Man killed in shark attack in Australia

A man in his 50s has died after being attacked by a shark off Cable Beach, at Broome, on Western Australia’s north coast.

The man was in the water when the shark mauled his leg and bit off his hand just before 9am local time.

Emergency crews were called to the beach and CPR was carried out at the scene but he could not be saved.

Shark attacks are a rare occurrence at popular Cable Beach.

The beach has been closed by local rangers. People are being urged to take extra care around the area.

Jewelry chain Alex and Ani allegedly failed to give charity cash to ASPCA: lawsuit

Where’s the doggone cash?

The ASPCA claims jewelry chain Alex and Ani has failed to hand over more than $99,000 the company raised for the animal nonprofit by selling a special paw print bangle.

The Rhode Island-based Alex and Ani began selling the “Prints of Love” charms as part of its “Charity by Design” effort, in 2014, promising to donate 20% of the $34 purchase price and ultimately raising more than $2 million, according to the ASPCA.

But Alex and Ani has yet to hand over the remaining chunk of cash, according to a Nov. 12 Manhattan Supreme Court lawsuit filed by the ASPCA.

“Contrary to its representations to ASPCA and consumers, Alex and Ani has failed to donate tens of thousands of dollars of promised funds owing to ASPCA under the charitable agreement,” the ASPCA charges in court papers.

The ASPCA said in a statement it was “grateful” for the support of Alex and Ani customers and “would like to receive the balance of the donations that are due based on purchases made in good faith in support of our mission.”

Alex and Ani didn’t immediately return a message.

Share this article:

Don Trump Jr.’s Boast About ‘Cleaning My Guns’ In Quarantine Gears Up Twitter Critics

Comments on Twitter blew up Saturday after Donald Trump Jr. posted a perky Instagram video message announcing he’s “got the ’rona,” and would be spending his time in quarantine “cleaning my guns” and watching Netflix.

The president’s son looked a bit tousled and puffy-faced in the Friday message that appeared to be from his home. But he pointed out that he didn’t have the “red eyes like they claimed I had for apparently using cocaine” before his Republican National Convention speech. Though he blew off the rumors, the comment highlighted his awareness of social media chatter regarding his erratic interviews.

The first son said he was completely asymptomatic so far and that his positive test for COIVD-19 earlier this week was a total surprise. 

Trump Jr. asked for Netflix recommendations while under quarantine, which he said he’s observing out of an “abundance” of caution. Other than watching Netflix, he explained, “There are only so many guns I can clean before that gets bor[ing].”

Lots of critics laughed at the macho posturing of the comment, while others were disturbed by the number of guns he may own.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Donald Trump Jr. (@donaldjtrumpjr)

Guitar Center files for bankruptcy

(Reuters) – Guitar Center Inc, the largest U.S. retailer of music instruments and equipment, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Saturday, as the coronavirus pandemic made music lovers move their shopping online.

The retailer has negotiated to have a total of $375 million in debtor-in-possession financing from its existing lenders and intends to raise $335 million in new senior secured notes, the company said refini.tv/3fpM2UC in a statement.

The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court of the Eastern District of Virginia.

Guitar Center files for bankruptcy

(Reuters) – Guitar Center Inc, the largest U.S. retailer of music instruments and equipment, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Saturday, as the coronavirus pandemic made music lovers move their shopping online.

The retailer has negotiated to have a total of $375 million in debtor-in-possession financing from its existing lenders and intends to raise $335 million in new senior secured notes, the company said refini.tv/3fpM2UC in a statement.

The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court of the Eastern District of Virginia.

U.S. Senator Loeffler Self-Isolating After Positive Covid Test

U.S. Republican Senator Kelly Loeffler, who is campaigning for January’s runoff election, is self-isolating after testing positive for the coronavirus, despite a subsequent inconclusive result, campaign spokesman Stephen Lawson said in a statement.

The senator has no symptoms and will remain in quarantine until retesting is conclusive, according to the statement. Loeffler is facing Democratic challenger Raphael Warnock in one of two runoff elections for Georgia’s senate seats early January that will determine control of the chamber.

The senator tested positive on Friday, while results from a screening on Saturday were inconclusive.

Hong Kong Strives to Join Regional Trade Deal: Finance Chief

Hong Kong hopes to be part of the first group of economies to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership after the agreement takes effect, Financial Secretary Paul Chan said in a blog post on his website Sunday.

The total bilateral trade between Hong Kong and the 15 member states of RCEP accounts for 71% of Hong Kong’s total trade in goods, Chan wrote. “Joining the RCEP agreement will benefit trade in services and investment.”

Asia Pacific nations including China, Japan and South Korea signed on Nov. 15 the world’s largest regional free-trade agreement, encompassing nearly a third of the world’s population and gross domestic product. China supports Hong Kong joining the RCEP.

Meanwhile, Chan wrote that it’s important to improve society’s understanding of “One Country, Two Systems” in light of last year’s social unrest. He attended a legal forum marking the 30th anniversary of the Basic Law, which is Hong Kong’s mini-constitution. At that gathering, China signaled further changes to Hong Kong law.

— With assistance by Xize Kang