Worldwide / 217

Hurricane Dorian: The destruction of the Abaco Islands

September 05, 2019

Part of the Abaco Islands were damaged by Hurricane Dorian, as seen on Tuesday in the Bahamas. The storm, which has been downloaded to a Category 2 hurricane, may strike parts of Flordia and Georgia this week. In this handout aerial photo provided by the Head Knowles Foundation, damage is seen from Hurricane Dorian on Abaco Island on September 3, 2019 in the Bahamas.

Johnson seeks election as United Kingdom lawmakers deal him another blow

September 05, 2019

The Labour Party had said it would not agree to an election until a law is in place to stop a no-deal Brexit . Lawmakers voted 328 to 301 to take control of parliamentary business in order to debate a bill on Wednesday that would prevent Johnson from taking the United Kingdom out of the European Union without a withdrawal agreement on October 31.

Bill to block no-deal Brexit passes first stage in UK Parliament

September 05, 2019

The bill would require the government to ask the European Union to delay Brexit until January 31, 2020, if it can't secure a deal with the bloc by late October. The Labour leader repeatedly called for details of the PM's negotiating plan with the European Union - he didn't get any. He also appeared to shout at Corbyn that he was a "great big girl's blouse" - a coward - over his decision to back an election only when a no-deal Brexit was off the agenda.

Hong Kong's Carrie Lam announces formal withdrawal of controversial extradition bill

September 05, 2019

Most of China's biggest firms, from state-owned Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, to private firms like Tencent Holdings, have listed in Hong Kong , often as a springboard to global expansion. And they aren't asking for independence from China. Where are Hong Kong protestors turning their attention to next? Foreign governments have also criticized the new law.

Italian PM Conte forms new coalition government

September 05, 2019

At least based on first-day indications, Noriega was right. Milan's stock exchange index rose by 1.64%. The spread between Italy's bond yields and those of rock-solid Germany also narrowed to 146 from 158, indicating investor confidence over the political outlook.

MP Soames to lose Tory whip after rebelling over no-deal Brexit

September 05, 2019

Boris Johnson may have to boot out the grandson of his hero Winston Churchill from the parliamentary Conservative party after the MP indicated he would vote against the government. "There's no way that Brussels is going to remove the backstop so if you want a deal you take the Withdrawal Agreement which was Theresa May's deal".

Rescuers preparing to go into hard-hit areas of Bahamas after historic destruction

September 05, 2019

While its winds had diminished to a category two storm, Dorian expanded in size and picked up speed on Tuesday (local time). The storm finally moved into open waters before moving northwest, and by Wednesday morning it was moving parallel to the northeastern coast of Florida with winds of 105 miles per hour (169 kph).

Russia Annual Summit kicks off in Vladivostok, Several agreements inked

September 05, 2019

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Russia Wednesday on a two-day visit during which he will hold summit talks with President Vladimir Putin and attend the Eastern Economic Forum . At present, India relies heavily on the Gulf region for its energy requirement. India and Russian Federation agreed to consider the prospects for expanding cooperation in hydro and thermal power, energy efficiency as well as for designing and constructing facilities that generate energy from ...

American woman held at Manila airport after baby found in luggage

September 04, 2019

An American woman is in custody in the Philippines after she allegedly tried to fly out of the country with a baby in her hand luggage, local authorities said. The suspect was to board her flight to the US when she failed to present the infant's travel documents, a spokesman for the Bureau of Immigration, Melvin Mabulac, said.

Chanel Miller comes forward as victim in Brock Turner sex assault case

September 04, 2019

She was sexually assaulted by Turner when she was 22 years old after a frat party at Stanford University in January 2015. Despite her anonymity during Turner's trial, Miller made headlines after BuzzFeed published the statement she read to Turner at the sentencing hearing , which was also read aloud on CNN and on the floor of the House of Representatives .

Boris Johnson faces calls to apologise for Muslim 'letterbox' comments

September 04, 2019

If you say that it is weird and bullying to expect women to cover their faces, then I totally agree - and I would add that I can find no scriptural authority for the practice in the Koran. Johnson's estranged wife Marina is of Sikh origin. Johnson said in his response: "I speak as somebody who is proud not only to have Muslim ancestors, but to be related to Sikhs like him".

Israel's Netanyahu renews pledge to annex West Bank settlements

September 04, 2019

Cooperation between Ethiopia and Israel exceeds bilateral relationship to reach regional and worldwide issues, he stressed, adding that his country will work through a dynamic partnership to promote regional and global peace and security. He is facing potential corruption charges in the months ahead on allegations of fraud, bribery and breach of trust. "I congratulate you because I frankly do the same here, and we are seeing results on the ground", Netanyahu added.

