Worldwide / 191

Imminent Attacks? Trump Originally Ordered Soleimani's Death In June

January 14, 2020

Soleimani followed up the strike just days later by initiating an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad that forced Trump to deploy military reinforcements. In a stunning admission, Esper said in a television interview that Trump merely believed embassies were something Martyr Suleimani might want to target, but had no evidence of a specific plot.

Federal opposition divided over Iraq mission as troops remain hunkered down

January 14, 2020

President Donald) Trump's moves in Iran in the last 10 days, we now have a very unpredictable partner in Mr. Trump and the Americans. and we think that's a risky place for Canadians to be". US defense officials confirmed to VOA were no USA troops on the base. Iraq's parliament voted January 5 on a motion to expel USA troops. Military bases in Iraq hosting USA troops have been targeted by rocket and mortar attacks from Iran-backed militias in recent months.

'It is stomach-churning': Progressives' dread rises as Warren and Sanders collide

January 14, 2020

In his response, he said the comment had been made up by "staff who weren't in the room and are lying about what happened". Stephanie Taylor and Adam Green, co-founders of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, which has at times praised both Warren and Sanders, released its own statement Monday night saying they "believe that a back-and-forth about this private meeting is counter-productive for progressives".

Two Second World War bombs defused in Germany after mass evacuation

January 14, 2020

The city centre, main train station and National Football Museum were sealed off by a protective wall in order to carry out the excavation work. The incident took place after officials shut down the city's main train station and ordered thousands of people to leave their homes before they began the bomb removal operation, Deutsche Welle reported .

How this sexy tortoise saved his species

January 14, 2020

The Galapagos National Parks (PNG) service believes that 40 per cent of the current population was fathered by the promiscuous critter, who resided in the San Diego Zoo in California for several decades. "The social hierarchies and relationships of giant tortoises are very poorly known". So what is it that's made this long-necked, beady-eyed bachelor so popular? Fully stretched out, he extends to about five feet, and weighs about 176 pounds.

Democratic Socialist Ocasio-Cortez Freeloading on DCCC

January 14, 2020

Ocasio-Cortez said , "I mean, it's our future because I think the stakes are so high for us". Mike Levin and Katie Porter. Ocasio-Cortez revealed in one post , asking for name suggestions. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez angered her fellow Democrats by announcing that she would not pay fees to the Democratic Congress Campaign Committee, which is committed to electing Democrats into the house.

Grand River could flood some Kent County basements, roads

January 14, 2020

The Grand River Conservation Authority says that river flows in the northern and central sections of the watershed are receding, majority having peaked early Monday morning. The Blanchard River is expected to crest below minor flood stage tonight, but steady rains over the weekend has closed some roadways because of high water.

Labour leadership: Phillips and Nandy secure nominations

January 14, 2020

Shadow business secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey, the favourite of the left, and the backbenchers Lisa Nandy and Jess Phillips have also passed the threshold. The two frontbenchers have until 2.30pm on Monday to secure the 22 nominations from Labour MPs and MEPs they need to go forward to the next stage of the contest.

Ex-Pope Benedict undercuts Francis on priests and celibacy

January 14, 2020

Francis has said he would write a document based on the outcome of that meeting. In the book , Benedict argues that the priesthood requires "renouncing all that belongs only to us" and says it "doesn't seem possible to realize" the vocations of priesthood and marriage at the same time.

Trudeau promises justice at vigil for Iran crash victims

January 14, 2020

The country's admission came following reports that Iran was believed to have been behind the jet's downing in a likely mistake. Fifty-seven of those who died were Canadian citizens, while dozens of others were travelling to Canada. Asked how Canada would keep Iran accountable, Mendicino said the North American country would "continue to engage Iran" on the issue. Lawyers say that there are three main ways for family members to achieve financial compensation: through civil action, through ...

'Designed by clowns': Internal messages from Boeing employees released to public

January 14, 2020

Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, said "these communications suggest a troubling disregard for safety among some at Boeing and raise questions about the efficacy of FAA's oversight of the certification process".

Appeals court upholds injunction on Trump rule tying welfare to visa applications

January 14, 2020

Trump previous year relented and signed a spending bill with only $1.375 billion. The administration Friday marked the 100th mile of wall construction along the southern border, describing it as a "milestone achievement". They noted that Trump had promised repeatedly during the 2016 presidential campaign that Mexico would pay for the wall. And protracted legal battles are not the only thing slowing down construction.

