Youths burn 100 cars in north Stockholm riots

At 10pm we sent out staff to an address in Husby," explained Lars Byström of the Stockholm police to the Dagens Nyheter newspaper.

"My colleagues were met by young people who threw stones at them. It continued with a couple of violent riots and extensive damage."

The riot kicked off when young people set fire to cars in Husby, a suburb in the far north of Stockholm. Witnesses claim at least 100 vehicles in the area were in flames. Another fire was lit in a nearby garage, resulting in the evacuation of the apartment block. Around 50 residents were taken care of and sheltered in buses that were on hand.


The local shopping centre was also vandalized, and three police officers were injured in the fracas. Police estimate that the riots involved somewhere between 50 and 60 youths.

Forty emergency workers from both police and the firefighting service were on hand.

The protests come in response to a fatal police shooting of a 69-year-old man in Husby last Monday, according to the youth organization Megafonen. The man had been threatening police with a machete before he was shot.

Initially, police told the press that the man had died from his injuries at hospital, but it later emerged that the 69-year-old died at the scene.

Many neighbours questioned why police used such extreme violence to deal with the situation.

"This was an old man with a knife facing a whole gang of specially trained armed police officers. Did they really have to kill him?" a neighbour said to the Aftonbladet tabloid the day after the shooting.

A community-based organization that aims to organize residents of Stockholm's northern suburbs to fight for social justice claimed Sunday night's disturbances started as a "reaction to police brutality against citizens, our neighbours".

"We understand that people react like this," Rami Al-Khamisi from Megafonen said in a statement.

Calm was restored to Husby by 5.30am. Police did not, however, make any arrests.

"We've not made any arrests, but we'll try to during the day. We'll take a look at security footage and speak with witnesses so we can take legal action against the people who are guilty of crimes," Byström told DN.

British police officers will be forced to name any friends who work in the media, or else face the sack, under new guidelines

Every officer in England and Wales will have to formally declare any friendship outside his workplace with a journalist, effectively meaning that people working in media organisations would be placed in the same bracket as criminals. 

Many police forces already require their officers and staff to declare any 'associations' with criminals, suspects or private detectives.

Officers who fail to report friendships, and are judged to have concealed the relationship, could now face dismissal for gross misconduct. 

The move will alarm censorship campaigners and government ministers, with fears that police forces are trying to usher in a new era of secrecy and taking advantage of the Leveson Inquiry into media standards.

Police managers are already trying to clamp down on whistleblowers and critics within forces, frontline police representatives have warned.

The change emerged in new guidelines on police relationships with the media, published by the new College of Policing, the Daily Mail reported.
The measures were first suggested when former parliamentary standards watchdog Elizabeth Filkin recommended in her report for the Metropolitan Police that extending the system currently in place for reporting associations with criminals should be extended to the media.
Senior officers must now review the names of any friends who work in the media, with police told to register their associations on a secret database. 

The guidance also says that forces must name people when they are charged with a criminal offence, unless there are exceptional circumstances involved, meaning they can identify those arrested as part of inquiries when it is in the public interest or when it could help prevent or detect crime.
Prime Minister David Cameron stepped into the row last week, confirming that “making things public should be the working assumption”. 

Kirsty Hughes, from Index on Censorship, said: “The default position that people who have been arrested should not be named goes against the principle of open justice that our criminal justice is based on.
“Rather than having a policy of secrecy with exceptional circumstances for naming individuals, Index believes that there should be a policy of openness with exceptional circumstances for withholding information.”

Police raid school teacher for uploading $4.00 history book to his website that offers free educational resources for students

A teacher received a huge shock last week after uploading a copy of a book to his website that offers free educational resources for students. The Latvian publisher behind the work, a $4.00 history book, complained to the authorities which resulted in the teacher being raided by the police. During interrogation the teacher learned that his mistake could cost him dearly – two years in jail, forced labor, or a fine.

While the online sharing of music has been widespread for close to a decade and a half, the sharing of books has only gathered real traction in the past few years.