Vegan woman sues neighbors over smells from backyard BBQ

September 04, 2019

A frustrated vegan has filed a lawsuit against her neighbours for braaiing in their back yards. But to others, such as vegan masseuse Cilla Carden of Perth, Australia , it's simply too much to bear. Recently taking them to the Supreme Court!" Carden said she's "a good person". She proceeded to file a 600-page document detailing her appeal, The West Australian reported , saying that she intends to keep fighting the battle.

Woman boards flight with miniature support horse, surprises people

September 04, 2019

Even airports across the USA have tried out employing miniature horses to help flyers ease their travel stress. I love that Flirty is your service animal. Ms Hensley shared some of them on her Instagram account . Not all the criticism of Flirty was negative, as one lady wrote, "I think it's great that Flirty was welcomed on your flight".

Brexit turmoil continues as lawmakers defy UK's Johnson

September 04, 2019

The European Commission still considers Prime Minister Boris Johnson as its most senior negotiating partner in discussions to avoid a no-deal Brexit , the EU's executive had said earlier today following the British leader's defeat in parliament.

Woman impersonated 21-year-old daughter during traffic stop to avoid arrest

September 04, 2019

Heather Garcia was driving a silver BMW when she was pulled over on Main Street in the town of Farmington in Utah after a Davis County police officer noticed that her auto was missing a license plate. During a search of her vehicle, police recovered drug paraphernalia and a white powdery substance. The mother was charged with providing false personal information to an officer, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving with a suspended or revoked ...

The World's Most Liveable Cities List Is Out

September 04, 2019

The index ranks 140 cities on stability, healthcare, education, infrastructure, culture and environment, giving each city a rating out of 100. Mumbai's rank also fell in this year's index by two places, as a result of a downgrade in its culture category.

The Best Jacob Rees-Mogg Slouching Memes

September 04, 2019

But the North East Somerset MP may have bitten off more than he could chew when he took aim at Sir Oliver Letwin, one of the revolt's ringleaders, accusing him of "stunning ignorance" for claiming the bid to take control over the Commons timetable was in line with constitutional precedent.

Rebel parliamentary alliance to attempt to block a no-deal Brexit

September 04, 2019

That vote resulted in three years of nonstop political turmoil-so far-in the UK. The rise was driven by MPs voting to defy Boris Johnson to put a proposal delaying Britain's exit from the European Union beyond October on Parliament's agenda.

UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson loses majority in Parliament

September 04, 2019

After the vote, Downing Street said those Tory MPs who rebelled would have the whip removed, effectively expelling them from the parliamentary party. In 2018, Lee quit a ministerial position to fight Brexit. Johnson told rebel MPs on Tuesday that a delay to Brexit would be an "extinction-level event", a government spokesman said.

Sweet! Twin panda cubs born in Berlin

September 04, 2019

The first panda was born at 6:54 p.m. and approximately one hour later, the second baby was born. The twins weigh 136g and 186g respectively, and their genders have not yet been announced. Animal keepers, veterinarians, biologists and rearing experts observed the panda mum around the clock. The zoo says for now new panda family will be staying behind the scenes and will not be on view to zoo visitors until further notice.

ICT min. reacts to U.S. new sanctions on Iran's space program

September 04, 2019

Following the explosion, President Donald Trump tweeted a surveillance image depicting the apparent aftermath of the incident and declared that the USA had nothing to do with what transpired at the launch site. The US has warned Iran against rocket launches, fearing the technology used to put satellites in orbit could help it develop the ballistic missile capability needed to launch nuclear warheads, though Tehran denies its activity is a cover for such development.

American Air pulls MAX from schedule through early December

September 04, 2019

The airline said September 1, that it is extending cancellations for Max flights through December 3. How this will ultimately impact their stock remains to be seen (though it did drop 2.66% today), but it's not likely to help their numbers any.

Brexit rebels seize control after defeating Boris Johnson

September 04, 2019

However, he wants to change the terms agreed by his predecessor, Theresa May, which were rejected three times by the British parliament. On a day of high drama, an Edinburgh court also heard a legal challenge against Johnson's decision to suspend parliament next week for more than a month, which critics said was a bid to silence MPs.

New pup joins Larry the cat at Downing Street READ MORE

September 04, 2019

While Mr Johnson, 55, prepared to speak to the nation about Brexit this afternoon, Ms Symonds was catching the public eye for other reasons. A 15-week-old puppy was seen arriving at Downing Street today, with its little face seen through the red mesh of the dog carrier.

