US: Prosecutors seek death penalty against Dylann Roof

A website attributed to Roof was found to contain racist views

The man accused of shooting nine African American churchgoers in South Carolina last year will face two death penalty trials, after federal prosecutors announced that they would seek capital punishment.

Dylann Roof, 22, allegedly joined an evening Bible study class at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, then shot participants with a .45-calibre Glock handgun in June 2015. Three people survived the shooting.

He has been indicted for the killings in both state and federal court. It is not yet clear when the federal trial will begin.

"Following the department's rigorous review process to thoroughly consider all relevant factual and legal issues, I have determined that the Justice Department will seek the death penalty," US Attorney General Loretta Lynch said in a statement on Tuesday.

"The nature of the alleged crime and the resulting harm compelled this decision."

In a separate filing in US District Court in Charleston, federal prosecutors listed several aggravating factors that they said justified execution.

Roof "has expressed hatred and contempt towards African Americans, as well as other groups, and his animosity towards African Americans played a role in the murders," read the seven-page filing entered by Julius Richardson and Nathan Williams, assistant US attorneys.

The document also noted that Roof "demonstrated a lack of remorse" and "targeted men and women participating in a Bible study group at the Emanuel AME Church in order to magnify the societal impact".

Roof's defence attorneys did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Al Jazeera's Patty Culhane, reporting from Washington, said: "The US Justice Department said it will take the somewhat unusual but not unprecedented step of seeking the death penalty ... on hate crime charges and violating religious freedom laws.

"He was already going to face the death penalty in state court - that trial will take precedence and will take place this summer. If he is not found guilty on those charges, if he doesn't face the death penalty, then he will face the death penalty in federal court."

In addition, he stands accused of using a firearm to carry out what Lynch has called "racially motivated murders and attempted murders".

Roof's state trial, in which he is also facing murder charges, is set to begin on January 17, after a judge granted a delay requested by defence attorneys.

The local county prosecutor, Scarlett Wilson, said in September that she would seek the death penalty for Roof.

South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has also backed execution in the case, describing Roof as "a person filled with hate".

Roof's attorneys have that said he would prefer to avoid execution by pleading guilty in exchange for life in prison.

Report slams Israel's military law enforcement system

An Israeli soldier fires tear gas at Palestinian protesters during recent clashes in Hebron

Citing a raft of deep systemic failures, human rights group B'Tselem has announced that it will no longer cooperate with Israel's military law enforcement system.

For the past 25 years, B'Tselem, which documents Israeli human rights violations in the occupied Palestinian territories, has served as a "subcontractor" for the system by submitting complaints about soldiers' alleged misconduct, gathering relevant documents and evidence, and requesting updates for affected Palestinian families.

While the goal was to help to bring justice to Palestinian victims and deter future misconduct, the reality has been the opposite, B'Tselem said in a scathing report released on Wednesday. 

"B'Tselem's cooperation with the military investigation and enforcement system has not achieved justice, instead lending legitimacy to the occupation regime and aiding to whitewash it," the report noted. "B'Tselem will no longer play a part in the pretence posed by the military law enforcement system and will no longer refer complaints to it ... The fight for human rights will be better served by denouncing this system and exposing it for what it is."

The report details a number of cases in which Palestinians have been killed or injured by Israeli soldiers under questionable circumstances, but after a series of apparent investigative failures, no one was held accountable.

In one example, Wadi Samarah, 15, was fatally shot in the back of the neck by an Israeli soldier in the occupied West Bank town of Jenin in September 2007. Samarah, who was targeted as he ran from a group of youths who had been throwing stones at military vehicles, was given no prior warning before the rubber-coated steel bullet was fired towards his head, according to witness accounts. However, the case was closed for "lack of sufficient evidence" in early 2014, more than six years after Samarah's death. 

This case is by no means unique. Since the start of the second Intifada in 2000, B'Tselem has requested investigations into 739 cases in which soldiers killed or injured Palestinians, used them as human shields, or damaged their property. In 25 percent of these cases, no investigation was ever launched. In nearly half, or 343 cases, an investigation was launched but subsequently closed with no action taken. More than 100 cases are still under processing, but in all of those that have gone through the system, charges were laid in just 25, with another 13 referred for disciplinary action. 

