CP World Report: Chick-fil-A, Islamic Extremism, London Olympic, Iran
One of the most frightening aspects of the Colorado massacre is that the accused --James Holmes – is described as having a plan when he allegedly walked into the Aurora movie theatre and fired at moviegoers. The ammunition and equipment involved shows the attack could have been much worse. He was not only armed to the teeth and booby trapped his apartment with explosives and chemicals, but he was prepared in case anyone in the theatre had a gun to stop him. He wore a ballistic helmet, a ballistic vest, guns, leg protectors and boots.
Even though memorial crosses get opposition from groups seeking separation of Church and State, they are of great comfort to communities struck by tragedy. One man has been making them for more than a decade and taking them where they're needed. Greg Zanis is from Aurora, Illinois, and he made a special delivery to Aurora, Colorado.
A fast food chain owner's words against same-sex marriage could hurt his company's bottom line.
Plans to build a Chick-fil-A in Chicago may now be in jeopardy. The controversy started when Chick-Fil-A donated food to a Pennsylvania organization that opposes same-sex marriage. The chain's president, Dan Cathy, defended the move in a statement, saying the restaurant doesn't have an agenda against anyone, but believes in the Biblical definition of marriage -- between a man and a woman.
Though he said he loves and respects anyone who disagrees. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel says that message isn't in line with his city's beliefs.
There's already one Chick-fil-A in downtown Chicago's 42-nd Ward. But there's an application filed to build a second one in Logan Square. The Alderman of that ward is vowing to use his authority to stop the company from getting the necessary zoning permits to build.
Iran's Vice President of International Affairs says his country is ready to share "experience and capabilities" with President Bashar al-Assad in Syria. Ali Saeed-lou, described the two countries as powerful nations able to influence regional and global stability. He also referred to Syria as a friend and brother nation.
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has warned that the West is not fully aware of how dangerous Islamic extremism is getting in the Middle East, and has questioned President Barack Obama's handling of Islamic relations. Blair was addressing the religious conflicts…. gripping a host of African countries , where radical Islamists are waging war on Christians. Blair accused the West of being asleep on this issue, particularly about the mentality of the extremists, and noted that the Arab spring uprisings have led to the rise of the Muslim Brotherhood, in Egypt and throughout the Arab world. Blair currently serves as a representative of the Middle East diplomatic Quartet, meant to help find a peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He was named for this position by the UN.
IN SPORTS NEWS….
Three and a half years in the making, the world's eyes will be on London today as the official opening of the Olympic Ceremony kicks off. It will be 9pm London time and 4pm Eastern Daylight. The ceremony's theme is "Isles of Wonder," inspired by William Shakespeare's "The Tempest," The ceremonies go on for up to 3 and-a-half-hours. In addition to the athletes and performers, some 60,000 spectators will be in the stadium, including political leaders from around the world.
Yesterday, the Olympic torch arrived in London, and traveled past some of London's most visited sights
including the houses of parliament and Buckingham palace.
Some trouble flared up in advance of the official opening ceremony as women's soccer got underway: London-based Olympic officials have owned up 'to blame' over a major faux pas involving a wrong Korean flag. It ended up in such a bad row that it jeopardized the women's soccer game. The North Korean women's team walked off after a video introducing their players showed the South Korean flag. But they later returned to play in the match. Prime Minister David Cameron said it was "an honest mistake." Major apologies have gone out.
Israel has voiced serious concerns that Iran may try to stage a terror attack against Israeli athletes competing at the London games. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Munich massacre, where the Palestinian terrorist organization called "Black September" killed 11 Israeli athletes and coaches.