Hong Kong protests explained

September 04, 2019

The bill allowing Hong Kong residents to be sent to mainland China for trials sparked the massive protests that have rocked the city since June. Meanwhile, the largest commercial news websites in China published stories featuring the slogan "Heart to Heart, Loving Hong Kong " as the government attempts to minimise hostilities between the mainland and Hong Kong .

Hurricane Dorian strengthens to Category 4 storm - U.S. forecaster

September 04, 2019

Earlier in the week, Dorian pushed past the Puerto Rico and the US Virgin and British Islands, sparring the area from its worst effects. As of 2 p.m. On Friday afternoon, the Bahamas Meteorology Department issued an alert on Dorian that warned the center of the storm "will move near or over the northwest part of the island on Sunday".

Pentagon approves military construction cash for Trump's border wall

September 04, 2019

Of that, about $1.8 billion would be taken from military projects overseas, while the other half would come from projects in the continental US and territories, according to one of the congressional officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the announcement was not public.

Five killed in New Zealand as bus with Chinese tourists rolls over

September 04, 2019

The Rotorua Post newspaper reported six people were feared dead. An official at the Chinese embassy in Wellington told Reuters it was working with police to identify the victims. "We've got to do this meticulously carefully and with respect for those that have lost their lives". Emergency services remain at the scene. "The road is closed, and diversions will be in place".

Hong Kong police target commuters with batons

September 04, 2019

Tung Chung MTR Station and part of the Tung Chung subway line were shut down after the station became crowded with thousands of protesters, journalists and police later in the afternoon, with some protesters smashing windows in the station control room, and police ordering journalists to leave, live video streams showed.

Deadly Hurricane Dorian pounds Bahamas, 5 dead

September 04, 2019

Practically parking over a portion of the Bahamas for a day and a half, Dorian pounded the northern Abaco Islands and Grand Bahama with winds up to 295kmh and torrential rain before finally moving into open waters Tuesday on a course for Florida.

United Kingdom launches 'get ready for Brexit' campaign

September 04, 2019

Government research shows that only 50% of the population think it's likely the United Kingdom will leave the European Union on 31st October, 42% of SMEs are unsure of how they can get ready, and just 31% of the British public have looked for information on how to prepare for Brexit.

Monster Storm Dorian Slows to a Crawl Over the Bahamas

September 04, 2019

The hurricane will then move "dangerously close" to Florida late tonight through Wednesday evening and then very close to the Georgia and SC coasts on Wednesday night and Thursday, the hurricane center said. The hurricane center said that may not happen until Tuesday. The current forecast predicts a close shave and near-miss for Florida. The National Hurricane Center downgraded the storm to a Category 4 late Monday morning.

A Conservative MP's defection just cost Boris Johnson his parliamentary majority

September 04, 2019

Under a 2011 law, the prime minister needs a two-thirds majority to secure a snap election, although it is possible that the government might try to legislate to set that provision aside, a move that would mean it needs only a simply majority.

Tory rebels ready to stand their ground against ‘hypocrite’ Boris Johnson

September 04, 2019

And in a massive blow for the Prime Minister his Conservative constituency appeared to back him as they voted to make him their candidate for the next election in defiance of Johnson's threats. Leading Tory rebels including the former Justice Secretary David Gauke were called to meet Mr Johnson yesterday afternoon in a last-ditch attempt to prevent a defeat, but reports suggest the encounter was an angry one in which the Prime Minister accused them of "handing power over to a junta that ...

Palestinian student previously denied entry into United States now at Harvard University

September 04, 2019

U.S. authorities have not explained why he was previously barred, with the Customs and Border Protection agency only saying that he was "deemed inadmissible" during the airport check. "After the five hours ended, she called me into a room, and she started screaming at me". Ajjawi wrote , "I responded that I have no business with such posts and that I didn't like, (s) hare or comment on them and told her that I shouldn't be held responsible for what others post".

British parliament poised to consider bill to stop no-deal Brexit

September 04, 2019

At least 14 members of Johnson's own Conservative Party have indicated that they will vote with opposition Labour Party members to get the bill passed, according to Sky News. Some held smoke-bombs as they shouted their messages. Lawmakers went from having five weeks, to having only about two, including this week. The debate Tuesday night was generated by Conservative rebel MP Oliver Letwin who said it would provide the government with the time to seek to solve the Brexit problem and ...

Trump to London Mayor: 'Stay Out of Our Business'

September 04, 2019

Suggesting Mayor Khan had extra essential native points to fret about than his sports activities routines, the President continued: "Khan should focus on " knife crime ", which is completely uncontrolled in London". Former President Barack Obama did usually spend his Christmas vacations in his home state of Hawaii but did not fly there just to golf. Today's remarks are just the latest in an ongoing row between the pair that began in 2015 when Mr Khan criticised Mr Trump's presidential ...