OR girl dead, boy missing after being swept into ocean

January 14, 2020

ALWAYS have situational awareness". Stiles was able to get out of the water, and a Manzanita police officer was able to recover the girl to shore. NBC affiliate KGW of Portland reported that onlookers were flocking to OR beaches Saturday to see the waves and tides, but it wasn't immediately clear if the trio were drawn there by the forecast.

Iran denies plane crash cover-up

January 13, 2020

Iran's military said last Saturday that a Ukrainian commercial aircraft had been "accidentally" hit by an Iranian missile early last week, killing 176 passengers on board. He has said the goal is to force Iran to agree to a more stringent pact. "As we've seen again in previous tragedies, people, families are put to expenses they just couldn't have anticipated", Tory said.

Australian Prime Minister's approval rating scorched by forest fires

January 13, 2020

Elements to examine include the deployment of local and state emergency services, the federal government's role responding to the crisis and the impact of climate change has played, he said. The catastrophic bushfires have killed at least 26 people, destroyed more than 2,000 homes and scorched some 80,000 square kilometres - an area the size of the island of Ireland.

Maple Leaf Foods CEO blames President Trump for Iran plane crash

January 13, 2020

Without naming Trump, the head of Canada's largest meat packing company pointed the finger at "a narcissist in Washington" for destabilizing the Middle East region. They were retaliating for the USA killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani , a drastic step that triggered an instant backlash across the Middle East and put the US and Iran on a war footing.

Warren says she's "disappointed" to be targeted by Sanders campaign

January 13, 2020

But it was Warren - who has generally avoided criticizing her fellow progressive over the course of the Democratic primary - who offered the sharpest criticism of the Vermont senator, saying she was "disappointed" by a report that the Sanders' campaign is instructing its volunteers to speak negatively about her to win over undecided voters and suggesting he is too divisive to beat Trump.

Father and two young children swept away by wave on shore

January 13, 2020

Saturday on the shore of Cannon Beach when they were hit by a wave. A police officer initially found the man struggling to get out of the water, while the girl was farther offshore. Saturday. At 12:45 p.m., the tide had dropped down to 7.7 feet. Surfline reports that the water temperature at nearby Short Sands on Sunday was 48 to 50 degrees.

Iraq asks USA to set up mechanism for troop withdrawal

January 13, 2020

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington would target any Iranian decision-makers it chose if there were further attacks on U.S. interests by Iranian forces or their proxies. Southern California is home to the largest concentration of Iranians outside that country and hundreds of pro-democracy Iranian-Americans are set to meet on Saturday in a long-planned convention at which the death of Soleimani is likely to be a major topic of discussion, Sharif said.

Putin: Russians fighting in Libya do not represent the state

January 13, 2020

The contractors are recruited by a private military group known as Wagner Group whose members are mostly ex-service personnel. Putin and Merkel also backed a Libya peace conference in Berlin being organised by United Nations special envoy to Libya, Ghassan Salame, which could be held in the coming weeks.

Death toll from Niger army base attack rises to 89

January 13, 2020

The December attack spurred leaders of the G5 Sahel nations to call for closer cooperation and global support in the battle against the Islamist threat. Some US troops provide logistical support to the French anti-jihadist operation based in Mali. But he insisted the G5 leaders would demand a "respectable and respectful relationship" with France.

LHC quashes Musharraf case verdict, says special court formation 'unconstitutional'

January 13, 2020

Musharraf had challenged not only the conviction, but also the formation of the special court that handed him the death penalty for high treason, as well as the complaint filed against him by the government of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif that resulted in the trial.

Cory Booker Drops Out of Presidential Race

January 13, 2020

In an email to supporters, Mr Booker said the campaign did not have the money to continue competing, especially given that he would miss tomorrow's debate and will likely be forced off the campaign trail to serve as a juror in Mr Trump's upcoming impeachment trial in the Senate.

Asian shares at 19-month highs ahead of US-China trade deal

January 13, 2020

China's purchase of United States dollars 200 billion worth of additional American products over a period of two years is part of the "Phase One" trade deal with Beijing, the US said, as the world's two top economic powers look forward to ending their bitter two-year tariff war this week.

US Troops Killed, 2 Injured in Southern Afghanistan

January 13, 2020

Qari Yosuf Ahmadi, the Taliban spokesman, took responsibility for the attack. Both were a part of Company B, 307th Airborne Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. There are about 13,000 American troops in Afghanistan, most of whom are involved in the training and advisory mission to help the Afghan security forces in their fight against the Taliban and the Islamic State affiliate.

California sends natural disaster response experts to Puerto Rico

January 13, 2020

Governor Gavin Newsom announced the plan Saturday after a 5.9 natural disaster shook the island still recovering from a week of quakes and tremblors. More than 2,000 people remain in shelters, many fearful of returning to their homes, and others unable to because of extensive damage. Puerto Rico's electric power authority reported outages in the towns of Ponce, Lares, Adjuntas and San German after the latest quake.

