Los Angeles, United States - One of the world's biggest online consumer goods companies is getting even bigger.
Amazon is making a bold expansion into physical stores with a $13.7bn deal to buy US grocery chain, Whole Foods.
The move sets the stage for new retail experiments that could revolutionise how people buy groceries and other goods.
Charlie O'Shea, a Moody's lead retail analyst, told the Associated Press news agency that the deal could be "transformative, not just for food retail, but for retail in general".
The deal represents a dramatic turn in strategy for Amazon, which has offered food delivery through its AmazonFresh service for a decade, but has not made a major dent in the $700bn grocery market.
Whole Foods, known for its organic and specialty food, will continue to operate stores under its brand and will continue to be led by cofounder and chief executive John Mackey, the two companies said.
The more than 460 Whole Foods stores in the United States, Canada and the UK could also be turned into distribution hubs - not just for delivering groceries, but also as pick-up centres for online orders.
The deal is the latest big move for Amazon, which grew from a small online bookseller in the 1990s to a global retail giant that delivers a wide range of goods and creates award-winning movies and television programmes.
Saturday, June 17, 2017
Firefighter who battled Grenfell Tower blaze 'feared building would collapse like World Trade Centre'
A firefighter who climbed to the 15th floor of Grenfell Tower as it was ravaged by fire feared the block would collapse like the World Trade Centre.
Leon Whitley, a 34-year-old father of one said he would never forget the screams of victims trapped in their flats as the blaze engulfed the 24-storey building in west London.
Thirty people are known to have perished in the disaster but the death toll is expected to rise. Dozens more were injured and at least 70 people remain unaccounted for.
Mr Whitley was among hundreds of fire crews who risked their lives running towards danger as the tower in North Kensington burned.
Brother of Grenfell Tower victim says fire safety concerns were ignore
"It was reminiscent of the Twin Towers," he told The Sun. Those things go through your mind while you're in there.
"We all know how that building collapsed. I thought, 'We might not make it out this one'. I usually walk into fires very cautious but not scared. That was the first time I was scared."
He described the experience as "hellish" and added he still hears the screams from people trapped as flames tore through the building.
"It was crazy," he told the newspaper. "The screams were coming from all directions. I don't think I will ever forget them. The screams were horrifying because you knew everyone needed help but you couldn't see them."
Leon Whitley, a 34-year-old father of one said he would never forget the screams of victims trapped in their flats as the blaze engulfed the 24-storey building in west London.
Thirty people are known to have perished in the disaster but the death toll is expected to rise. Dozens more were injured and at least 70 people remain unaccounted for.
Mr Whitley was among hundreds of fire crews who risked their lives running towards danger as the tower in North Kensington burned.
Brother of Grenfell Tower victim says fire safety concerns were ignore
"It was reminiscent of the Twin Towers," he told The Sun. Those things go through your mind while you're in there.
"We all know how that building collapsed. I thought, 'We might not make it out this one'. I usually walk into fires very cautious but not scared. That was the first time I was scared."
He described the experience as "hellish" and added he still hears the screams from people trapped as flames tore through the building.
"It was crazy," he told the newspaper. "The screams were coming from all directions. I don't think I will ever forget them. The screams were horrifying because you knew everyone needed help but you couldn't see them."
Theresa May meeting Grenfell fire victims and volunteers in Downing Street
Theresa May is meeting victims, community leaders and volunteers from the Grenfell fire disaster in Downing Street.
It is her second meeting with those affected by Wednesday morning's inferno, which was branded "unprecedented" by London's Fire Brigade Commissioner.
The Prime Minister has been criticised for not going to talk to victims until Friday, as some in a crowd shouted "coward" and "shame on you" following a visit with survivors at a church.
Mrs May has announced a £5m fund as part of a "comprehensive package" of support for victims.
The No 10 meeting comes after Mrs May finished chairing an emergency session of the Grenfell Recovery Task Force.
The cross-Government group are coordinating the immediate and long-term response to the west London blaze that has so far claimed 30 people's lives. The number of dead is expected to rise significantly as authorities confirm and identify the deceased.
As part of the £5m fund, the support measures include:
:: Residents of Grenfell Tower will be rehoused at the earliest possible opportunity, within three weeks at the latest.
:: People will be rehoused as close as possible to their previous address, either in Kensington and Chelsea borough or a neighbouring borough, in order for them to access their same schools and GPs.
:: The cost of temporary accommodation will be covered until they are rehoused, with the Government also providing cash for any extra expense incurred by children travelling to their local school.