When it came to legal action to prevent sharing the music industry led the way but even now, book publishers – Wiley aside – seem generally unwilling to follow the example. However, there are companies prepared to make uploaders suffer, even those with no malicious or commercial intent.
Pāvels Jurs is a teacher in Latvia who operates a website where children can research history topics, see presentations and find other learning aids. Jurs created the site so that children from poor families can still have access to education. According to Latvian media, Jurs even received recognition from the Ministry of Education for his efforts.

Last Thursday, however, Jurs was leaving home to go to school and found himself confronted by four police officers from the Economic Crime Bureau. They proceeded to search Jurs’ home and confiscate the computer he uses in his teaching job. He was arrested and subjected to two hours of interrogation during which he learned he had committed a serious offense that could result in a two year jail sentence.

 Jurs’ crime was to upload a scanned copy of the high school history book “Vēsture Vidusskolai” to his website, an act which drew the ire of publisher Zvaigzne ABC and an official complaint earlier this year.
The publisher currently sells the book for the princely sum of $4.00 and it appears that Jurs had previously held discussions with its author but there was a misunderstandings over what content should have been removed from his site.
Nevertheless, the episode has left Jurs questioning why such heavy handed tactics were needed when a civil action would have sufficed. The police have taken down Jurs’ website and since exams are currently underway, students no longer have access to its resources.
“Is there really such a need for punitive action against these methods of teaching, such as the maintenance of a websites from which I did not receive any benefit, but, on the contrary, cost most of my salary payments for maintenance? I understand that I have violated copyright laws, but is it really necessary to act this way?” Jurs said.
Since the raid a meeting has taken place during which some kind of a settlement was discussed. Further meetings will take place this week but it’s now believed that the publisher will not raise any “substantive claims” against the teacher.

How Humans Are Changing the Planet—in 7 Dramatic GIFs

Google today released an "interactive timelapse experience" that allows users to explore millions of satellite images captured over the last quarter-century -- 25 years of immense growth and destruction. "We believe this is the most comprehensive picture of our changing planet ever made available to the public,"Google said in a statement.

The project was built in conjunction with the U.S. Geological Survey, NASA, and TIME. The images come from the USGS-NASA's satellite program LANDSAT, which were often stored on tapes like those in the thumbnail to the right. Google started sorting through a collection of 2,068,467 images back in 2009 -- 909 terabytes of data, according to Google -- finding the highest quality pixels (which is to say, shots not obscured by clouds), "for every years since 1984 and for every spot on Earth." They then rendered that data into annual whole-Earth shots, 1.78 terapixels each. In the end, Google partnered with Carnegie Mellon University to create the HTML5 interactive, now available on Google's Timelpase site.

"Much like the iconic image of Earth from the Apollo 17 mission--which had a profound effect on many of us--this time-lapse map is not only fascinating to explore," Google Earth's Rebecca Moore writes, "but we also hope it can inform the global community's thinking about how we live on our planet and the policies that will guide us in the future."

Here are seven of the most dramatic changes, presented in GIF form. Rough scale estimations are available in the interactive.

Alleged crooks accidentally dial 911 during car break-in

Police say a man accidentally dialed 911 while he and a buddy were breaking into a car, unknowingly leading Fresno, Calif., officers right to their location.

The two men, Nathan Teklemariam and Carson Rinehart​, both 20, face charges of breaking and entering, possession of stolen property and conspiracy, according to Fox News.

KGPE.com explains that the 911 dispatcher could hear people speaking in the background, so he listened to see if anyone was in need of assistance.

It didn't take long for the dispatcher to realize that the men weren't so much in danger as they were up to no good. On the recording made available to KGPE.com, one of the men can be heard to say, "I just want to smoke weed right now." That's pretty much the least incriminating thing they said.

The discussion then shifts to how the two should break into an automobile. Later, the sounds of a window being smashed can be heard followed by a suspect's excited declaration that he found prescription drugs in the car.

All the while, the dispatcher was listening and seeking clues as to where the pair might be. Eventually, police were able to locate the two men and followed them. The suspects can be heard fretting over why the police are on their tail. It's like a farce crossed with an episode of "Cops."

