--- title: "While you were sleeping: 14 June 2017" description: "Sessions gets serious in testimony, London blaze engulfs apartment block, and Uber CEO takes leave of absence." type: "NewsArticle" publisher: "Daily Maverick" site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za" section: "Newsdeck" author: "John Stupart" author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/johnstupart/" canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2017-06-14-while-you-were-sleeping-14-june-2017/" published: "2017-06-14T05:59:48" lang: "en-ZA" word_count: 691 --- # While you were sleeping: 14 June 2017 > Sessions gets serious in testimony, London blaze engulfs apartment block, and Uber CEO takes leave of absence. By John Stupart · Published 14 June 2017, 07:59 SAST ## Content **Wednesday, 14 June 2017** *“The past is always tense, the future perfect.”* **Zadie Smith** ![Image](https://i1.createsend1.com/ei/d/AD/763/637/csimport/849x493q70Poplak-shysters1.050705.jpg) STORY OF THE DAY [TRAINSPOTTER: #GuptaFreaks – How the monsters are beginning to eat themselves](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2017-06-14-trainspotter-guptafreaks-how-the-monsters-are-beginning-to-eat-themselves/#.WUCnyOt95hE) By RICHARD POPLAK It’s been a busy few weeks. Let’s get caught up. [Sessions testifies in heated Senate hearing](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2017-06-14-sessions-brands-russia-collusion-claims-a-detestable-lie) Attorney General Jeff Sessions has called allegations of his involvement in meddling with the Russian government and the Trump campaign a "detestable lie". Sessions then went on to defend President Donald Trump's dismissal of FBI director James Comey. The AG also flatly denied Huffington Post allegations that he had engaged with the Russian ambassador during the Trump campaign. [Massive fire engulfs London building](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2017-06-14-fire-engulfs-tower-block-in-west-london) A 27-storey apartment block in London has gone up in flames. Firefighters responded to the blaze at the Lancaster West Estate, which quickly covered the entire structure. Fears of a building collapse quickly mounted. Ultimately no fatalities have been reported, with just two people treated for smoke inhalation. [Uber CEO takes leave of absence](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2017-06-14-embattled-uber-ceo-kalanick-to-take-leave-of-absence) Uber's CEO Travis Kalanick has left the building, the ride-sharing company announced today. Aiming at restoring confidence in a company wracked with scandal, ruthlessness, and a sordid workplace, Kalanick stated: "If we are going to work on Uber 2.0, I also need to work on Travis 2.0 to become the leader that this company needs and that you deserve." [Giant turkeys once roamed Australia](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2017-06-14-giant-flying-turkey-once-roamed-australia) Turkey-like birds the size of kangaroos roamed the Australian wilderness, scientists have revealed. Fossils analysed revealed that what was once originally thought to be a single large creature was actually five distinct bird species. Several were not flightless, including the giant 8kg megapode. Thus far no reliable data on their suitability for chicken nuggets has been published. — IN NUMBERS 350 The number of calories fidgety people can burn per day tapping feet or fingers. FACTS OF THE DAY Today is **World Blood Donor** day. **Beer is drinkable** after a nuclear explosion. 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