A Downing Street spokesman said the PM had "sent her best wishes" to the Queen, who is celebrating her 91st official birthday.
Mrs May was not seen at the traditional Trooping the Colour celebrations held outside Buckingham Palace, as the Queen marked her birthday with a sombre but defiant message.
Image:The Queen and Prince Philip at the Monarch's birthday celebrations
The Monarch praised Britons for staying "resolute in the face of adversity" after three terror attacks and the Kensington fire.
Mrs May had made two trips to Grenfell Tower, once to meet the emergency services and a second time to meet victims, including in hospital and at a church.
It is her second meeting with those affected by Wednesday morning's inferno, which was branded "unprecedented" by London's Fire Brigade Commissioner.
The Prime Minister has been criticised for not going to talk to victims until Friday, as some in a crowd shouted "coward" and "shame on you" following a visit with survivors at a church.
Mrs May has announced a £5m fund as part of a "comprehensive package" of support for victims.
The No 10 meeting comes after Mrs May finished chairing an emergency session of the Grenfell Recovery Task Force.
The cross-Government group are coordinating the immediate and long-term response to the west London blaze that has so far claimed 30 people's lives. The number of dead is expected to rise significantly as authorities confirm and identify the deceased.
As part of the £5m fund, the support measures include:
:: Residents of Grenfell Tower will be rehoused at the earliest possible opportunity, within three weeks at the latest.
:: People will be rehoused as close as possible to their previous address, either in Kensington and Chelsea borough or a neighbouring borough, in order for them to access their same schools and GPs.
:: The cost of temporary accommodation will be covered until they are rehoused, with the Government also providing cash for any extra expense incurred by children travelling to their local school.
A Downing Street spokesman said the PM had "sent her best wishes" to the Queen, who is celebrating her 91st official birthday.
Mrs May was not seen at the traditional Trooping the Colour celebrations held outside Buckingham Palace, as the Queen marked her birthday with a sombre but defiant message.
Image:The Queen and Prince Philip at the Monarch's birthday celebrationsThe Monarch praised Britons for staying "resolute in the face of adversity" after three terror attacks and the Kensington fire.
Mrs May had made two trips to Grenfell Tower, once to meet the emergency services and a second time to meet victims, including in hospital and at a church.
Friday, June 16, 2017
Trump confirms he is under investigation in Russia inquiry
President Donald Trump has appeared to acknowledge he is under investigation in the inquiry into alleged Russian meddling in the US election.
In a tweet, the president also seemed to accuse the US deputy attorney general of pursuing a "Witch Hunt".
He said: "I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director!"
Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein wrote a memo the White House used to justify the firing of the ex-FBI chief.
Mr Rosenstein took over the investigation into whether Russia interfered with the US election after Attorney General Jeff Sessions recused himself in March.
The deputy attorney general later appointed Special Counsel Robert Mueller to lead the inquiry.
Earlier this week US media reported that Mr Mueller was investigating the president for possible obstruction of justice.
Mr Mueller was reportedly planning to interview intelligence officials on whether Mr Trump got rid of the FBI director, James Comey, in May to hamper an inquiry into his sacked national security adviser, Michael Flynn.
Mr Trump also tweeted on Friday morning: "After 7 months of investigations & committee hearings about my 'collusion with the Russians,' nobody has been able to show any proof. Sad!"
In other developments:
Mr Rosenstein may have to recuse himself from the Russia investigation if he is called on as a potential witness in the matter, ABC News reports
Vice-President Mike Pence has hired an outside lawyer to handle inquiries into the Trump campaign's potential ties to the Kremlin
The Justice Department's special counsel is also investigating President Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner, and his business dealings, according to the Washington Post
In a tweet, the president also seemed to accuse the US deputy attorney general of pursuing a "Witch Hunt".
He said: "I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director!"
Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein wrote a memo the White House used to justify the firing of the ex-FBI chief.
Mr Rosenstein took over the investigation into whether Russia interfered with the US election after Attorney General Jeff Sessions recused himself in March.
The deputy attorney general later appointed Special Counsel Robert Mueller to lead the inquiry.
Earlier this week US media reported that Mr Mueller was investigating the president for possible obstruction of justice.
Mr Mueller was reportedly planning to interview intelligence officials on whether Mr Trump got rid of the FBI director, James Comey, in May to hamper an inquiry into his sacked national security adviser, Michael Flynn.
Mr Trump also tweeted on Friday morning: "After 7 months of investigations & committee hearings about my 'collusion with the Russians,' nobody has been able to show any proof. Sad!"