These outcomes are the result of incompetent investigations that fail to get at the truth, with few efforts made to collect external evidence or challenge soldiers' statements, B'Tselem said. 

"The military law enforcement system is plagued by a host of issues in the basic way it is run: The system is inaccessible to Palestinian complainants, who cannot file complaints with the MPIU [Military Police Investigations Unit] directly and must rely on human rights organisations or attorneys to file the complaints on their behalf," the report found. "The processing of each complaint lasts months, and even years, so that often enough soldiers who are the subject of the complaint are no longer under military jurisdiction."

Obtaining updates about cases in the system is also fraught with difficulties, as the Military Advocate General Corps operates under a blanket of secrecy, B'Tselem said: "Any attempt to obtain information from them requires repeated communications and in many cases, the information that is ultimately provided is incomplete."

Asked about B'Tselem's announcement, an Israeli army spokesperson maintained that the military justice system is "an independent and professional entity", noting any complaints submitted via this system are probed and, when warranted, an investigation is launched.

"For years the [Israeli army] has been receiving information regarding events which stray from the path of what is expected by [army] personnel ... All information received is examined thoroughly," the spokesperson said, noting the Israeli army would continue to "act as required to enforce the law and maintain the norms" among soldiers.

Jose Mourinho: Image rights negotiations hold up Manchester United deal

Mourinho is still expected to be announced as Manchester United manager this week

Negotiations over Jose Mourinho's image rights are delaying him becoming the new Manchester United manager.

Mourinho is expected to replace sacked Louis van Gaal, with talks ongoing between his agent Jorge Mendes and United officials.

But it has emerged that Chelsea still own the 'Jose Mourinho' name as a trademark - meaning United may need to pay a six-figure sum for the rights.

However, the issue will not scupper any deal, which is expected this week.

Discussions will now enter a third day, despite the deal to bring the 53-year-old former Chelsea boss to Old Trafford being largely complete. On Wednesday, Mourinho told waiting reporters at his home in London that he was going to Portugal.

What is the hold-up?

Chelsea registered both the name Jose Mourinho and his signature as a European trademark in 2005, meaning they can use it to sell merchandise such as toiletries, technology, clothing and jewellery.

Sports lawyer Carol Couse told BBC Sport it was "really unusual" for an individual not to own the trademark to their own name.

"Chelsea could be earning revenue every time someone uses Mourinho's name. It could prevent United from exploiting his signature," said Couse, of law firm Mills & Reeve.

"One of the things United will be looking to acquire is not only Mourinho's image but also his name.

"If United had a brand of Mourinho clothing it would be in breach of the trademark Chelsea currently own."

Mourinho cannot override the trademark, so the options are

• United do not use Mourinho's name against the exhaustive list of items that Chelsea have registered - read the full list here
• United pay Chelsea for a licence so they can use Mourinho's name on club merchandise
• United ask Mourinho to buy the trademark back
• United challenge trademark if they can prove it has not been used by Chelsea

"That would be pretty costly," said Couse, who estimated the fee for a licence as "hundreds of thousands of pounds".

"Look at the value of the deals that have been done for Mourinho to date. What would be the value of a Jose Mourinho watch?

"He has managed Inter and Real since then. They have either acquired the rights from Chelsea or managed the use of his name.

"If Chelsea didn't grant a licence, every time United used Jose Mourinho's name in a commercial capacity against those products, Chelsea could sue Manchester United. I would suspect United would rather just pay a licence fee."

Any other issues?

There is also potential conflict between Mourinho's personal deals - such as his one with car manufacturer Jaguar - and United's shirt sponsor agreement with Chevrolet.
"I don't think that in itself would hold up any negotiation," Couse explained. "A lot of world-class players go to Manchester United with their own personal deals. Mourinho's deals will be in a personal capacity."

