of Orkney Passage Outflow) expedition.
The craft will travel through a cold abyssal current that forms a key part of the global circulation of ocean water.
Lead scientist Professor Alberto Naveira Garabato, from the University of Southampton, said: "The Orkney Passage is a key choke-point to the flow of abyssal waters in which we expect the mechanism linking changing winds to abyssal water warming to operate.
"We will measure how fast the streams flow, how turbulent they are, and how they respond to changes in winds over the Southern Ocean.
"Our goal is to learn enough about these convoluted processes to represent them in the models that scientists use to predict how our climate will evolve over the 21st century and beyond."
BAS oceanographer and co-investigator Dr Povl Abrahamsen said: "The DynOPO project will provide us with a unique, high-resolution dataset combining moored and moving instruments, which will help us get to the bottom of the complex physical processes occurring in this important region."
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