In other developments:
Mr Rosenstein may have to recuse himself from the Russia investigation if he is called on as a potential witness in the matter, ABC News reports
Vice-President Mike Pence has hired an outside lawyer to handle inquiries into the Trump campaign's potential ties to the Kremlin
The Justice Department's special counsel is also investigating President Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner, and his business dealings, according to the Washington Post
London mayor Sadiq Khan wants PM's answers today over fire failures
London's mayor Sadiq Khan has written to Theresa May demanding immediate answers over failures at Grenfell Tower.
In a lengthy letter to the Prime Minister, Mr Khan criticised the support and information being given to residents, as well as the relief efforts for those left homeless by the horror fire.
He also called for an update on measures to ensure a similar tragedy does not strike any other high-rise tower blocks and the immediate implementation of previously proposed safety rules.
Mr Khan urged Mrs May to chase prosecutions should anyone be found to have been "negligent" over the disaster, as he called for residents of the north Kensington building to be given free legal representation.
Mr Khan told the Prime Minister he expects answers later on Friday.
The mayor, who visited the scene of the tragedy on Thursday, described local residents as "distraught, frustrated and increasingly angry".
He wrote: "They feel the Government and local council haven't done enough to help them in the aftermath of this horrific incident, or to provide answers to their increasingly urgent questions."
Mr Khan said residents "cannot comprehend" why they are not being given more information about missing family members and friends.
Attacking the "insufficient support" for victims of the fire, the mayor said "scale of this tragedy is clearly proving too much" for Kensington and Chelsea Council to cope with.
He noted some Grenfell Tower residents were still sleeping in the nearby Westway Sports Centre on Thursday night despite claims accommodation had been found for all of those who lost their homes.
With questions over the tragedy focusing on the installation of exterior cladding on Grenfell Tower during a recent £8.6m refurbishment, Mr Khan said residents in other renovated tower blocks were "terrified" the same thing could happen to them.
If the Government believes any other tower blocks could be at risk, the mayor demanded residents be rehoused immediately.
He added: "Please also confirm that there will be an immediate implementation of the improved safety rules proposed in 2013 but still not implemented."
Mr Khan repeated his call for the public inquiry into the disaster, announced by the Prime Minister on Thursday, to provide an interim report this summer "at the latest".
He said: "We cannot afford to wait years for the outcome".
The mayor said residents should not be saddled with legal costs for participating in the inquiry.
Mr Khan vowed to "continue to fight alongside this community to ensure they get the support and answers they deserve and justice done".
In a lengthy letter to the Prime Minister, Mr Khan criticised the support and information being given to residents, as well as the relief efforts for those left homeless by the horror fire.
He also called for an update on measures to ensure a similar tragedy does not strike any other high-rise tower blocks and the immediate implementation of previously proposed safety rules.
Mr Khan urged Mrs May to chase prosecutions should anyone be found to have been "negligent" over the disaster, as he called for residents of the north Kensington building to be given free legal representation.
Mr Khan told the Prime Minister he expects answers later on Friday.
The mayor, who visited the scene of the tragedy on Thursday, described local residents as "distraught, frustrated and increasingly angry".
He wrote: "They feel the Government and local council haven't done enough to help them in the aftermath of this horrific incident, or to provide answers to their increasingly urgent questions."
Mr Khan said residents "cannot comprehend" why they are not being given more information about missing family members and friends.
Attacking the "insufficient support" for victims of the fire, the mayor said "scale of this tragedy is clearly proving too much" for Kensington and Chelsea Council to cope with.
He noted some Grenfell Tower residents were still sleeping in the nearby Westway Sports Centre on Thursday night despite claims accommodation had been found for all of those who lost their homes.
With questions over the tragedy focusing on the installation of exterior cladding on Grenfell Tower during a recent £8.6m refurbishment, Mr Khan said residents in other renovated tower blocks were "terrified" the same thing could happen to them.
If the Government believes any other tower blocks could be at risk, the mayor demanded residents be rehoused immediately.
He added: "Please also confirm that there will be an immediate implementation of the improved safety rules proposed in 2013 but still not implemented."
Mr Khan repeated his call for the public inquiry into the disaster, announced by the Prime Minister on Thursday, to provide an interim report this summer "at the latest".
He said: "We cannot afford to wait years for the outcome".
The mayor said residents should not be saddled with legal costs for participating in the inquiry.
Mr Khan vowed to "continue to fight alongside this community to ensure they get the support and answers they deserve and justice done".
Simon Cowell planning charity song for victims of Grenfell Tower fire
Simon Cowell says he is making plans for a charity single in aid of those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire.
