THE CIRCLE

THE CIRCLE(EUROPE) Iran's admission that  it mistakenly shot down a passenger plane  sent protesters pouring into the streets over the weekend. Though demonstrations were smaller on Monday and nearly outnumbered by riot police, some observers have already begun to wonder if this could be the beginning of the end for the current regime. After days of denial and obfuscation, Iranian officials finally acknowledged early Saturday that its military had shot down a Ukraine International Airlines jet, killing all 176 people on board, many of whom were Iranian citizens. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif  blamed "human error" prompted by "US adventurism,"  alluding to the escalating brinkmanship between Iran and the United States over the US killing of a revered Iranian commander, Qasem Soleimani. On Tuesday, Iran announced that several people have been arrested in connection with the crash and President Hassan Rouhani said those responsible will be puni...

THE CIRCLE (LONDON)   It has been a  tumultuous and unsettling year  for Britain's royals. Feuds were exposed, family members withdrew from public life and the Queen was even  dragged into  the heart of the country's political crisis. Taken together, the headlines paint a picture of a monarchy in crisis. So, how will this hallowed institution bounce back again in 2020? The answer is simple: As it always has done, with Elizabeth II firmly at its helm. The first shock of the year came in January when the Duke of Edinburgh was involved  in a car crash  near Sandringham, the family's estate in Norfolk, eastern England. Prince Philip was unhurt when his Land Rover flipped onto its side, though a woman in the other car was injured. But when the elderly duke -- who is rarely seen these days following  his retirement  in 2017 -- was spotted back behind the wheel the following day, there was a media furor. The situation was compounded w...

THE CIRCLE  ( UNITED STATES OF AMERICA )     Baltimore City Police are investigating two overnight homicides. At approximately 12:38 a.m. Sunday, Central District Patrol Officers responded to the 400 block of Druid Hill for a report of a stabbing. Once at the location, officers located a 20 year-old man who was unresponsive. Police say he was suffering from a stab wound to the neck. The victim was transported to an area hospital where he later died. Four hours later, at 4:40 a.m., officers in the Western District were called to the 1900 block of West Lafayette for a report of a shooting. Once at the location, officers located a 43 year-old man with gunshot wounds to the shoulder and head. He was taken to an area hospital where he later died. Preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was outside shoveling when an unidentified suspect shot the victim. Homicide detectives are asking anyone with information to contact them at 410-396-2100 or ...