Headlines:
From Al Jazeera, Associated Press, BBC News, Reuters, The Globe and Mail, New York Times, and Wired
China summons US envoy to protest detention of Huawei exec – (Associated Press)
BEIJING (AP) — China summoned the U.S. ambassador to Beijing on Sunday to protest the detention of an executive of Chinese electronics giant Huawei in Canada at Washington’s behest and demanded Washington cancel an order for her arrest. The official Xinhua Ne…
Qatar rift overshadows Gulf Arab summit as emir stays away – (Reuters)
A Gulf Arab summit called for regional unity as Bahrain and Qatar traded barbs over the Qatari emir’s decision not to attend the gathering in Saudi Arabia on Sunday in a sign that a row between Doha and its neighbors is still festering.
Swath of South faces wintry mess: Snow, sleet, freezing rain – (Associated Press)
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — A massive storm brought snow, sleet, and freezing rain across a wide swath of the South on Sunday — causing dangerously icy roads, immobilizing snowfalls and power losses to hundreds of thousands of people. Accidents on snow-covered int…
Are Rural Voters the ‘Real’ Voters? Wisconsin Republicans Seem to Think So – (The New York Times)
A last-minute power grab by state lawmakers draws on an argument as old as the nation.
Yemen’s warring sides meet face-to-face at Sweden peace talks – (Al Jazeera English)
Government delegates say the opposing sides are holding direct negotiations for the first time in two years.
U.S. winter storm knocks out power to 190,000 in North Carolina – (Reuters)
A powerful winter storm that hit the U.S. Southeast over the weekend knocked out power for more than 190,000 customers in North Carolina, officials said on Sunday.
Dem: Illegal payments ‘impeachable offense’ if Trump ordered – (Associated Press)
WASHINGTON (AP) — The incoming Democratic chairman of the House Judiciary Committee said Sunday it would be an “impeachable offense” if it’s proved that President Donald Trump directed illegal hush-money payments to women, stressing a need for continuing inve…
Scuba diving Santa swims with mermaid – (BBC News)
In just over two weeks, he’ll be delivering presents – but people are already in the festive spirit.
French minister asks Trump not to meddle in French affairs – (Reuters)
U.S. President Donald Trump should not meddle in French affairs, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on Sunday after Trump criticized France in two tweets following riots in Paris.
U.S. says March 1 ‘hard deadline’ for trade deal with China – (Reuters)
U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said on Sunday he considers March 1 “a hard deadline” to reach a deal on trade with China, and that new tariffs will be imposed otherwise.
With new chief of staff, Trump tries again to reset White House – (Reuters)
Nick Ayers, in talks with President Donald Trump to become his new White House chief of staff, is a 36-year-old political whiz-kid who could help with the looming re-election campaign, but critics question whether he has the grit needed to keep Trump and an o…
UK leader warns of ‘uncharted waters’ if Brexit deal nixed – (Associated Press)
LONDON (AP) — With a crucial parliamentary vote on Brexit looming, British Prime Minister Theresa May warned lawmakers Sunday that they could take Britain into “uncharted waters” and trigger a general election if they reject the divorce deal she struck with t…
Comey: FBI probe of Russia initially looked at 4 Americans – (Associated Press)
WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI’s counterintelligence investigation into potential ties between the Trump campaign and Russia initially focused on four Americans and whether they were connected to Russian efforts to interfere in the 2016 presidential election, form…
A young mayor, his friend, and a fatal attraction to opioids – (Associated Press)
MOUNT CARBON, Pa. (AP) — Janel Firestone found her son — the 24-year-old, just resigned mayor of the tiny Pennsylvania town of Mount Carbon — in what she assumed was a deep sleep. She tried to wake him for his overnight shift at the local supermarket, but he …
De-miners sound all-clear at marooned Jordan River baptism shrines – (Reuters)
Israeli and foreign engineers sounded the all-clear on Sunday around three churches on the western bank of the Jordan River, near where Jesus is believed to have been baptized, after mines that had marooned the shrines for decades were cleared.