The music mogul tweeted: "I am watching the footage of the Grenfell Tower fire in London. Heartbreaking.
"We hope to confirm a record tomorrow which will raise some money for the many people affected by this tragedy. Making calls tonight."
One Direction and Little Mix are both signed to Cowell's Syco Music label.
In 2010 he produced a version of REM classic Everybody Hurts for the victims of the Haiti earthquake, featuring stars including Mariah Carey, Michael Buble, Rod Stewart and Kylie Minogue.
Image:Adele made a low-key visit to the scene following the blaze. Pic: @FourMee/PA Wire
One of Cowell's phone calls could also be to Adele.
The singer was spotted making a low-key visit to the scene on Wednesday night, where she hugged some of those affected.
Cowell has a house in upmarket Holland Park, around half a mile from Grenfell Tower.
Meanwhile, comedian Al Murray has said he will donate all profits from his two shows in London this weekend to those affected by the fire.
He tweeted: "All profits from my Pub Landlord's Summer Saloon shows this Friday and Saturday at the Underbelly Southbank will be donated to the people affected by the Grenfell Tower fire.
"Underbelly will also be matching the contribution up to #10,000."
The move was praised by fans of the comedian, with Twitter user @AndyGilder writing "A noble gesture, young man", while @JamesMcCann6 said: "Have a great couple of nights and thank you for your genuine concern and generosity."
The music mogul tweeted: "I am watching the footage of the Grenfell Tower fire in London. Heartbreaking.
"We hope to confirm a record tomorrow which will raise some money for the many people affected by this tragedy. Making calls tonight."
One Direction and Little Mix are both signed to Cowell's Syco Music label.
In 2010 he produced a version of REM classic Everybody Hurts for the victims of the Haiti earthquake, featuring stars including Mariah Carey, Michael Buble, Rod Stewart and Kylie Minogue.
Image:Adele made a low-key visit to the scene following the blaze. Pic: @FourMee/PA WireOne of Cowell's phone calls could also be to Adele.
The singer was spotted making a low-key visit to the scene on Wednesday night, where she hugged some of those affected.
Cowell has a house in upmarket Holland Park, around half a mile from Grenfell Tower.
Meanwhile, comedian Al Murray has said he will donate all profits from his two shows in London this weekend to those affected by the fire.
He tweeted: "All profits from my Pub Landlord's Summer Saloon shows this Friday and Saturday at the Underbelly Southbank will be donated to the people affected by the Grenfell Tower fire.
"Underbelly will also be matching the contribution up to #10,000."
The move was praised by fans of the comedian, with Twitter user @AndyGilder writing "A noble gesture, young man", while @JamesMcCann6 said: "Have a great couple of nights and thank you for your genuine concern and generosity."
Vladimir Putin's scripted Q&A 'like a comfy chat show'
Vladimir Putin's annual 'Direct Line' question and answer show, occupying a whopping four hours of national television time, looks and feels a worthy exercise in democracy.
More than two million Russians sent in questions for the President via text, email and video - while a sizeable studio audience, who never seemed to need the toilet, posed additional queries.
Yet Mr Putin's Q&A has very little to do with democratic accountability.
The whole thing is highly scripted affair - the President reeled off some Soviet-style economic statistics before dealing with a series of pre-screened questions about pot-holed roads, poor accommodation and oversized rubbish dumps.
Image:The slick-looking show takes place in front of a studio audience
He expressed surprise when a teacher from Irkutsk said she was getting paid 16,000 roubles a month (£219) and said he was disappointed to hear that the water was not fit to drink in a community near Lake Baikal.
"We'll look into that," he said on numerous occasions.
It felt a bit like a comfy chat show, designed to make people feel good about being Russian.
"We build the biggest icebreakers," said Mr Putin, while acknowledging the Russian experience isn't exactly problem-free.
Image:President Putin was relaxed in the knowledge the questions had been vetted
There were unexpected moments of spontaneity however, when the on-screen 'ticker' started displaying off-message texts from viewers.
"Russia thinks you've spent too long on your throne," said one. "Do you really think people are buying this circus with all these scripted questions?" said another.
The ticker disappeared for a while before returning later on, leaving viewers to puzzle over this highly discordant - if authentic - part of the show.
Unsurprisingly, there was only one question about the political opposition and Mr Putin managed to answer it without mentioning campaigner Alexei Navalny or his big anti-corruption protests earlier in the week.
"Some people use the difficulties we have for their own political PR," he said obliquely.
A 20-year-old university graduate, Lucy Shteyn, thought that was absolutely typical of the President.