Downing Street dog moves in with UK prime minister

September 04, 2019

The couple have brought a new addition to Downing Street, and fans can't get enough of how cute he is. Confirmation that Downing Street is going to the dogs... "We launched Lucy's Law a year after her passing as a tribute to her and all the breeding dogs that are hidden from the public". 'The Prime Minister has always been a passionate supporter of animal welfare and has always believed that animals should always get the right start in life.

Conservatives lose majority as Phillip Lee joins Lib Dems

September 04, 2019

He commented: "I am dismayed at what the Conservative Party has become, the role that it has played in feeding division and populism, in squandering a hard-won reputation for sound stewardship, and the blinkered direction in which it has set our country".

Prince Harry defends use of private jets after launching sustainable travel scheme

September 04, 2019

Elton ended: "I highly respect and applaud both Harry and Meghan's commitment to charity and I'm calling on the press to cease these relentless and untrue assassinations on their character that are spuriously crafted on an nearly daily basis".

Pakistan will not use nuclear weapons first: Imran Khan

September 04, 2019

Tensions are running high in South Asia since India illegally annexed occupied Kashmir on August 5, sparking a strong reaction from Pakistan. However, Pakistan Foreign Office said Khan's comments were being taken out of context and did not represent a change in Islamabad's nuclear policy.

Opponents of no-deal Brexit defeat British PM Boris Johnson in parliament

September 04, 2019

Without an election. I don't want an election . The pound sterling hit multi-year lows against the dollar on Tuesday amid fears of a no-deal Brexit but rebounded after Johnson lost his working parliamentary majority. Former Cabinet minister Justine Greening pre-empted promised punishment from Number 10 for Tory rebels who side with the opposition as she said she will not stand as a Conservative candidate again.

U.S. and Poland Ink 5G Security Agreement Amid Anti-Huawei Campaign

September 04, 2019

Washington and Warsaw, among others, oppose the pipeline, fearing it will increase Europe's reliance on Russian energy supplies which Moscow could then use to exert political pressure. The agreement endorses the principles developed by cybersecurity officials from dozens of countries at a summit in Prague earlier this year to counter threats and ensure the safety of next-generation mobile networks.

Tropical Storm Fernand forms in western Gulf of Mexico

September 03, 2019

Please see the latest forecast for Dorian issued by the National Hurricane Center . Hurricane season runs from June through November. The disturbance has maximum sustained winds near 35 miles per hour with higher gusts. Landfall is expected Wednesday night somewhere between El Americano and La Pesca in Mexico. According to an update at 7am CDT (1pm BST), the barrelling storm is now moving westwards at 7mph with maximum sustained winds of 35mph.

Saudi-led airstrikes on Yemen prison kill at least 50: Houthi statement

September 03, 2019

The joint forces of the Arab coalition on Tuesday morning intercepted and shot down a drone launched by the Iranian-backed Houthi militia from the governorate of Amran in Yemen towards Saudi Arabia, reported the Saudi Press Agency, SPA. The prospect of starvation has created what the United Nations describes as the world's biggest humanitarian crisis, where 24 million people rely on aid.

Amy-Lee de Jager reunited with her family after kidnapping

September 03, 2019

But Jager was suddenly found about 2 a.m. Tuesday on a street corner where the alleged kidnappers dropped her off, her aunt, Louise Horn, told the paper. "She is in a lot of pain, they injured her hip and shoulder". De Jager was kidnapped by four men in Gauteng at around 07:40am on Monday. Zandelee Brouwer, Amy-Lee's aunt, shared: "Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you".

Indonesia Limits Access for Foreigners to Papua and West Papua

September 03, 2019

Six people were reportedly killed during the attack but police have so far denied the claim. Six are believed to have died in the Deiyai area of West Papua last week and a Papuan student was shot dead during a raid on a student dormitory yesterday.

Furious vegan demands neighbours stop cooking meat on barbecue

September 03, 2019

Her request to appeal the decision was refused by officials, but Carden said she will continue the battle. A tribunal, and the state's highest court , rejected her claims as unreasonable and lacking in evidence. She says she hasn't been able to sleep and just wants to live her life in peace. The neighbour, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: "Carden's demands were proven to be not reasonable and indeed were to the detriment of the other owners' ability to enjoy their lots in a ...

Hong Kong's Lam says she's never asked Beijing's permission to resign

September 03, 2019

The union confederation also promotes the Hong Kong parochialism and rejects any turn to the working class throughout China , which also confronts attacks on its democratic and social rights by the Chinese Communist Party regime in Beijing.

Information