"He's following the (expletive) out of you, bro," one suspect said. The other, apparently suffering from short-term memory loss, then replied, "Wow, what the (expletive) did I do?"

The mystery was solved when the cops pulled them over. Playing it straight, the police officer asked one of the suspects if he had anything in the vehicle that "shouldn't be in the vehicle."

One of the men said he doesn't, but a quick search of the car yields the stolen property. That's when the police decide to let the men in the butt-dial.

"We really called 911?" one of the suspects said. "Damn."

The 5 Richest Countries in the World

The recession has taken a toll on economies around the world, from driving down standards of living to sending unemployment to record levels. Through it all, however, some nations' people have emerged stronger and wealthier than ever before. Is there a trend among the richest countries on the planet, and can investors benefit from these economies' gains?
Compiled from data from the International Monetary Fund's 2013 estimates, here are the richest five nations among the world's 50 largest economies, sorted by GDP per capita and adjusted for purchasing-power parity. While at least one expected name makes the list, a few may surprise you.

No. 5: Switzerland, $46,474 per person
Kicking off the list is Europe's second-wealthiest country, Switzerland. The Swiss economy has performed remarkably well despite its proximity to recession-battered European nations. Switzerland's GDP grew 3% in 2010 and an estimated 0.9% in 2012. Those aren't eye-popping numbers, but compared to Europe's far-reaching contraction, it's a relieving dose of stability. Swiss citizens have gained from the country's notoriety as a tax haven, and the country's forward-looking moves -- such as its preliminary agreement to a free-trade deal with China -- should only benefit its economy in coming years. The IMF expects Switzerland's GDP per capita to rise to more than $54,000 by 2018.
Investors can get in on the country's good fortune as well. Swiss drugmaker Novartis  has been a standout stock among big pharmas, with shares gaining more than 45% over the past year. Novartis' future is bright with drugs such as its oral multiple-sclerosis medication Gilenya, which analysts have pegged to gain peak sales of between $2 billion and $3.5 billion. Among Swiss stocks, Nestle  , which has seen its shares gain 20% over the past year, is poised to become a leader among the growing infant-nutrition business. Infant nutrition has risen especially sharply in emerging markets such as China, and Nestle's one of the top players poised to capitalize. Investors have plenty to pick from in this wealthy nation.

No. 4: United Arab Emirates, $49,883 per person
A few Middle Eastern nations have profited in a big way from the region's oil bounty, but few have done so as successfully -- and as publicly -- as the UAE. Dubai, the country's largest city, has exploded into a desert metropolis as the nation's citizens have enjoyed top-tier gains in standards of living. The nation's still in the middle of developing, with tourism playing an important role in the country's economic growth. Foreign investment has also supercharged the country's economy, with more than $10 billion in foreign investment entering the country in 2011. The IMF's estimates are optimistic: The organization expects the UAE's GDP per capita to grow to more than $57,000 by 2018.
The nation's rise has been a boon for the country's markets, which recently hit multiyear highs. While investing in this rising star isn't so easy as investing in an established nation such as Switzerland, Middle East ETFs such as the Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF offer exposure to the brightest growth story in the region. Almost 30% of this ETF's exposure is concentrated in the UAE, the second-leading nation in the ETF and trailing only Kuwait.

No. 3: United States, $51,248 per person
I think most investors will recognize this nation. For all the hits the U.S. economy has taken throughout its slow recovery from the depths of the recession, the average American still lives a remarkably wealthy lifestyle. Falling unemployment, which declined to 7.5% recently, and the country's housing rebound have helped America dig out of the economic doldrums. The IMF expects good things ahead for the U.S., predicting a per-capita GDP of more than $63,000 by 2018. While challenges remain for the U.S., the country's GDP continues on an upward track despite the recent tax increases and implementation of sequestration.
If you're looking to take advantage of the U.S.' economic growth, look no further than the housing recovery. Home improvement retailers such as Home Depot and Lowe's are at the center of this trend. Home Depot has done well by growing its profit and return on equity, and it grew sales by 14% in its most recent quarterly report -- although the stock's run-up of 63% over the last year gives pause. Lowe's smaller size has slowed the company down in relation to Home Depot, and while the stock has done well in gaining more than 50% over the past year, Lowe's will need to pick up same-store sales growth to match Home Depot. Still, both stocks look poised to capitalize on the American economy's resurgent growth.