Alaskan survives weeks of frigid temperatures after cabin fire

January 13, 2020

Tyson Steele was living in a remote cabin in Alaska, when he accidentally started a fire, burning his cabin to the ground and leaving himself homeless in subzero conditions. It can be negative 40 outside and if you have a candle - which I didn't - but if you do, it can be above 30 degrees. "It was just, just a scream", Mr Steele said.

Iran State Media Report Tehran Police Chief Denies Shots Targeted Protesters

January 13, 2020

Protesters often wore hoods and covered their faces, probably to avoid being recognized by surveillance cameras. "I swear on the life of my children that we [in the IRGC] have no other wish but to be torn into pieces for the sake of the security, welfare and peace of our people", he said.

Australian is 20th fatality in New Zealand volcano eruption

January 13, 2020

There was criticism in the weeks after the eruption that tourists were allowed onto the island, given the presence of an active volcano. An aerial photo shows White Island after its volcanic eruption. One is in a stable condition. Another person has died of injuries caused by the Whakaari/White Island volcanic eruption. White Island, also known by its Maori name, Whakaari, is the tip of an undersea volcano about 50 kilometres (30 miles) off New Zealand's North Island and was a popular ...

Iran protesters demand that leaders quit after plane downed

January 13, 2020

Authorities denied that police had opened fire. The US president pledged his support for the anti-government demonstrators who defied a heavy police presence as they took to the country's streets over the weekend. He sent the message soon after the State Department tweeted a meme of Donald Trump supporting the Iranian people. Trump late Sunday slapped O'Brien down, saying, 'Actually, I couldn't care less if they negotiate.

Australian bushfires: Sydney Opera House pays tribute to firefighters

January 13, 2020

The CEO of the Sydney Opera House, Louise Herron , said that everyone involved with the venue simply wanted to express their gratitude and support for those involved. "As hard circumstances continue, we want to send message of hope and strength to the people of Australia ". As well as this symbolic gesture, the Opera House is to stage an event that will raise money for the firefighting effort and fire-affected communities.

US and China set to sign "Phase One" of trade deal

January 13, 2020

Mnuchin described it as a historic transaction, saying that further talks would take place for the remaining phases. The pound dipped 0.18% to US$1.3035 after Bank of England policymaker Gertjan Vlieghe said he will vote for a cut in interest rates later this month, barring an "imminent and significant" improvement in the growth data.

York Region Catholic teachers taking job action Monday if agreement not reached

January 13, 2020

Public high school teachers have been on a work-to-rule campaign since November that includes not preparing students for the test. "These union leaders will forcefully advocate for the interests of their members - from higher wages to enhanced entitlements - however, they ought not oppose the academic aspirations of our students", said Education minister Stephen Leece.

U.S. pulling Saudi military students after shooting

January 13, 2020

The United States is planning to expel more than a dozen members of Saudi Arabia's military who are training at US military installations, multiple sources told CNN . Col. Robert Carver told Fox News. The Saudi Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment. CNN said its report was based on conversations with "multiple sources".

'Jeopardy!' clue on Church of the Nativity sparks controversy

January 13, 2020

During the episode's first round, in the category "Where's that church?" one of the clues was: "Built in the 300s A.D., the Church of the Nativity". But in fact, the Church of the Nativity, as well as Bethlehem are under control of the Palestine Authority, and have been since 1995, per the Oslo II Accords signed by Israel and Palestine.

Three dead in Louisiana as severe storm sweeps southern US

January 13, 2020

Across the central U.S. and the South , severe storms marched east, impacting the entire Mississippi River and Ohio River valleys. The states of Missouri , Oklahoma and Arkansas suffered property damage on Friday but reported no injuries.

Impeachment: Pelosi prepares to transmit articles as Trump fumes

January 13, 2020

We have defended the United States Constitution. "This phony Impeachment Hoax should not even be allowed to proceed". Pelosi said the house had always meant to send the articles to the Senate , but the three-week delay was associated with its own benefits, including the delivery of unedited emails and other information related to the case.

US Doesn’t Expect More Iranian Retaliatory Attacks, Says Pentagon Chief

January 13, 2020

Esper said Iran's paramilitary Quds Force is still a threat in the Middle East, but the specific attacks that he said were planned by Soleimani have been "disrupted". After Tapper said that it "doesn't make sense" for Trump to make the threat claim publicly on Fox News while Esper can't share what he said is " exquisite intelligence " with Congress, Esper refused to go into details of what they were briefed "partly because I wasn't there".

