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Ukrainian soldiers killed as tensions flare in Donbass

February 18, 2020

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a statement the attack was an attempt to derail efforts at the peace process. It said the group had stumbled into a minefield which had left two Ukrainian soldiers dead and three others injured.

Donald Trump Commutes Democrat Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s Jail Sentence

February 18, 2020

The commutation of the sentence of the 63-year-old former governor and " Celebrity Apprentice " contestant comes almost eight years after he first reported to the prison on March 15, 2012. "We are looking at it". He sought to humanize himself to counteract the blunt, profane, seemingly greedy Blagojevich heard on wiretap recordings played in court by prosecutors over several weeks.

Boy Scouts of America files for bankruptcy over sex abuse lawsuits

February 18, 2020

The national Boy Scouts council and its affiliated local councils together hold almost $5 billion in assets including landholdings, according to a Wall Street Journal report last month. The BSA faced hundreds of lawsuits from alleged sexual abuse victims across the country - all of which are now suspended because of the bankruptcy filing.

Future of journalism 'at stake' over Assange: WikiLeaks chief

February 18, 2020

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo described WikiLeaks as a "non-state hostile intelligence service" or when U.S. Vice President Mike Pence travelled to Ecuador twice to convince the leaders of the Latin American country to have a deal of extradition of Assange in return of a $10 billion debt write-off from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, Hrafnsson added.

Bloomberg qualifies for 1st Democratic debate in Vegas

February 18, 2020

It will be his first appearance at the Democratic debates, as he has previously avoided such events. A NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist survey found that Bloomberg is polling at 19%, second only to Bernie Sanders . Bloomberg's campaign manager, Kevin Sheekey, said, "Our campaign is seeing a groundswell of support across the country, and qualifying for the February 19 debate is the latest sign that Mike Bloomberg's plan and ability to defeat Donald Trump is resonating with more and more Americans".

Iran, Russia, Turkey to decide fate of Syria's Idlib

February 18, 2020

Tehran hosted a tripartite summit with the presidents of Turkey , Russia and Iran on September 7, 2018. The three-way meeting in Tehran had been seen by many as a final chance to prevent a large-scale battle in Idlib. But he stressed that there are some 2.9 million civilians in the province - including about a million children who "are not terrorists". More than half of the civilians have already been displaced at least once from elsewhere in Syria and have nowhere left to go.

Trump calls for case against Roger Stone to be thrown out

February 18, 2020

After the career prosecutors who'd worked on Stone's case recommended a 7-9 year prison sentence in a court filing - and after a furious tweet from the President about the recommendation - Barr instructed DOJ officials to file a new, watered down sentencing recommendation, prompting the career prosecutors to withdraw from the case.

Venezuela calls for justice in view of coercive measures, says Maduro

February 18, 2020

The parliament speaker - who a year ago proclaimed himself acting president in a direct challenge to Maduro that quickly garnered the support of more than 50 countries - returned to Venezuela on February 11 aboard a TAP flight from Portugal.

Congress Slams BJP For "Hiding" Slums Behind Wall During Trump Visit

February 18, 2020

The Sena also took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's (AMC) move to build wall on a plot to "hide the slums" on the route through which Trump's convoy would pass. A similar programme, " Kem Chho Trump " (Gujarati expression for how are you Trump), has been now organised (in Ahmedabad) ahead of the U.S. elections , chiefly because of a sizable number of Gujarati people living in America, the Shiv Sena claimed.

John Bolton complains that White House review process is 'censorship'

February 18, 2020

Former National Security Adviser John Bolton said on Monday night that he was concerned that President Donald Trump and the White House would try to muzzle his tell-all book, " The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir ". Bolton had refused to cooperate with the House impeachment investigation, but said on January 6 he would be willing to testify in the Senate trial if subpoenaed to do so.

14 test positive among U.S. plane evacuees from Japan virus ship

February 18, 2020

A plane carrying American residents evacuated from a cruise ship in Japan was to arrive at the base late Sunday night. Some Americans who were part of the quarantine being managed by Japanese health authorities on board the ship chose to stay rather than take an uncomfortable flight back to the USA and then endure another quarantine.

Boy Scouts of America files for bankruptcy following sex abuse lawsuits

February 18, 2020

The Chapter 11 filing in federal bankruptcy court in Wilmington, Delaware, sets in motion what could be one of the biggest, most complex bankruptcies ever seen. The group has faced numerous sex abuse lawsuits over the decades. The Boy Scouts have been the subject of hundreds of claims since several states, including NY, removed legal barriers and statutes of limitations that stopped people from suing over allegations of child sex abuse in the past.

