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Trump Withdrawal Plans Opposed By GOP-led Senate

February 01, 2019

Speaking on the amendment's language on US involvement in Afghanistan , libertarian Republican Senator Rand Paul tweeted that "It is ludicrous to call withdrawal after 17 years 'precipitous.'" On the other side of the aisle, Democratic Senators Cory Booker, Kirsten Gillibrand, Kamala Harris, Amy Klobuchar, Jeff Merkley and Elizabeth Warren all voted no.

Border officials report biggest fentanyl bust ever

February 01, 2019

They extracted from it a hundred packages of fentanyl, most in powder form, but ten in pre-pressed pill form , likely to be distributed as counterfeit pharmaceuticals. The seizure, he said, had prevented an immeasurable number of doses of the drug "that could have harmed so many families". Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and 30 to 50 times more potent than heroin.

Jury awards Sen. Rand Paul almost $600,000 after yard debris assault case

February 01, 2019

The suspect´s attorney Matt Baker issued a statement to WKU Public Radio saying the dispute was "trivial" and in no way politically motivated. An explosion burned his face, neck and arms, and Boucher said he was still in severe pain when he attacked Paul the next day.

Snow to hit London tonight as Southeastern warns of busier peak trains

February 01, 2019

Southern England and Wales bared the full force of the arctic blast with 5cm recorded in Sennybridge, south Wales. Later in the evening the winds are likely to turn to the southwest which will push milder weather across the island turning any falling snow back to rain and leading to a rapid thaw of lying snow.

Pelosi takes hard line against wall money in funding bill

February 01, 2019

Upon entering the room full of reporters, she said , "Full house". The White House is clearly preparing for that exigency: a Politico report from Thursday morning indicates that the White House is already drafting "a potential national emergency declaration to secure President Donald Trump's border wall, even as lawmakers are trying to broker an immigration deal that could avert another shutdown in just over two weeks".

Facebook to launch transparency tools for electoral ads in India

January 31, 2019

In a draft charter proposal, Facebook will select inaugural members for three-year terms, but they will independently decide on future membership. Details about the board's makeup and appeals process will be finalised after a series of workshops over the next six months, wrote Nick Clegg , Facebook's recently appointed head of global affairs, in a blog post introducing the charter.

European Union nations launch mechanism to trade with Iran

January 31, 2019

Such supplies, including medicines and foodstuffs, are not supposed to be subject to USA sanctions. Eventually, the plan is for the vehicle to expand to allow European firms to trade more freely with Iran in a range of goods, including those subject to U.S.

U.S. intel chiefs at odds with Trump foreign policy claims

January 31, 2019

The Islamic State group maintains a force of thousands of fighters who pose a potent threat in the Middle East as its leaders continue to encourage attacks on the West, a top US intelligence official said on Tuesday. In December 2018, Trump declared victory over Daesh in Syria and announced the withdrawal of American troops now deployed in the country. The stark warning by Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats came even as acting Pentagon chief Patrick Shanahan announced that I.S.

Trump and Putin 'had private meeting at G20 with no aides present'

January 31, 2019

The report added that no White House staff were present. The White House had previously acknowledged that both leaders met for an "informal" talk but didn't disclose that Trump had no official member of his team present. The unusually secretive way in which Mr Trump has handled meetings with Mr Putin has left his own administration guessing at their content and raised concerns among lawmakers.

Back to work: Washington state national parks partially reopen following shutdown

January 31, 2019

Over 2 million visitors from across the USA and the world visit these parks to see the world's largest trees (by volume), grand mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, the highest point in the lower 48 states, and more. "We welcome our friends at the National Park Service back to their jobs today and offer our full partnership and support in jointly tackling the important work ahead".

Iran denies any intention of boosting range of missiles

January 31, 2019

US President Donald Trump cited Iran's missile programme as one of the reasons why he pulled Washington out of a landmark 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and major powers past year. "You'll see in a handful of days the Iranians intend to launch a space launch vehicle", said U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo , quoted by the Free Beacon , in Abu Dhabi during a recent trip across the region.

Guilty pleas, indictments abound in Trump-Russia probe

January 31, 2019

At around the same time 1,000 miles away, federal agents appeared at the Fitzgerald, a seven-story building in Harlem, New York, where Stone has shared an apartment with Kristin Davis, the so-called Manhattan Madam who is Stone's friend and business partner.

