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With budget talks stalled, US girds for lengthy government shutdown

December 24, 2018

The White House on Saturday reiterated that Trump was still pressing for $5 billion for a wall or barrier along the border with Mexico and other security enhancements. That will change in January when the House comes under Democratic control. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of NY met with Pence on Saturday at the request of the White House, according to Schumer's office.

Trump orders 7,000 USA troops to LEAVE Afghanistan within weeks

December 24, 2018

The United States has about 14,000 troops in Afghanistan as part of a NATO-led mission, known as Resolute Support, and a separate USA counter-terrorism mission largely directed against militant groups like Islamic State and al Qaeda. His next stopover was Kabul where he took the Afghan government on board about the latest round of talks with the Taliban. Trump tweeted Wednesday: "We have defeated ISIS in Syria , my only reason for being there during the Trump Presidency".

Turkey bolsters military on Syrian border as USA readies pull out

December 24, 2018

Brett McGurk , the USA special envoy for the coalition to defeat ISIS, on Friday evening informed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that he is quitting in protest of President Donald Trump's announcement of the pullout of U.S. Brett McGurk, the U.S. special presidential envoy for the Global Coalition to Defeat Isis (another acronym for the jihadist group), resigned on Friday after the president's decision.

No chance of a white Christmas with forecasters predicting a 'mild week'

December 23, 2018

Winter weather alerts are in effect for six states in the Pacific Northwest on Sunday. There may be some light snow in the higher elevations by evening. Around 30 states from coast to coast have at least some snow cover right now. The air behind this cold front will help to bring a return to average temperatures for Christmas Eve, but a strong system will make that short-lived.

Did Kelsey Berreth Break Off Engagement Before Disappearing?

December 23, 2018

Police say the body of the Woodland Park 29-year-old has not been found but they believe she is dead. The fiance of Kelsey Berreth , a 29-year-old mother who was last seen on Thanksgiving, has been arrested in Colorado. A week after that, she was reported missing. Her mother, who lives in Idaho, told NBC prior to Frazee's arrest Friday that her daughter's disappearance was uncharacteristic.

U.S. to Provide Additional Funding for Ukrainian Navy - State Dept

December 23, 2018

And tensions escalated last month when Russian Federation fired on and seized three Ukrainian naval vessels off the Crimean Peninsula. It will be followed by other warships as part of a more constant British presence, he said. "If we stop and retreat, Russian Federation will actually fulfil its task of capturing the Sea of Azov, present the world with self-determined new sea borders in the Black Sea, de facto legalizing the occupation of Crimea", BBC News Ukraine quoted him as saying.

Taliban Insists Talks with US only About 'American Intervention’

December 23, 2018

He said that the visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan's efforts for Afghanistan peace process. "General Bajwa reiterated that peace in Afghanistan is important for Pakistan and assured continued efforts for bringing peace and stability in the region", the statement said.

Russia's Media Regulator Checking Legality OF BBC Operations

December 23, 2018

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said many questions had arisen about the BBC's coverage of Russian Federation. The Tass news agency reported that Roskomnadzor was now mounting an inquiry to establish whether BBC content available in Russian Federation complied with the law there.

US Supreme Court rejects Trump request to restart asylum ban

December 23, 2018

The court issued no official opinion or explanation of their decision. Trump's order bars entry and asylum proceedings for illegal migrants who enter the United States from Mexico. Tigar was nominated for the federal bench by President Barack Obama. The President's comments led to an extraordinary response from the normally reticent Justice Roberts, who defended the independence of the federal judiciary and wrote in a public response to Mr Trump on November 21: "We do not have Obama judges ...

Trump Holds The Line On Wall Funding, Shutdown To Go Past Christmas

December 23, 2018

The impasse was over funding for a wall along the southern USA border - Trump won't budge without it, but no Democrat will vote for it. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has insisted to Pence and Republicans that the President must sign off on that before a vote.

President Donald Trump Tweetstorm - The Saturday Shutdown Edition

December 23, 2018

McConnell said the Senate would meet in a "pro forma" session Monday, but those sessions are brief, sometimes lasting just minutes. When he appeared to be leaving on Friday night, however, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said "constructive talks are underway".

One dead, 10 missing in Czech mining accident, Europe News & Top Stories

December 23, 2018

The death toll in a methane explosion that hit the coal mine in northeast Czech Republic increased to 13, a mining company said Friday. The incident occurred at the CSM mine in the city of Karvina, about 300km east of Prague , yesterday afternoon.