Couse said United cannot force Mourinho to drive a Chevrolet car, for example, or wear Chevrolet clothes outside of club capacity, but they could pay him an incentive to buy out the Jaguar deal early.

Will Mourinho splash the cash? Will he give youth a chance? Or will there be a full-scale clearout? Choose your fantasy Man Utd starting XI.

Man Utd XI for 2016-17

Who will be in the team for the start of the season? We've included the current squad plus a selection of players linked with United.

Man Utd: Select Jose Mourinho's starting XI for next season

Jose Mourinho could raid his former club Real Madrid, with Varane, Benzema and Rodriguez all linked with moves to Old Trafford

Jose Mourinho is expected to be named as the next manager of Manchester United and it looks like he is bringing Zlatan Ibrahimovic with him.

The Sweden striker is likely to be Mourinho's first signing - but who else could be coming through the doors of Old Trafford next season?

We want you to select your starting XI from the current squad and the many players United have been linked with.

United are likely to be busy in the transfer window as Mourinho looks to overhaul Louis van Gaal's squad to create a team of title contenders.

But how will that squad look come the first day of the season?

Will Mourinho splash the cash? Will he give youth a chance? Or will there be a full-scale clearout?

Man Utd XI for 2016-17

Who will be in the team for the start of the season? We've included the current squad plus a selection of players linked with United.

The defence was one area Van Gaal never managed to properly address. A centre-half is needed and plenty of names keep popping up.

Real Madrid's young France international Raphael Varane could link up with his old boss, Everton's John Stones was denied a chance to work with Mourinho at Chelsea while Zenit Saint Petersburg's Ezequiel Garay has been linked with a move to United since the days of David Moyes.

Revamping the midfield could cost United millions. Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, and the possible return of Paul Pogba would come with a hefty price tag.

Then there is Portugal and Sporting Lisbon's Joao Mario, who can play on the wing or in central midfield, Sevilla's Polish defensive midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak and Arsenal target William Carvalho, another defensive midfielder, also from Sporting Lisbon.

United need goals and their attack will surely be addressed by the former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss.

Atletico Madrid's France forward Antoine Griezmann, Real Madrid's Colombian playmaker James Rodriguez and Napoli's Argentinean striker Gonzalo Higuain, who broke the Serie A scoring record last season, could all join Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford at Old Trafford.

'Get 'Em Out': How Donald Trump Deals With Hecklers

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump reacts to protestors as he speaks during a campaign event

Donald Trump may now be the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, but that doesn't stop him from reacting to hecklers in the same way he has throughout his campaign.

At a particularly turbulent rally in New Mexico on Tuesday, where demonstrators clashed with police outside of the venue, multiple protesters interrupted Trump during his speech.

Trump used his trademark "Get 'em out!" dismissal for at least one, and brushed off another by declaring it "So exciting!"

Another man's forced exit prompted Trump to go on the offensive. "He can't get a date, so he's doing this instead," he said.

The heckler that caught the most of the Donald's attention was a young boy seen shouting at Trump.

"How old is this kid? Still wearing diapers," he said. "I'm telling you the kid looks like he's 10 years old! I've never seen it."

"I said get out of here and he ran out. It was great! I wish everybody..." Trump said without finishing the sentence. 

How Donald Trump Deals with Hecklers

The real estate mogul and former reality show star is known for mocking and unceremoniously ejecting hecklers at his events. 

At a January event in Vermont, he called for a protester to be removed without his coat. Then, in February, he mocked a protester in Massachusetts for his weight.

"You know, it's amazing. I mentioned food stamps and that guy who's seriously overweight went crazy," Trump said. 

But one of the most controversial comments he's made about protesters was at a February event in Iowa, when he appeared to encourage his supporters to fight back against them.

"So if you see somebody getting ready to throw a tomato, knock the crap out of him, would you?" he said. "I promise you, I will pay for the legal fees. I promise." 

That promise didn't last long as his statements came under scrutiny the following month when one of his supporters in North Carolina did punch a protester and Trump wavered.