Deaths rise to 1,868 in China as nation battles against epidemic

February 18, 2020

The initial cases of the outbreak emerged back in December in Wuhan , the capital of China's central Hubei province. All individuals who lived or traveled to Hubei Province, China, are considered at high risk of having been exposed to the virus and are mandated to 14-day quarantines upon arrival to the states.

Londoners 'heartbroken' by Brexit should keep European Union citizenship, Sadiq Khan says

February 18, 2020

Having exited the European Union in January, the United Kingdom is now under a transition period until 31 December 2020, during which time it continues to follow European Union rules. Before the Jan 31 exit from the EU, Britain said it wanted an ambitious and comprehensive accord with the European bloc. "I think that on trade issues and the mechanism for future relations, which we are going to start on, we are going to rip each other apart", the close ally of French president Emmanuel ...

China’s NHC: Novel coronavirus is preventable and treatable

February 18, 2020

Drugmakers are racing to develop a vaccine and treatment for the epidemic, which has killed 1,770 people and infected over 70,500 people across China . "It is a very valid way to explore therapeutics, especially when we don't have vaccines and we don't have specific anti-virals", he said. The CNBG announced that we taking great precautions to collect plasma .

Highways crews continue to work in the aftermath of Storm Dennis

February 18, 2020

Up to 100mm (3.9in) of rain could fall across Wales between Wednesday and Thursday, the Met Office has said. A general view of the aftermath of Storm Dennis in Acaster Malbis, England, Monday, Feb. The Powys town was left underwater after a month's worth of rain fell on Saturday and Sunday. Country's Environment Agency issued a total of 30 warnings of severe flooding across united kingdom and 238 alerts at different part of England.

Women Army officers eligible for permanent commission, rules SC

February 18, 2020

The Supreme Court on Monday criticised the central government for not following the Delhi High Court's 2010 order granting permanent commission to women Army officers and said the submissions of Centre against it were based on "sex stereotypes".

European Union agrees on new mission to enforce Libya arms embargo

February 18, 2020

Continuing as an aerial surveillance mission since last March, Operation Sophia was formally ended on Monday. Check back soon for more information. To counter objections that the operation could morph into a migrant rescue mission, Borrell promised the ships would be withdrawn if they become "a pull factor" encouraging migrants to attempt the risky crossing from Libya to Europe .

FW de Klerk Foundation retracts apartheid statement, apologises

February 18, 2020

The former statesman's foundation last week endorsed his view that apartheid could not be seen as a crime against humanity . The ANC has joined the SACP and EFF in condemning the last Apartheid President, FW De Klerk for denying that he presided over a government that was a crime against humanity.

For Kashmir Activism, India Denies Entry To Labour MP

February 18, 2020

Chair of the All Party British Parliamentary Group for Kashmir Debbie Abrahams , a four-term MP from a constituency with a sizeable constituency of Pakistani Americans, claimed she was taken to a detention room and thereafter "physically marched" to a plane taking off for Dubai.

Woman held over leaked ‘sex tape of Emmanuel Macron pal’

February 18, 2020

Griveaux, 42, is one of the "Macron boys" - the group that helped propel the former investment banker into power in 2017. Taddeo, 29, is believed to have been the recipient of the videos sent in 2018. Officials from Macron's party were expected to hold talks over the weekend to decide what to do. "It will go badly for En Marche, since that's the election in which the political system is the least vital", a senior determine in the party informed Reuters.

Planes carrying American evacuees from virus-hit ship leave Japan

February 18, 2020

About 40 Americans of the approximately 380 on board the ship opted to stay behind. The U.S. said it arranged the evacuation because people on the Diamond Princess were at a high risk of exposure to the virus. It also says if passengers arrive back in New Zealand on other commercial flights within 14 days of leaving the ship they will be subject to health screenings and could end up in isolation.

New South Wales RFS deny claims hero firefighter was sacked

February 18, 2020

While Paul Parker and his mates won't have to worry about footing their bar tab for a few weeks, he'll certainly have more spare time to see a few cold ones off. "Come and have a look at what the people have gone through". "I've lost seven houses already in Nelligen and I'm not going to lose any more you fuckhead", he said.

Storm Dennis batters the United Kingdom

February 18, 2020

The severe flood warnings were for the central English counties of Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire. The Environment Agency's (EA) flood and coastal risk management executive director John Curtin said there had been a record number of flood warnings and alerts in force.

Senate passes resolution limiting Trump’s power to order strikes against Iran

February 18, 2020

The joint resolution directs the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., said he supported the measure as a constitutional matter. The Constitution gives that power to Congress, not the president, but presidents from both parties in recent decades have expanded the White House's authority to pursue military action without legislators' input.