Pope lowers expectations for next month's sex abuse summit

January 31, 2019

Francis, who removed McCarrick as a cardinal when the allegations of abusing a minor were lodged, is expected to soon decide whether to defrock him. Pope Francis also denounced the bombing of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo, Philippines on Sunday.

United States starts returning asylum seekers to Mexico to await court dates

January 31, 2019

United States authorities on Tuesday started returning people to Mexico after they had lodged their asylum applications, a first under President Donald Trump's controversial "Remain in Mexico" policy . A sharp increase in Central American families seeking asylum in the USA led to the Trump administration's dramatic move, and limiting families would diminish the impact.

Trump turns on Fox News over border fight coverage

January 31, 2019

CNN's Joe Lockhart said he wasn't at all surprised by Pirro and Hannity's decision to stick with Trump given that they're "creations of the Fox News marketing department". In December, Kilmeade scrutinized Trump's decision to withdraw US troops from Syria, saying it would be a "big win" for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Purported hackers stole evidence to tarnish Mueller probe

January 31, 2019

The companies named in the indictment included the Internet Research Agency (IRA), known for its trolling on social media, Concord Management and Consulting LLC, which is said to have provided financial backing for the operation, and Concord Catering.

Tornado kills 3 and injures scores in Cuba

January 31, 2019

The Cuba's capital was hit by a tornado and heavy rain leaving trees toppled down, bent power poles flinging shards of metal roofing through the air. President Miguel Diaz-Canel tweeted that three people had been killed and more than 170 injured as he toured one of the hardest-hit districts, confirming photos and videos of the damage posted on social media.

Trump said firing Flynn would end 'Russia thing,' Christie writes

January 31, 2019

The former New Jersey Governor soon after said, "The president blew it". After dropping out of the Republican presidential primary, Christie was the first major figure to endorse Trump's candidacy - but asked by Colbert if he'd have made a better president, the former governor replied simply: 'Yes'.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Right-Wing Fan Club Is Growing

January 30, 2019

The self-proclaimed Democrat-socialist unseated a well established Democrat in a shocking primary upset past year. "Everybody knows someone in their life that is already an fantastic public servant - nominate that unbelievable public servant to take their service to the halls of Congress", she encouraged.

US pushes UN Security Council to back Venezuela's Guaido

January 30, 2019

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump recognized the opposition leader and head of Venezuela's parliament as the interim president. The United States yesterday signaled it was ready to step up economic measures to try to drive Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power as some USA diplomats left the embassy in Caracas and Russian Federation vowed to back its socialist South American ally.

Taoiseach to speak to British PM following Commons vote

January 30, 2019

The Irish Government has said the UK's Brexit Withdrawal Agreement is not open for re-negotiation. MPs voted by 317 to 301 in favour of the motion put forward by the chairman of the 1922 committee. Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary Tony Lloyd called on the Government to "abandon the attempts to placate those pro no-deal Brexit people who are on their side and move towards a customs union".

British PM promises new European Union talks in bid to salvage Brexit deal

January 30, 2019

But Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the prime minister was in denial about the level of opposition to her deal . Theresa May did have one surprise up her sleeve - she waived the £65 fee that European Union nationals were due to be charged to obtain settled status after Brexit.

Killed, 111 Wounded in ISIS Bombing at Catholic Cathedral

January 30, 2019

Think your friends would be interested? "The enemies of the state have boldly challenged the capability of the government to secure the safety of the citizenry in that region", said Mr Salvador Panelo, spokesman for Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

Snow causes major transport disruption across Scotland

January 30, 2019

Matt Taylor has more on how severe weather could impact the United Kingdom on Wednesday. A storm system sweeping across the Atlantic Ocean towards the United Kingdom is forecast to collide with freezing polar air, producing flurries of heavy snow in parts of Wales and England.

Nationwide status yellow snow-ice warning issued

January 30, 2019

A band of rain will move in from the Atlantic on Tuesday, which will collide with icy air over the United Kingdom and result in flurries of snow. Temperatures are expected to 0 °C overnight on Tuesday, dipping to -3 ° in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Classes canceled Tuesday for Madison Schools

January 30, 2019

Dr. Robert Sigrist, the Director of Student Services at the school district says that the decision to close for cold weather or for snow is always a hard one. As a general rule, if your student could get frostbite by standing outside for ten minutes, school would likely be canceled, but the schools reserve the right to make those decisions at less severe temperatures as well.