During an interview with "Good Morning America," Trump said he doesn't condone violence, "and I didn't say I was going to pay the legal fees."

NPFL 2ND Transfer Window: LMC demands players attestation from clubs to register new players

Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clubs have a two weeks window starting from 8am on Monday, May 23 to 5pm on June 3 to register new players and sign up players on permanent or temporary transfer.

The League Management Company (LMC) in a circular to all clubs announced the opening of the midseason transfer window but also reminded the clubs that for any registration to be approved, attestation letter from the serving players and coaches of the clubs must be presented confirming that their obligations to the players and coaches have been fully met.

“Kindly be advised that pursuant to Rules B9.61 and B9.63 of the Framework and Rules of the NPFL, the Second Transfer Window of the 2015/16 NPFL season opens at 8.00am on Monday, May 23 and closes at 5.00pm on Friday, June 3, 2016. 

Therefore, within this period, any club may apply for the new registration of a player or to have the registration of a player transferred to it or for a temporary transfer”, the circular informed the clubs.

The LMC circular further stated, “pursuant to Rules B9.45.2 and Rules B9.45.4.4, every club is expected to submit the attestation by each of its currently registered players as a pre-condition for registration. This is to ensure that there are no overdue payments owed the players.”

The enforcement of this provisions of the rule is being pursued by the LMC to prevent and minimize the incident of indebtedness to players which become manifest towards the end of every season. This step is to compliment the requirement for the submission of Financial Guarantees by the clubs.

Nadiya Savchenko: Russia frees Ukraine servicewoman

Nadiya Savchenko said: "Ukraine has the right to be, and it will be!"

Russia has freed jailed Ukrainian pilot Nadiya Savchenko, who became a symbol of resistance against Moscow.

"I am free," Savchenko told a crowd of reporters and politicians as she arrived in Kiev as part of a prisoner swap with two alleged Russian soldiers.

She was sentenced to 22 years in jail for killing two Russian journalists in eastern Ukraine, charges she denied.

The two Russians - Yevgeny Yerofeyev and Alexander Alexandrov - were earlier flown from Kiev to Moscow.

Savchenko was pardoned by Russian President Vladimir Putin before her return to Ukraine.

Mr Putin said he had acted after meeting relatives of the two Russian journalists, who had asked him to show mercy to Savchenko.

In Ukraine, President Petro Poroshenko pardoned the two Russian nationals.

In a tweet (in Ukrainian) earlier on Wednesday, Mr Poroshenko wrote: "The presidential plane with Hero of Ukraine Nadiya Savchenko has landed!"

At a joint news conference with President Poroshenko later on Wednesday, Savchenko thanked her family and the people of Ukraine for supporting her while she was held in Russia.

"Ukraine has the right to be, and it will be!" she said, pledging to do everything she could to free all Ukrainian nationals still being kept prisoner in Russia and in parts of Ukraine controlled by pro-Russian rebels.

Meanwhile, President Poroshenko - who awarded Savchenko a Hero of Ukraine star - said: "This is our common victory!"

He also personally thanked German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande and US President Barack Obama for supporting Ukraine.

Nadiya Savchenko is back on Ukrainian soil, and the first indications are that she will be the same outspoken firebrand that she was during Russian captivity.

Undoubtedly, the Kremlin will remain one of her main targets. But it will be interesting to watch which Ukrainian politicians will become the focus of her ire.

Her politics apparently lean towards the nationalist camp - though how far they extend in this direction remains to be seen.

While in prison she was elected as a parliamentary deputy from Yulia Tymoshenko's Fatherland party. Both Savchenko and Ms Tymoshenko are strong-willed personalities - and conflicts between them might erupt.

But the biggest question is how she and President Petro Poroshenko will get along. Savchenko voiced her support for the Minsk peace agreements, and Mr Poroshenko looked pleased as he stood beside her.

But she also said that "peace is only possible through war". If she decides to turn against the president, the anti-Poroshenko camp will be strengthened by what at the moment is Ukraine's most powerful political voice.