Abandoned Cargo Ship 'Alta' Runs Aground On Cork Coast

February 18, 2020

The mysterious vessel, called the Alta, had 10 crew members rescued by the US Coast Guard in September 2018. RTÉ News has more on this breaking story HERE . HMS Protector tweeted at the time: 'We closed the vessel to make contact and offer our assistance, but no one replied! Unable to fix the problem, the 10-man crew were eventually rescued by the U.S.

Over 1,100 Former Justice Department Officials Call for Attorney General Barr's Resignation

February 18, 2020

President Donald Trump tweeted that the recommendation was "horrible and very unfair" and, within hours, DOJ leadership intervened and instead recommended three to four years. We, the undersigned, are alumni of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) who have collectively served both Republican and Democratic administrations.

US raises tariffs on European aircraft in ongoing dispute over subsidies

February 18, 2020

Yesterday's decision to hike tariffs to 15 per cent from March 18 "further escalates trade tensions between the U.S. and the EU", the company said in a statement . The USTR had announced in December that it could increase tariff rates up to 100% and subject additional European Union products to tariffs, following a decision by the WTO that European Union launch aid to Airbus continued to harm the US aerospace industry.

Mild temperatures return Sunday, rain expected early this week

February 18, 2020

Our next storm arrives at night, with a rain/snow mix picking up between 7 and 11 pm. Most of the day will be nice with a mix of sun and clouds. Saturday: Partly to mostly cloudy with highs in the mid 60s at the beaches to the low 70s inland and east-southeast winds up to 12 miles per hour.

Iran's President: Trump Doesn't Want War Ahead of 2020 Vote

February 18, 2020

The level of hostility between the United States and Iran has been increasing steadily and has reached a level not seen since the hostage crisis 40 years ago. But both sides have so far avoided all-out war. Trump, however, repeatedly has expressed interest in holding talks with Iran, the report said. Talks could take place if the US were to scrap damaging economic sanctions and reinstate commitments made in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action negotiated by the Obama administration ...

China: Virus Deaths Near 1800, No End in Sight

February 17, 2020

However, new cases outside the epicentre have been declining for the last thirteen days. The number of cases of the novel coronavirus has risen to over 69,000 worldwide, with the first death from Covid-19 reported in Europe . The ship was believed to be free of the virus but an 83-year-old American woman from it tested positive upon arriving in Malaysia, the authorities there said.

Pelosi Warns Europe That Huawei Represents Chinese State Police

February 17, 2020

Germany hasn't yet decided whether it would adopt an outright ban on Huawei or restrictions, while the British government defied US President Donald Trump when it made a decision to let the firm build parts of the country's network, the report said.

Just 20 laps in, rain postpones Daytona 500 until Monday

February 17, 2020

Mr. Trump became the second president to serve as grand marshal the Daytona 500; President George W. Bush appeared there in 2004 as he, too, campaigned for reelection with a racing fan base that is largely conservative. Trump used the singular possessive form, for a holiday that depending on the state honors George Washington, Washington and Abraham Lincoln, or the presidency more generally.

1,770 people succumb to coronavirus worldwide

February 17, 2020

Another 1,200 military doctors and nurses began arriving in Wuhan on Monday morning, the latest contingent sent to help shore up the city's overwhelmed health-care system. The disclosure of his speech indicates top leaders knew about the outbreak's potential severity weeks before such dangers were made known to the public.

Jaishankar meets Pompeo, Pelosi on sidelines of Munich Security Conference

February 17, 2020

If you can prove your concept, I believe it would be a better way to show democracy . When it comes to Kashmir , I do not know how it will end, but make sure that both Lokantantras resolve it differently. It can not be said that multilateralism depends on the West alone or that the West is honest with multilateralism. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu will represent Turkey at the Munich Security Conference 2020, the country's Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

14-year-old charged in Barnard College student death in NY

February 17, 2020

Weaver was charged with two counts of second-degree murder, one count of first-degree robbery, and three counts of second-degree robbery. Exclusive photo: Rashaun Weaver pictured leaving court after his arraignment today. The witness then heard a female scream, 'Help me! The attack happened steps from Majors' dormitory. After struggling with them, Majors was stabbed multiple times .

Syria: Regime forces take heavy losses in Idlib attacks

February 17, 2020

President Donald Trump on Saturday, but there was no immediate word of a diplomatic breakthrough. Turkey and Russian Federation have collaborated on a political solution to the Syrian conflict but back opposing sides, and a Syrian government offensive in Idlib has raised tensions between them.

UNSC resolutions on Kashmir need implementation - United Nations chief

February 17, 2020

Pakistan was a rich country with big names like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Abdul Sattar Edhi, Sharmeen Obaid Chenai and Malala Yousafzai, he added. Speaking at a two-day refugee summit in Islamabad on 40-years of hosting Afghan refugees in Pakistan, Khan said that India' "ultranationalist ideology going unchecked could lead to destruction and the region could become a flashpoint", The Express Tribute quoted Khan as saying.