Acting Trump Attorney General refuses to recuse himself from Mueller probe

December 23, 2018

NBC News reported its sources warn a few major outstanding matters could complicate Mueller's endgame - including Mueller's desire to interview the president about all aspects of his investigation, including obstruction of justice matters about which the president has refused to answer questions.

Reporter admits fabricating coverage at Germany's leading news magazine

December 23, 2018

The publication, one of Germany's leading news outlets, said the 33-year-old had committed journalistic fraud "on a grand scale" over a number of years, including fabricating elements of an article about an American woman who he said volunteered to witness the executions of death row inmates.

At least 20 killed, 165 wounded after tsunami hits Indonesia

December 23, 2018

The National Disaster Management Agency confirmed that the tsunami struck Saturday night, leaving dozens of buildings damaged, on top of the escalating human toll. When Krakatoa erupted in the 19th century, a jet of ash, stones and smoke shot more than 20 kilometres (12 miles) into the sky, plunging the region into darkness, and sparking a huge tsunami that was felt around the world.

Unclear how USA would get money from border wall GoFundMe

December 23, 2018

He's a long way from that target, but he's made a serious start , with almost 200,000 people pledging almost $12 million as of Friday morning . Meanwhile, Trump and congressional Democrats appear to be headed for a government shutdown over the border wall funding fight.

Thames pirates: Armed migrants from Nigeria hold crew hostage

December 22, 2018

It added: "We have received no reports that anyone has been harmed and don't believe they are at risk". The men were discovered on board the 70,000-ton Grimaldi Lines ship earlier this week as it approached the Thames Estuary, near where it was due to dock at Tilbury, Essex.

Canada mounting global effort to free Canadians detained in China

December 22, 2018

Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei , was arrested while changing planes in Vancouver on December 1 at the request of the United States, which wants her extradited to face charges that she and her company misled banks about the company's business dealings in Iran.

Five other countries formally accuse China of APT10 hacking spree

December 22, 2018

Beijing also named Britain as it blasted US allies, saying that Britain was "fabricating rumours" and "having ulterior motives". On Friday Australia's national cyber security adviser and the head of the Australian Cyber Security Centre, Alastair MacGibbon, described the hacking as "an audacious, global campaign" which had affected "several" Australian companies.

DRC Presidential election delayed for a week

December 22, 2018

The DRC's election commission said it needed the delay because of a fire a week earlier that destroyed almost 80 percent of voting machines in the capital, Kinshasa, and the Ebola outbreak in the east. Congo, with a population of more than 80 million, has never had a democratic or peaceful transition of power since its independence from colonial rule in 1960.

United States envoy on DPRK policy visits JSA during trip to S.Korea

December 22, 2018

President Donald Trump said he raised North Korea's human rights issue to Kim during the Singapore summit in June and that Kim responded "very well". The United States has also rejected any suggestion that it would reduce its military presence in the region as part of a deal with North Korea . Through a state-run newspaper, the government of North Korea has indicated that it will not denuclearize until the U.S.

US Sanctions 12 Russians for 'malign Activities'

December 22, 2018

The case against them was brought by special counsel Robert Mueller , whose office is investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election. It comes after the department approved a plan that severed Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska's control of the company.

Truce in Yemen’s key port city takes effect

December 22, 2018

Earlier, however, an Ansarullah spokesman said they will remain committed to the agreement to reduce tensions. A breakdown of the truce would risk a renewed coalition offensive and a halt to humanitarian operations at the city's vital Red Sea port.

Former Lehigh University student charged with trying to poison his roommate

December 22, 2018

Yang, whose visa was revoked and is not enrolled at the university anymore, was charged with attempted homicide, aggravated assault and other offences, local district attorney John Morganelli announced on 20 December. On one occasion, he was hospitalized after vomiting for 45 minutes. Whether the vandalism or the changing colors of his mouthwash and milk, Royal told police, it was his roommate who kept turning up.

What happens if the Senate goes 'nuclear?'

December 22, 2018

At midnight Eastern time on Saturday the congressionally approved funding for about a quarter of USA government functions runs out, leaving approximately 800,000 federal workers in a lurch on the weekend before the Christmas holiday. Federal agencies affected: About 75% of the government's funding has already been approved. Senate can do same by eliminating the filibuster. Members of the ultra-conservative House of Representatives Freedom Caucus were up in arms.

Colorado police arrest fiance of woman who disappeared

December 22, 2018

The fiancé of a Colorado woman missing since Thanksgiving Day has been arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder and solicitation of murder. According to police, Kelsey's one-year-old daughter remains in protective custody and is expected to be reunited with Kelsey's family.