Reacting to Savchenko's release, EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini described it as "long awaited good news, that the EU celebrates with her country", while German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said it was "good news that we have long worked for".
Savchenko was captured in 2014, as pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions battled government forces.

She was charged with directing artillery fire that killed the two journalists, but she says she was kidnapped prior to the attack and handed over the border to the Russian authorities.
Her time in jail saw her mount a hunger strike and she was even elected in absentia to Ukraine's parliament and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

Afghan Taliban announce successor to Mullah Mansour

The Afghan Taliban have announced a new leader to replace Mullah Akhtar Mansour who was killed in a US drone strike.

In a statement, the Taliban acknowledged Mansour's death for the first time and named his successor as Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada.

Analysts say it is unlikely the group will change direction under hardline religious scholar Akhundzada.

Last year the Taliban were plunged into turmoil when Mansour replaced the group's founder Mullah Mohammad Omar.

Mansour was killed in a strike on his car in Pakistan's Balochistan province on Saturday.

Under his stewardship, the Taliban refused to take part in peace talks. Instead, militant attacks escalated and became more daring.

Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada, a former head of the Taliban courts, was a deputy leader to Mansour.

It doesn't look as if there will be a major shift in the Taliban's approach to peace talks under the new leadership. Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada was deputy to Mullah Mansour and held senior positions under the movement's founder Mullah Omar.

He comes from Kandahar in the Taliban heartlands of southern Afghanistan and seems to have been an acceptable choice for a significant number of Taliban shura (council) members.

The new leader is not as controversial as his predecessor, who led the militants for two years before news emerged that Mullah Omar was actually dead.

A Taliban statement said the new appointment had been unanimous, the same word the Taliban used when Mullah Mansour took over. Splits soon emerged after that - this time there could still be some disagreements, but probably not enough to challenge the new leader's authority.

"Hibatullah Akhundzada has been appointed as the new leader of the Islamic Emirate (Taliban) after a unanimous agreement in the shura (supreme council), and all the members of shura pledged allegiance to him," the Taliban said in a statement.

It also said that Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob, son of Mullah Omar, would become a joint deputy head of the movement, alongside current deputy leader Sirajuddin Haqqani.

Sirajuddin Haqqani, who is much more well known, is leader of the Haqqani network which has been blamed for some of the most violent attacks inside Afghanistan.

The group is known for its daring raids on Western and Afghan targets, particularly in Kabul.

Mansour named Akhundzada as his successor in his will, Taliban sources told AFP, in what may be an attempt to legitimise the transition.

A spokesman for Afghanistan's chief executive, Abdullah Abdullah, urged the new Taliban leader to join talks.

"We invite Mula Hibatullah to peace. Political settlement is the only option for the Taliban or new leadership will face the fate of Mansour," Javid Faisal tweeted.

After the Loving, Sex, Showing off; 50 Cent's Babymama & Her New Boyfriend Break Up

Some misguided folks these days just think love is all about traveling, vacation and s*x. 

All that will happen but if your values are still very faulty, the whole 'movie' will come crashing like a pack of cards. So, those who want to enjoy love and life should focus on getting their values right. Simple!

According to TMZ, 50 Cent's Babymama Daphne and her new boyfriend, Singer Jason Derulo have ended their relationship, just weeks after they took these love-you/love-you pictures on vacation in Mexico.

Each of them are saying they don't want to talk about the reason for their break up. #FakeLove

Woman Caught In Pastor's House Planting Cocaine, Opens Up: I'm Not In Good Terms With Him

The Federal High Court in Kano is set to begin the trial of a thirty year old woman who was caught planting cocaine in a pastor’s house by officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The accused will appear before Justice Zainab Abubakar today Wednesday, May 25th, 2016.

According to the NDLEA Commander in Kano, Mr. Hamza Umar, preliminary investigation revealed that the accused Mrs. Joy Ogundare who lives in the same compound with Pastor Richard Ekenne was caught red-handed planting 2.2grams of cocaine in the pastor's apartment.