Image:Lucy Shteyn was criticised by some for taking a selfie in the police van
Ms Shteyn took a selfie in a police van after her arrest on Monday and the photo quickly went viral, earning her plaudits and insults in equal measure.
"I have experienced heavy bullying on social media because of it," she told us. "People say, 'why are you smiling on the bus? You should be crying'. But I am not ashamed."
When Sky News asked her what she would ask Mr Putin at the marathon Q&A, she chuckled: "I'd ask him if he is going to leave and whether he feels guilty for what he is doing. But these questions don't matter. He'd just blow them off."
Image:Yulia Galiamina was at the Moscow protest and says police beat her
Image:Ms Galiamina is being treated for skull, face and body injuries
We also contacted scientist and activist Yulia Galiamina, who spoke to us from her hospital bed in Moscow.
She is being treated for injuries to her skull, face and body after participating in the anti-corruption demonstration.
"We made this chain but there were lots of riot police around us and at some point a riot policeman ran towards me and hit me in the teeth with his fist - right here," she said. "I had the feeling I was in War and Peace."
So, what would Ms Galiamina say to Mr Putin, if she ever gets the chance?
"I would say that it is time for Putin to go and [he should] organise fair elections. Without him around, it will be easier to reconstruct Russia into a free and law-abiding state."
With a presidential election scheduled for next March, Mr Putin was asked at the Q&A if he will be around for next year's instalment. He said it was "up to the people." But his friends - and his foes - assume he will be there.
More than two million Russians sent in questions for the President via text, email and video - while a sizeable studio audience, who never seemed to need the toilet, posed additional queries.
Yet Mr Putin's Q&A has very little to do with democratic accountability.
The whole thing is highly scripted affair - the President reeled off some Soviet-style economic statistics before dealing with a series of pre-screened questions about pot-holed roads, poor accommodation and oversized rubbish dumps.
Image:The slick-looking show takes place in front of a studio audienceHe expressed surprise when a teacher from Irkutsk said she was getting paid 16,000 roubles a month (£219) and said he was disappointed to hear that the water was not fit to drink in a community near Lake Baikal.
"We'll look into that," he said on numerous occasions.
It felt a bit like a comfy chat show, designed to make people feel good about being Russian.
"We build the biggest icebreakers," said Mr Putin, while acknowledging the Russian experience isn't exactly problem-free.
Image:President Putin was relaxed in the knowledge the questions had been vettedThere were unexpected moments of spontaneity however, when the on-screen 'ticker' started displaying off-message texts from viewers.
"Russia thinks you've spent too long on your throne," said one. "Do you really think people are buying this circus with all these scripted questions?" said another.
The ticker disappeared for a while before returning later on, leaving viewers to puzzle over this highly discordant - if authentic - part of the show.
Unsurprisingly, there was only one question about the political opposition and Mr Putin managed to answer it without mentioning campaigner Alexei Navalny or his big anti-corruption protests earlier in the week.
"Some people use the difficulties we have for their own political PR," he said obliquely.
A 20-year-old university graduate, Lucy Shteyn, thought that was absolutely typical of the President.
Image:Lucy Shteyn was criticised by some for taking a selfie in the police vanMs Shteyn took a selfie in a police van after her arrest on Monday and the photo quickly went viral, earning her plaudits and insults in equal measure.
"I have experienced heavy bullying on social media because of it," she told us. "People say, 'why are you smiling on the bus? You should be crying'. But I am not ashamed."
When Sky News asked her what she would ask Mr Putin at the marathon Q&A, she chuckled: "I'd ask him if he is going to leave and whether he feels guilty for what he is doing. But these questions don't matter. He'd just blow them off."
Image:Yulia Galiamina was at the Moscow protest and says police beat herImage:Ms Galiamina is being treated for skull, face and body injuriesWe also contacted scientist and activist Yulia Galiamina, who spoke to us from her hospital bed in Moscow.
She is being treated for injuries to her skull, face and body after participating in the anti-corruption demonstration.
"We made this chain but there were lots of riot police around us and at some point a riot policeman ran towards me and hit me in the teeth with his fist - right here," she said. "I had the feeling I was in War and Peace."
So, what would Ms Galiamina say to Mr Putin, if she ever gets the chance?
"I would say that it is time for Putin to go and [he should] organise fair elections. Without him around, it will be easier to reconstruct Russia into a free and law-abiding state."
With a presidential election scheduled for next March, Mr Putin was asked at the Q&A if he will be around for next year's instalment. He said it was "up to the people." But his friends - and his foes - assume he will be there.
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