Palestinian Government Submits Resignation

January 30, 2019

Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah offered to resign on Monday, his spokesman said, amid efforts by President Mahmoud Abbas to form a new government. "Anyone who obstructs it, he will be obstructing the Palestinians, the PLO and the Palestinian state". It said Abbas, 83, saw a new government as a step towards parliamentary elections, which have not been held since 2006 due to the political schism.

Spy Chief Contradicts Trump's Claims of Progress With North Korea

January 30, 2019

USA responses could include exemptions from sanctions for inter-Korean business and opening a liaison office, Seoul officials said. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered for preparations to be made for a second summit meeting with United States President Donald Trump , saying he will "wait with patience and in good faith" to work toward a common goal, North Korea's state media reported.

Boy calls 911 to get help with homework

January 30, 2019

Antonia: 'What happened at school that made you have a bad day?' "I'm sorry for calling you, but I really needed help", he said. The boy, whose identity is not known, told Ms Bundy that he had maths homework he was struggling with. "He didn't sound like he was in good spirits", said Bundy . "Is there a problem I can help you with?" Bundy asked when the boy told her why he was calling.

Young Mom Who Died After Falling Down NYC Subway Stairs

January 30, 2019

Goodson was pronounced dead at the scene. Until the city's medical examiner conducts an autopsy, officials can not say whether Goodson died from the fall or suffered a medical condition. While New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said the transit agency " must make accessibility a priority ", only he has the ability to fund it. The New York Times reports only a quarter of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's stations have elevators.

"Don't Help Elect Trump": Ex-Starbucks CEO, Eyeing White House, Heckled

January 30, 2019

Several Democrats have expressed concern over Schultz's potential third-party presidential campaign , including Castro. Heckler yells at Howard Schultz: "Don't help elect Trump, you egotistical billionaire asshole!" According to Forbes , Schultz has a net worth of $3.4 billion.

Stacey Abrams to Deliver Democrat Response to Trump's State of the Union

January 30, 2019

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y., told reporters on Capitol Hill that he contacted Abrams three weeks ago and that she has agreed to give the high-profile rebuttal to Trump's address to Congress . She contested his win for more than a week - arguing that voters in Georgia were disenfranchised and that Kemp should not have been allowed to continue serving as Georgia's secretary of state while running for the top office.

These Are The Most And The Least Corrupted Countries In The World

January 30, 2019

Ukraine's score is better only than that of Russian Federation. "With almost every country [in Eastern Europe and Central Asia] scoring 45 or less out of 100, there has been very little progress in combatting corruption", the report said.

Trump Campaign to Sue Former WH Staffer For Violating Non-Disclosure Agreement

January 30, 2019

A former Trump campaign communications adviser, Sims, 34, went on to serve as special assistant to the president and director of White House message strategy before leaving the post a year ago. The term gofer, while not explicitly explained by Trump, often refers to a lower-level staffer who is responsible for running menial errands for a superior.

Gender equality awards presented in UAE - but where are the women?

January 29, 2019

The Dubai government press office did not respond to requests for comment on Monday, but it tweeted that "gender balance has become a pillar in our governmental institutions". The UAE's Gender Balance Council, led by Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, was formed in 2015 with the objective of empowering UAE women and helping them to achieve their goals.

Toronto landscaper to plead guilty to eight counts of murder

January 29, 2019

The plea comes slightly more than a year after police arrested McArthur last January 18 on two initial counts of first-degree murder, and precisely a year after the force upped the murder charges against him to five. The cases were eerily similar to the disappearances of three gay men who frequented the Church-Wellesley Village - Skandaraj Navaratnam, Abdulbasir Faizi and Majeed Kayhan - between 2010 and 2012.

3-year-old boy lost in woods says bear kept him company

January 29, 2019

His family searched for him for 45 minutes before calling 911, Hughes said . The boy "didn't really get into. how he was able to survive", though he did mention "having a friend in the woods who was a bear", the sheriff added, without commenting further on that scenario.

Not Safe Yet: Pakistan's Supreme Court Reconsiders Decision to Free Asia Bibi

January 29, 2019

The country's new chief justice says the request to review her acquittal was rejected on merit. The supreme court demolished the case against Mrs Bibi in October, complaining of flimsy evidence, contradictory testimony by her accusers and irregularities in the prosecution.

These five industries will get slammed by a no-deal Brexit

January 29, 2019

After five leading business organisations said they are "watching in horror" at Westminster politics preventing progress on Brexit, Airbus chief executive Tom Enders said on Thursday it is a "disgrace" that companies are still unable to plan ahead.