China Tries to Balance Huawei Arrest with Warmer Trade Ties – (The New York Times)
China is pushing hard for the release of a tech executive, while still trying to follow up on President Trump’s recent truce in trade frictions.
Hindus rally in Delhi over disputed site – (BBC News)
Tens of thousands of Hindu activists converge on India’s capital to demand a temple be built.
Red-hot U.S. jobs market drives some to seek cooler options – (Reuters)
When Sean Luangrath joined Pocatello, Idaho-based Inergy Solar a few years ago, the plan was to move the portable solar battery maker to his home base of Salt Lake City so he could build it with easy access to Silicon Slopes’ tech talent and venture capital.
Afghanistan suspends football officials amid abuse allegations – (Al Jazeera English)
Kabul launched a probe last week into allegations of sexual abuse made by players on the national women’s team.
Qatar sends state minister for foreign affairs to Saudi for GCC Summit – (Reuters)
Qatar sent State Minister for Foreign Affairs Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi to attend the annual Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) summit to be held on Sunday in Saudi Arabia.
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From various sources
Eizenkot: UNIFIL has important role in neutralizing Hezbollah tunnels – (The Jerusalem Post)
IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot said that the Lebanese government is responsible for Hezbollah’s tunnel activity in southern Lebanon.
IDF Spokesperson to Lebanese residents: Evacuate buildings over tunnels – (The Jerusalem Post)
IDF troops operate beyond fence with Lebanon to place equipment to detect Hezbollah tunnels
Ex-cyber chief: Khashoggi hacking irrelevant for Israeli spyware sales – (The Jerusalem Post)
“All sales are approved by the Defense Ministry.”
The Father Of A Slain North Carolina Teen Was Denied A Temporary Visa To Attend Her Funeral – (Buzzfeed)
Hania Aguilar, 13, was raped and killed after being kidnapped outside her family’s home last month. She was buried Saturday.
China pressures U.S. to withdraw arrest warrant for Meng Wanzhou and cancels trade meetings with B.C. | CBC News – (CBC News)
China’s foreign ministry called in the U.S. ambassador on Sunday to lodge a “strong protest” over the arrest in Canada of Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd.’s chief financial officer. China also cancelled meetings for a B.C. trade mission.
Iowa sees early moves by possible 2020 Democrats – (Fox News)
Former NYC Mayor Mike Bloomberg visits Hawkeye State only weeks after midterms.
Berbatov defends under-fire Lukaku – (FourFourTwo)
Romelu Lukaku has been disappointing this season, but Dimitar Berbatov thinks the criticism of him has been unhelpful.
Minimum wage hikes have earned workers $68 billion per year since 2012 – (Axios)
It’s 14 times the raise that all Americans received with the last federal minimum wage increase.
PA seeks extradition of more than 100 ‘thieves’ – (The Jerusalem Post)
Abbas revealed that a Palestinian suspect was served with an Interpol “red notice” a few days ago. However, he did not mention the name of the suspect.
Sam Darnold (foot) questionable to return vs. Bills – (NFL News)
Sam Darnold’s return has met an interruption. The Jets rookie quarterback left their game against the Buffalo Bills for the locker room with an undisclosed injury.
Why Creative Mode is One of Fortnite’s Best Updates – IGN – (IGN)
Creative is an impressive new mode and one of Fortnite’s most important updates.
– (Fox Sports)
Secret Workforce Funds North Korea—and Defies Sanctions – (The Wall Street Journal)
Soldiers, companies and contractors still operate clandestinely around the world, in particular in Africa, despite U.N. prohibitions designed to curtail Kim Jong Un’s nuclear ambitions. ‘We never ended our ties, they just moved underground.’