No. 2: Norway, $56,663 per person
At No. 2, Norway is Europe's wealthiest nation. Like Switzerland, this economy has remained remarkably stable throughout Europe's debt crisis. Norway's GDP grew by 0.7% in 2013's first quarter as the nation's oil resources powered the country's wealth. While some Norwegian experts have warned that the country's dependence on oil and energy could hurt its future, Norway's doing well right now: Projections peg the country's mainland economy to grow by 2.75% this year.
The IMF's certainly bullish, projecting Norway's GDP per capita to grow to nearly $66,000 in 2018, maintaining its lead over the U.S. While Norwegian companies are hard to find on American stock exchanges, one low-risk way to gain Norwegian exposure is to buy shares in the main Big Oil firms. BPand many of its competitors engage in exploration and drilling in the North Sea. Out of all the oil majors, however, BP may be the one stock to avoid in Norway: A government agency pushed a safety review on the company in late April following a leak at one of BP's North Sea fields last September. For now, expect this company to remain closely watched in Norway.

No. 1: Singapore, $61,567 per person
The wealthiest nation in the world's top 50 economies has been one of the hottest growth stories in recent years. Singapore's emergence as a business hub and tax haven -- research firm WealthInsight predicts that the country will surpass Switzerland as the world's largest offshore wealth hub by 2020 -- has been a boon for its population's standard of living. Foreign investment has poured into the nation, turning Singapore into Southeast Asia's pre-eminent economy. The country is expected to gain even more in the next few years, with the IMF expecting Singapore's GDP per capita to rise to an astounding $77,000 by 2018.
The iShares MSCI Singapore Index Fund has performed well alongside the country's growth, gaining more than 22% over the past year. The ETF is weighted heavily toward finance and real estate, with more than half of its assets in those two sectors. While the Singapore ETF will likely continue to rise with the nation's economy, don't expect rapid gains from an index fund like this.

A global economy on the upswing
As the world claws out of the depths of the 2008 recession, standards of living are poised to continue increasing around the globe. That's good for the world's population and investors alike as stocks take advantage of this new wave of growth. This is the kind of growth everyone has a stake in.

Profiting from our increasingly global economy can be as easy as investing in your own backyard.

British man in France admits slitting his two children's throats

A British father has admitted slitting the throats of his two young children in France following a difficult divorce, sources have said.

The 47-year-old is alleged to have killed his daughter, five, and son, 10, after he was entrusted with them for the first time since separating from his French wife.

It is thought she discovered the bloody scene when she arrived at his flat yesterday afternoon and found her former husband standing on the stairway in blood-stained clothes.

Reports suggested she had gone to his home, in Saint-Priest, to the south-east of Lyon, after he failed to return the children following the visit.

The man, who has not been named, was later seen fleeing the area, apparently on roller skates, according to local reports.

He was tracked down by police and taken into custody yesterday evening and is understood to have admitted the killings.

A police source said: "We believe the man was looking after the children for the first time since he divorced his wife.
"He was arrested at the end of yesterday afternoon."

Police were unable to confirm reports that a knife was recovered from the murder scene.

The British suspect is understood to have been living in France for some time, possibly around 10 years.

According to local reports, he and his former wife, an assistant accountant, had gone through a bitter divorce.

She was awarded custody of the children following their separation and moved to live in Isere, a region to the south-east of Lyon, while he continued to live in the flat in the four-storey building.

Ahmed Benguedda, a former neighbour of the family, said his seven-year-old daughter used to play with the two victims, whom he described as "well adjusted".

"The people who live here are all in a state of shock," he told the Parisien newspaper.

The British suspect would usually be expected to appear in court in Lyon tomorrow morning. However, it is unclear whether the hearing will go ahead on what is a public holiday in France.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We understand a British national has been arrested in France.

"We are in touch with the French authorities and await the outcome of their investigation.

"We stand ready to provide consular assistance."