Storm Dennis wreaks havoc in the United Kingdom

February 17, 2020

As the wet and windy weather started to clear across parts of the south and headed north and eastwards, the number of flood warnings across the United Kingdom declined but there were still around 360 of them in place Sunday, from the north of Scotland through to Cornwall in southwest England.

9-year-old boy presumed dead after falling into Lake Erie

February 17, 2020

A man and woman went out onto the ice and were able to pull the eight-year-old boy from the water, however the other boy did not resurface. An OPP helicopter and Joint Rescue Coordination Centre assisted with the search. The OPP say they've received assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard, but risky conditions led them to stop the search efforts late Saturday, and at that point the search became a recovery mission.

Mike Pompeo rejects claims that USA has quit global role

February 17, 2020

Pompeo told the audience that 'the West is winning and we're winning together.' Germany's president said yesterday the U.S. was pushing its own national interests over worldwide cooperation. But key allies including Britain and France have resisted the pressure so far, agreeing to impose restrictions without going so far as to ban the company.

Storm Dennis: Major incidents declared in England and south Wales

February 17, 2020

Winds of over 90 miles per hour (150 kilometers per hour) were recorded in Aberdaron, south Wales. Residents are advised to immediately take action to protect themselves. A family is rescued from a property in Nantgarw, Wales yesterday. The authority said it was working with the Environment Agency, West Mercia Police, Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, and the ambulance service to evacuate more residents later.

Bernie Sanders attacks Michael Bloomberg as 'bored,' 'wanted to be president'

February 17, 2020

The Minnesota senator tells ABC's "This Week" that she is benefiting from a surge of people who have discovered her campaign after the New Hampshire debate on February 7 and a better-than-expected third-place finish in the state's primary. The Nevada caucuses are the next stop in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination. At Sanders' rally, the crowd cheered as the Vermont senator joked that Bloomberg is "struggling, he's down to his last $60 billion" and derided him for skipping ...

Latest on coronavirus spreading in China and beyond

February 17, 2020

Most of the cities in the country had been under lockdown since January after the detection of the disease across the country. The number of infections in the province has risen by 1,933, including those clinically diagnosed. The roughly 380 Americans aboard the cruise ship docked at Yokohama, near Tokyo, were given the option of taking USA -government chartered aircraft back to the US, where they would face another 14-day quarantine.

First coronavirus death in Europe confirmed

February 17, 2020

Buzyn said she was informed on Friday that the patient, who had been treated at the Bichat hospital in northern Paris since January 25, died of a lung infection due to the coronavirus . The other cases were not a source of concern, Buzyn said earlier. China is confident the epidemic will be over soon , its vice minister of foreign affairs said.

NBA All-Star Uniforms Include Tributes to Kobe & Gianna Bryant

February 17, 2020

Chicagoan Jennifer Hudson , wearing a dress in the Lakers' deep purple team color, also performed "For All We Know (We May Never Meet Again)" as images of Bryant flashed on a giant screen behind the stage. Grammy Award victor Jennifer Hudson paid tribute to the late Kobe Bryant on Sunday while singing at 2020 NBA All-Star Game . Teams were traditionally split up by the two conferences but recently the league allowed the top players to pick their teammates in a fantasy draft.

Chinese Deputy FM: Epidemic's impact on economy will be temporary

February 17, 2020

Pope Francis is familiar with China and the exchanges between the two sides, he said, adding that the provisional agreement on the appointment of bishops signed by the two sides in 2018 is of great importance, which is conducive to promoting the well-being of Catholics and the Chinese people as well as world peace.

Coronavirus: Americans in Japan to trade one quarantine for another

February 17, 2020

Officials said they were still investigating how the man contracted the virus while living in the central part of Taiwan, which has so far recorded 20 confirmed cases across the island. Health experts are concerned by rapid human-to-human transmission in the country. Israel's Health Ministry reported they had received word from Japan and that the Israelis have shown mild symptoms.

Turkey seeks 'permanent ceasefire' in Syria's Idlib ahead of Russian Federation meet

February 17, 2020

Turkey is ready to take the "necessary steps" should diplomatic contacts with Moscow fail to de-escalate the situation, Cavusoglu said. President Tayyip Erdogan threatened to strike Syrian government forces anywhere in Syria if another Turkish soldier was hurt.

Power outages reported as a result of Storm Dennis

February 17, 2020

There are two severe flood warnings in Wales - in Pontypridd and Aberdulais - along with 53 flood warnings and 51 flood alerts. Storm Dennis roared across Britain with high winds and heavy rains Sunday, prompting authorities to issue a record number of flood warnings and alerts for England and a rare "red warning" for extremely life-threatening flooding in Wales.

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