The accused, in her statement, confessed that her intention was to implicate Pastor Richard because of the misunderstanding between her and the Pastor.

She told The Nation: “I am not in good terms with Pastor Richard. We even have a pending case at the Magistrate Court here in Kano. That was why I wanted to plant cocaine in his apartment to implicate him but I was caught in the process by NDLEA Officers.”

Meet Woman With No Arms, But She Drives Herself

That's one of the advantages of being born in a society where things work. She is not discriminated upon, rather she's allowed to flourish and attain her potentials as much as possible. Very inspiring...

Peter Okoye reveals Illness | Asks Fans to Pray

One of Africa’s most loved entertainers Peter Okoye has revealed that he has been ill for the past few weeks. While he is yet to confirm the exact details, Peter explains that he believe stress is a factor.

He completed various medical tests including a CT Scan so far.

Peter, we love you and are praying for you too.

Peter’s Instagram Messages
Went for a computed tomography scan today…🛌 Try to make sure am 100% fit and ok… It hasn’t been easy for me for the past few weeks. Thanks so much guys for the prayers,love and support #Pray4me #GodTakeControl

I have never been a sick person that much, but am just making sure everything is ok with me. But I guess it’s more like stress and i need more rest. #GodTakeControl #Pray4me love you all

Céline Dion's Husband René Angélil Dies at 73

Remembering Celine Dion's Husband Rene Angelil

Celine Dion's husband René Angélil has died at the age of 73, ABC News has confirmed.

Angélil, who has been married to the famed singer since 1994, had been battling cancer for some time.

"René Angélil, 73, passed away this morning at his home in Las Vegas after a long and courageous battle against cancer," a rep for the couple told People magazine. "The family requests that their privacy be respected at the moment; more details will be provided at a later time."

Angélil had been Dion’s manager for more than 30 years, but stepped down in 2014 after his throat cancer returned. He underwent throat surgery that left him unable to swallow and talk. 

C'est avec une profonde tristesse que nous vous annonçons que René Angélil, 73 ans, est décédé ce matin à sa résidence...

Posted by Celine Dion on Thursday, January 14, 2016

That same year, Dion, 47, took some time off from her regular residency in Las Vegas to be with her husband. When she returned to the stage last year, she spoke to ABC News about life at home taking care of the father of her three sons.

"We are afraid of explaining [the cancer to the kids] because we’re scared, because we’re worried ... We are taking life one day at a time," she said. "Like I said to my children, ‘You want to come and help me feed papa today...You want to help me out? Want to hold the water? You are a good feeder. Good job, Nelson. Good job, Eddie. Thank you so much. Come on, give a kiss to papa.'"

Dion also opened up about the moment she found out her husband's cancer was back after almost 15 years.

She was just about to go on stage, but "I went back in my dressing room and I saw him looking pretty devastated, in shock, and I was like, ‘What’s going on?' He said, ‘I have cancer again. The doctor just called me and I have cancer again.’"

Angélil is survived by his wife, and their sons -- Rene-Charles, 14, and twins Nelson and Eddy, 5.

Miss Washington USA Steps Down Amid Scandal

DUI Conviction Puts Washington Beauty Queen's Crown in Peril

Miss Washington USA Stormy Keffeler has resigned following the revelation of a drunken-driving conviction that she failed to disclose to pageant officials.

"We can confirm the resignation of Stormy Keffeler as Miss Washington USA. Effective immediately, first runner-up Kelsey Schmidt will assume the title of Miss Washington USA 2016 and represent the state at the Miss USA event later this year. We wish Stormy well in her future endeavors," Maureen Francisco, co-executive producer of Miss Washington USA, wrote in a Facebook post on Thursday night.

In an interview with ABC News on Thursday night, Keffeler said she chose to step down in order not to be “selfish” to all her supporters, family and the Miss Washington organization.

She said the best thing for her was to give up the title and take on new responsibilities.

Keffeler, 23, was crowned in October. She had pleaded guilty a month before to driving in Seattle with a blood alcohol level that was nearly three times the legal limit.