European Union calls for access to legal representation for detained Canadians

December 22, 2018

When asked if McIver's case was connected to that of Kovrig and Spavor, Hua pointed out that the nature of the cases were different, given the other two were accused of endangering national security . Although trade talks between China and the United States will continue as scheduled in January, 2019, what remains to be seen is how Wanzhou's arrest will affect Huawei's position as the second-largest manufacturer of smartphones in the world and one of the largest telecommunications-equipment ...

Decision made for 'significant' troop withdrawal from Afghanistan

December 22, 2018

It is unclear how the U.S. - with less than 9,000 troops in Afghanistan - would be able to fulfil the full set of missions now underway, including training Afghan forces, advising them in the field, and conducting an air campaign against the Taliban and other militant groups.

Japan to resume commercial whaling

December 22, 2018

The announcement comes after Japan's latest attempt to pursue commercial whaling was rejected at an IWC meeting in Brazil in September. Anti-whaling nations - led by Australia, the European Union and the United States - defeated Japan's "Way Forward" proposal in a 41-to-27 vote.

Colorado woman likely killed at home; fiance charged

December 22, 2018

Frazee appeared by teleconference at a Teller County District Court hearing later Friday. Berreth went missing nearly a month ago after last being seen shopping with her 1-year-old daughter on Thanksgiving Day. Investigators with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, the Woodland Park Police Department and the FBI were spotted at Berreth's home Thursday evening carrying large brown bags out of the home, and a firefighter was seen carrying a ladder into the house, CNN affiliate KMGH reported .

China marks 40th anniversary of reform and opening-up

December 22, 2018

In his speech, Xi Jinping stood up to worldwide calls for changes to his country's economy by stating, "No one is in a position to dictate to the Chinese people what should or should not be done", Xi said in Mandarin Chinese during his speech, according to an official translation broadcast through state media.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg has surgery to remove cancerous growths

December 22, 2018

Ginsburg, 85, underwent the pulmonary lobectomy at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in NY. The growths were found during tests Ginsburg had after she fractured ribs in a fall in her Supreme Court office on November 7. The Supreme Court Justice also noted that she went back to her full workout with her trainer in early December. U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg during an event, December 15, 2018, at the New York Academy of Medicine in N.Y.

Patrick Frazee, fiancé of missing Colorado mother Kelsey Berreth, arrested for murder

December 21, 2018

Both towns are high country alpine communities near Pikes Peak and west of Colorado Springs. Their 1-year-old daughter, who was in Frazee's custody until his arrest, is safe, according to ABC. Public records show that property associated with Frazee's name in Florissant covers 35 acres. Frazee's attorney, Jeremy Loew, has said his client was co-operating with the investigation.

'Racist student tried to kill black roommate by poisoning milk and mouthwash'

December 21, 2018

Prosecutors say he laced the food and drink of Juwan Royal with thallium. Thallium is an odorless and tasteless soft metal used internationally in electronics manufacturing and other purposes. Much of the poison was allegedly secretly placed into food and drinks in their shared dorm room refrigerator. Those statements contrasted with what Yang told police and Royal at the time of his roommate's sickening, when he said he suspected "someone" was tampering with items in the room, ...

Border Wall Funding: Trump Threatens "Very Long" US Government Shutdown

December 21, 2018

The GOP-led House voted largely along party lines, 217-185, to attach the border wall money to the Senate's bill. "The bill that's on the floor of the House, everyone knows it will not pass the Senate", Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters late Thursday.

UN find Hezbollah tunnels under Israeli side of border

December 21, 2018

A United Nations investigation showed Wednesday that two tunnels allegedly dug by the Lebanese militia group Hezbollah snaked under the Israel side of the tense border - but the probe did not find any exits located there. "The tunnels are between 29 and 46 meters below ground, hard to detect and in close proximity to areas sensitive to both parties", he told the Security Council Wednesday.

Four arrested over 'revenge' decapitation of female tourist in Morocco

December 21, 2018

Investigations are also going on to authenticate a video tape shared on social media claiming to show the killing of one of the tourists, the general prosecutor said in a statement . Maren Ueland's mother, Irene Ueland, told Norwegian broadcaster NRK her daughter had taken safety precautions before making the trip. Jespersen and Ueland were students at the University of Southeastern Norway, pursuing degrees in "outdoor life, culture and eco philosophy".

US Approves $3.5 Billion Patriot Missile Sale To Turkey

December 21, 2018

Turkey could soon purchase 80 Patriot guidance-enhanced missiles and 60 other missiles from the USA after the State Department approved a possible deal worth $3.5 billion, the Pentagon confirmed Tuesday, after informing Congress. Congress has been notified of the proposed sale, aimed at boosting Ankara's air- and missile-defense capabilities. Installation of the S-400 system in Turkey is expected to begin in October 2019.