What next for Northern Ireland after return of power-sharing assembly?

January 13, 2020

As the plan for a new shared government came together Thursday, Democratic Unionist Party Leader Arlene Foster said , "This is not a flawless deal and there are elements within it which we recognize are the product of long negotiations and represent compromise outcomes".

Boat sinks off western Turkey, kills 11 illegal migrants

January 13, 2020

According to the Coast Guard spokesman, Nikolaos Lagadianos, the boat may have been overloaded with 50 people on board. " Three of them are being flown by helicopter to (the nearest hospital) for emergency treatment ", the statement added.

British woman who posed as a boy to lure girls jailed

January 13, 2020

Watts' fake persona featured photos and cartoon images of herself in baggy clothing, with her hair tied up and hidden under a hat or hoodie. She even won over some of the girls' parents and spent time in their homes. She said she believed Watts had continued to offend even when police were involved and said: "From my view, she has never shown any remorse to the victims".

Hong Kong denies entry to Human Rights Watch director

January 13, 2020

The group drew the ire of Beijing early last month, when in retaliation for U.S. President Donald Trump's signing of the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act , the regime announced it would sanction HRW and some other U.S. Under the terms of the handover, Hong Kong enjoys unique freedoms unseen on the mainland, but in recent years fears have increased that these liberties are being chipped away as Beijing exerts more control over the territory.

Stephen King to Grisham: Do your job

January 13, 2020

What are you afraid of Stephanie? Winslow responded on Twitter , "First, we both regularly donate to charity. Donations to charity ought to by no means include strings hooked up". Most recently, she made an appearance on the network to criticize Americans who are questioning the Trump administration's claim that there was robust intelligence supporting President Donald Trump's decision last week to order an airstrike that killed Iran's Maj.

Ukraine confirms all killed on board plane crashed in Iran

January 13, 2020

The Ukrainian nationals included two passengers and nine crew members. Canadian Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne has tweeted about the deadly plane crash in Iran, which killed 176 people, including 66 Canadians. "My honest condolences to the loved ones of all passengers and crew", Zelensky said. According to air tracking service FlightRadar24, the plane that crashed was on Flight PS 752.

Tensions High As Iranians Continue Protests Over Downing Of Ukrainian Jet

January 13, 2020

Iranian police dispersed students chanting "radical" slogans during a Saturday gathering in Tehran to honour the 176 people killed when an airliner was mistakenly shot down , Fars news agency reported. Those who decide to continue demonstrating will be mindful of the violence with which the security forces have dealt with protest movements in the past.

Severe weather kills 3 in Louisiana as storms move east

January 13, 2020

A man drowned in Oklahoma and the storms even touched the Midwest with at least one death on an icy highway in Iowa. The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed that three people were killed in Pickens County, Alabama . Impacts will likely be more severe in Alabama , according to the agency. Entergy Corporation, said its subsidiaries serving Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas and MS had more than 30,000 customers without power Sunday morning, most in MS and Arkansas.

Facebook to remove pro-Soleimani posts on Instagram

January 12, 2020

Instagram has confirmed that they have been removing posts that voice support for Qassem Soleimani, with a Facebook spokesperson claiming that censorship is fully justified in order to comply with U.S. According to a Sunday report by NBC News , Israeli intelligence played a role in the USA drone strike during which Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani was killed .

Ethiopians puzzled as Trump claims hand in Nobel Peace Prize

January 12, 2020

Who was he talking about? . Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has called on South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa to intervene in Ethiopia's dispute with Egypt over a giant dam project Addis Ababa is building on the Nile. Some said his talk of a deal must have referred to the new peace with Eritrea. Eritrea was part of Ethiopia until it seceded in 1993, and then fought a bloody war to retain its independence that began in 1998 and resulted in at least 80,000 deaths.

Iran’s only female Olympic medalist quits country

January 12, 2020

The Olympian's announcement came just a day after Iranian officials admitted to downing a Ukrainian passenger plane, killing 176 people minutes after takeoff from Tehran's worldwide airport early Wednesday due to "human error", thinking it was a military aircraft.

Defense Secretary: Iran's Soleimani Was 'Probably' Planning Embassy Attacks

January 12, 2020

White House National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien also defended the strike, saying the Iranian regime is "having a very bad week" and that the USA would continue a "maximum pressure campaign" against the regime on ABC's "This Week". In an interview with Fox News's Laura Ingraham, Trump said: "I can reveal that I believe it would've been four embassies ". "I'm sure there was a mention of at least one embassy in that briefing, because there had been an attack on one of our embassies in the ...

Information