Weather Forecaster Warns Of "Snow Bomb" Hitting UK This Week

January 29, 2019

A snow and ice warning has been issued for the whole of Devon and Cornwall with the Met Office saying rain will turn to snow and then ice across the region. Temperatures fell as low as minus 7C (19F) in the Highlands overnight, while the capital was at just about freezing as large parts of the country woke up to frost.

Suspect nabbed in brazen art theft from museum

January 29, 2019

The suspect, a 31-year-old male, was arrested just hours after the theft in Zarechye, southwestern Moscow, the Interior Ministry said in a statement on its website . The masterpiece had been brought from St. Petersburg's Russian Museum to be displayed at the exhibition of Kuindzhi's works. "For us Muscovites this is shameful", said visitor Ludmila Gavrina, adding that "something needs to change".

Five cops wounded, two suspects killed in Texas shootout

January 29, 2019

A separate shooting has been reported in southeast Houston involving police officers. One of the officers was taken by LifeFlight helicopter crews. I hope the families of the victims take comfort in the knowledge that everyone in our community is praying for speedy and complete recovery of each of the officers wounded in this tragedy .

NY woman trapped in elevator rescued by FDNY after three days

January 29, 2019

The woman, who has not yet been publicly identified, was cleaning a private townhouse at 48 East 65th Street when she became trapped in the building's elevator between the second and third floors, WABC reported. She's reportedly in good condition. A city buildings inspector who was on the scene today to inspect the elevator added that, "most likely, it will be [another] violation".

Mueller’s investigation ‘close to being completed,’ acting AG says

January 29, 2019

At his Senate confirmation hearing this month , Barr - first appointed to the post by President George H.W. Bush - called his longtime friend Mueller a " straight shooter " and said he didn't believe the special counsel was leading a "witch hunt", as Trump has called the probe.

Snow remaining likely for Tuesday morning

January 29, 2019

Cold air will hang over New England on Monday and winds will usher in wintry precipitation that will threaten the area through midweek, the National Weather Service reported. However, most of the lower Hudson Valley will change to all rain during the day as temperatures warm to around 40 degrees. Saturday: Partly sunny.

Brexit: Government supports amendment for 'backstop alternative'

January 28, 2019

The diplomat said some of the problems caused by opposition to the so-called "Irish backstop" - created to keep open the EU-UK land border on the island of Ireland - by changing some of its demands on post-Brexit trade. 'They would want to be reassured about that at the end of the extension there will be clarity, ' she said. Openreach is the latest out of a long line of companies from various industries that have warned that they are stockpiling goods and equipment in case Britain crashes ...

Tesco confirms 9,000 jobs at risk as supermarket breaks silence

January 28, 2019

Britain's largest retailer said today that 90 counters will be closed and 9,000 jobs will be impacted by the latest twist in Dave Lewis's turnaround plan for the retailer, amid what it warned was a "challenging" market. Some third-party caterers are at risk as the grocer swaps hot food services in its staff rooms for self-service kitchens. It rebounded into annual net profit past year on strong sales and restructuring following a net loss of 40 million pounds in 2016/2017, when it was hurt ...

Government Shutdown Cost U.S. Economy $3 Billion: CBO Report

January 28, 2019

The Congressional Budget Office Report predicts a United States dollars 118 billion increase over last year's USD 779 billion deficit. According to the CBO's report , the GDP was down by a total of $11 billion due to the shutdown but was expected to recover $8 billion later in the year - meaning $3 billion would never be recovered.

Man clings to hood of speeding SUV during road rage incident

January 28, 2019

Though Fitzgerald pushed his small SUV up to speeds as high as 70 miles per hour during the incident, no one was injured. Kamrowski's attorney told the court that his client had to jump on the auto to avoid being run over. "Stop the f**king vehicle, man", the individual says. In video obtained by WBZ, the unidentified man said he had a license to carry a firearm. An armed bystander walked to the driver's side window and drew a gun on Fitzgerald which helped focus his mind on the unfolding ...

Australia Day: Invasion Day protests in Melbourne

January 28, 2019

Known to Aboriginal people as " Invasion Day ", January 26 signifies the day on which Australia was officially colonised in 1788, and has been a national day of celebration and a public holiday since 1994. "I'm proud, I'm proud we've all come together like this", she said. In the capital Canberra, the Invasion Day march is hosted by the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, a semi-permanent camp set up in 1972 on the lawn opposite Old Parliament House in Canberra.

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