After Judge Brings Up Treason, Will Michael Flynn Be Getting Jail Time?

December 21, 2018

He can push to have Sullivan recused, cooperate more with the prosecution, or ask that Sullivan throw out his "questionable" guilty plea. Pavlich insisted that the judge "knows" that the case before him is "one of the most high-profile cases that has been in the public atmosphere in a very long time".

Nancy Pelosi 'Busy' During Speaker Paul Ryan's Farewell Address

December 21, 2018

House Speaker Paul Ryan will take questions from the press in one of his final media availabilities before leaving Congress. They met to work out a deal to pass a short-term spending bill to avoid a partial government shutdown on Friday.

British woman raped near Goa’s Palolem beach

December 21, 2018

But, as the train got delayed, she made a decision to return to the place where she was staying near the Palolem beach, he said. So she waited for two hours and left the railway station to go back to Palolem. The police arrested local resident Vikat Bhagat who admitted to raping and murdering Danielle by striking her head with a stone. The case took a dramatic twist after the railway police arrested the accused at the Margao police station on suspicion as he was wanted by the Pernem police ...

WWE already has dates booked for Saudi Arabia in 2019

December 21, 2018

The problem is that much of their report talks about the deliberate murder and persecution of journalists by oppressive governments, so throwing in people killed and injured for other reasons distorts the message they are trying to send, or helps sloppy and politicized members of the media distort it for them.

Mexico's president returns one third of salary to state treasury

December 21, 2018

Much of that amount, however, was previously committed or contingent on the identification of "commercially viable projects". Lopez Obrador said Wednesday that his government wants "the United States to also give work visas for Mexico and to increase the number of visas, and that there also be work visas for Central Americans".

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Gets Real About Self-Care, Burnout: 'It's NOT CUTE'

December 21, 2018

Ocasio-Cortez rocked New York's political establishment when she toppled longtime incumbent U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley in June's Democratic primary in a district that covers several Queens neighborhoods and a portion of the Bronx. 'As soon as everything kicked up, that all went out the window. "I went from doing yoga and making wild rice and salmon dinners to eating fast food for dinner and falling asleep in my jeans and makeup", she wrote .

Trump Justice nominee sent memo criticizing Russian Federation probe

December 21, 2018

In the memo, which was sent to the Justice Department in June, Barr said that Mueller's inquiry into obstruction was "fatally misconceived" and "grossly irresponsible", the Journal said. At the time, Attorney General Jeff Sessions was still in office, but his job security was always less than rock-solid, as the President regularly lambasted him for stepping aside from the Russian Federation investigation.

Taliban Talks on Afghanistan Prompt Indian, Russian Officials Meet in Delhi

December 21, 2018

Officials in New Delhi kept a wary eye on the two-day talks between the United States special envoy for Afghanistan , Zalmay Khalilzad, and a Taliban delegation that ended in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. Addressing an event in Kabul , Daudzai said, "Soon you will witness a team that will start work on the peace deal and peace is near; not in the coming days but in the coming months".

Trump says Defense Secretary Mattis will retire in February

December 21, 2018

Citing unidentified USA officials, the Times said Mattis tendered his resignation after he failed to convince Trump to reverse his decision on Syria during a meeting at the White House on Thursday afternoon. But in his resignation letter, Mattis said that he was departing because his views are not aligned with those of the president. The United States can not protect its interests without maintaining strong alliances and showing respect to allies, Mattis said.

Barack Obama Present Gifts To Sick Kids In Santa Claus Outfit

December 21, 2018

The former president , whose love of interacting with kids was pretty obvious throughout his time in office, brought jigsaw puzzles, toy auto sets, remote-control cars, glittery nail polish and other gifts to the Washington, D.C., hospital, The Washington Post reported.

Judge slams Flynn for 'arguably' selling out US

December 21, 2018

The tone of Tuesday's hearing startled Flynn supporters who hoped his lawyers' arguments about the FBI's conduct - they suggested he was discouraged from having a lawyer present during the interview and wasn't informed it was a crime to lie - would resonate more than it did with Sullivan, who a decade ago tossed out the prosecution of a US senator over government misconduct.

US To Send Migrants Back To Mexico To Wait Out Asylum Requests

December 21, 2018

If they are granted asylum by a US judge, they will be welcomed into America. "Those without valid claims will be deported to their home countries". The ministry said the actions taken by the Mexican and USA governments do not constitute a "safe third country" scheme, where migrants would have to request US asylum while in Mexico.

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