“I am so sorry to anybody that I've disappointed and I can assure you that anything that's said [about me] I've thought so much worse of myself," she said through tears.

Keffeler was driving on two flat tires in the city’s East Precinct on the night of her arrest, according to a police report. When her vehicle was pulled over, the responding officer smelled alcohol, and Keffeler’s eyes appeared “droopy, bloodshot and watery” while her speech “was very slurred,” the report said.

“When she got out of the car she stumbled … was unsteady on her feet and swayed,” the arresting officer wrote in the report.

Keffeler’s blood alcohol concentration was 0.22, according to court papers. A person may be guilty of DUI with an alcohol concentration of 0.08, as measured by breath or blood, according to Washington state law.

The rules of the Miss Washington USA pageant state that entrants must not engage in “any type of” illegal behavior or activity.

Francisco told KOMO the organization found out about Keffeler's conviction last Friday. She said the pageant had shared the information with the Miss Universe Organization to see whether Keffeler would be allowed to keep her crown.

"We tell these young women you are a role model to somebody so you are going to be in the public eye whether you like it or not," Francisco told KOMO. "There's no such thing as a private life."

Francisco added that people who were quick to judge should ask themselves if they have ever made a mistake they wish the world was not seeing.

Keffeler, a former pro player with the Legends Football League, was ordered to serve two days in jail and 24 months' probation, plus pay $1,196 in fines and fees. According to KOMO, she was sentenced five days after the pageant.

"I'm very sorry for misfilling out the paperwork,” Keffeler told KOMO. “I never meant to hurt anybody or to offend anybody.”

Keffeler -- described on the pageant's website as a freelance hair and makeup artist who's studying journalism -- said she’s paying for her mistake. She asked for a second chance.

"The only difference between today and the day I was crowned Miss Washington USA is that people know and I've already turned my life around...," she said.

"This lesson was heard loud and clear," Keffeler added. "I will never drink and drive again. This is something that's going to stick with me forever."

Two Marine Helicopters Involved in Collision in Hawaii, 12 People Missing

Military Aircraft Crash in Hawaii

The U.S. Coast Guard says it has responded to a report of a military aircraft collision involving two Marine helicopters off the north shore of Oahu, Hawaii, Chief Petite Officer Fara Mooers told ABC News.

Responders are searching for 12 people in a debris field 2 miles off the coast of Haleiwa. Each helicopter was carrying six people.

The Marine Corps said in a news release that the aircraft were from the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing from Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

The Coast Guard received a call from the Marine Core Air Station, Kane’ohe Bay, at 11:38 p.m. local time Thursday requesting assistance.

Officials launched Coast Guard aircraft -- a MH65 helicopter and an HC130 Coast Guard airplane -- from Oahu.

The Coast Guard is searching the debris with assistance from a Navy helicopter crew and the Honolulu Fire Department with a helicopter and rescue boat on scene.

They have not located any personnel at this time and are continuing to search.

This latest incident follows a string of deadly training exercises for the military.

Just last month, two Army pilots from Fort Campbell were killed when their AH-64D Apache helicopter crashed during a routine training exercise. That helicopter was found in a rural community.

In March of 2015, a military training accident caused the death of 11 veteran Marines and soldiers. They were conducting a training mission off the Florida coast when their UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed, killing all on board during a nighttime operation in foggy conditions.

Turkmenistan Burns Cigarettes in Anti-Smoking Campaign

Authorities in Turkmenistan have publicly burned piles of cigarettes as they embark on a campaign to stamp out smoking spearheaded by the healthy living-obsessed president.

State television in the secretive and authoritarian Central Asian nation on Friday broadcast images of village elders and diplomats looking on as blocks of cigarettes were shoveled into a stove.

Officials said the cigarettes were seized after being illegally smuggled into Turkmenistan.

Smoking is legal but strongly discouraged. In 2000, smoking was banned in all public places, including on the street.

President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov last week complained about the wide availability of cigarettes, which led to most shops pulling them from their shelves. Prices for single packs immediately went up to $14 from $6.