Newcastle United 1-2 Wolves: Stoppage-time header from Matt Doherty sees Nuno Espirito Santo’s men grab v – (TalkSport)
Diogo Jota’s neat finish was cancelled out by Ayoze Perez’s well-taken header in the first-half But Doherty’s header from the rebound following a blistering
Family face penniless Christmas after rogue builder ‘disappears with £5,500’ – (Mirror)
Joanna Sterling says she has been left seriously out of pocket after hiring a builder to improve her house in Whitely Bay, North Tyneside
‘It’s serious’: Winter storm brings havoc to Southeast – (USA Today)
The same winter storm that dumped heavy rains on Los Angeles last week is expected to unleash heavy snows and ice this weeknd as it heads east.
Very good dog greets Camp Fire survivor at their burned down house – (Mashable)
Madison the miracle dog.
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All about Trump
Trump readies himself for Mueller’s final act – (Financial Times)
Democrats say prosecutors have evidence of ‘impeachable offences’ by the president
Rand Paul Calls Trump’s Nomination Of William Barr For Attorney General ‘Very Troubling’ – (The Huffington Post)
The Kentucky senator also spoke out against Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination, but ultimately voted to confirm.
Trump campaign finance violation would ‘certainly’ be impeachable offense, top Dem says – (Google News)
The top Democrat expected to lead the House Judiciary Committee claimed Sunday that if President Trump broke campaign finance laws, he would have committed “impeachable offenses … in the service of fraudulently obtaining the office.”
Dem: Illegal payments ‘impeachable offense’ if Trump ordered – (Associated Press)
WASHINGTON (AP) — The incoming Democratic chairman of the House Judiciary Committee said Sunday it would be an “impeachable offense” if it’s proved that President Donald Trump directed illegal hush-money payments to women, stressing a need for continuing inve…
Rubio: Pardoning Paul Manafort ‘would be a mistake’ – (CNN)
Sen. Marco Rubio said Sunday that he doesn’t think President Donald Trump should grant a pardon to his former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, calling such a move “a mistake.”
Republicans defend Trump amid brewing legal storm – (Google News)
On NBC News, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) played down the alleged campaign finance violations detailed by prosecutors. Meanwhile, Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) was cautious on the issue of impeachment.
Republicans defend Trump amid brewing legal storm – (The Washington Post)
On NBC News, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) played down the alleged campaign finance violations detailed by prosecutors. Meanwhile, Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) was cautious on the issue of impeachment.
Trump, without evidence, accuses James Comey of lying to House Judiciary Committee – (CNN)
President Donald Trump lashed out at former FBI Director James Comey over testimony he gave to the House Judiciary and Oversight committees on Friday, accusing the former FBI chief, without evidence, of lying to lawmakers and questioning his inability to reca…
Key House Democrat Jerry Nadler Says Trump Payments May Be ‘Impeachable Offenses’ – (The Huffington Post)
Still, the incoming House Judiciary Committee chairman was cautious about whether an impeachment process ought to begin.
Trump, without evidence, accuses James Comey of lying to House Judiciary Committee – (Google News)
President Donald Trump lashed out at former FBI Director James Comey over testimony he gave to the House Judiciary and Oversight committees on Friday, accusing the former FBI chief, without evidence, of lying to lawmakers and questioning his inability to reca…
French minister asks Trump not to meddle in French affairs – (Reuters)
U.S. President Donald Trump should not meddle in French affairs, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on Sunday after Trump criticized France in two tweets following riots in Paris.
Stage set for budget showdown between Trump, Democrats – (Fox News)
Border wall funding remains a major sticking point in budget talks; House Majority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy reacts on ‘Sunday Morning Futures.’
Media say Mueller nailed Trump – (Fox News)
President insists he’s been cleared.
With new chief of staff, Trump tries again to reset White House – (Reuters)
Nick Ayers, in talks with President Donald Trump to become his new White House chief of staff, is a 36-year-old political whiz-kid who could help with the looming re-election campaign, but critics question whether he has the grit needed to keep Trump and an o…
Trump ‘at center of massive fraud against Americans’, top Democrat says – (The Guardian (AU))
Incoming House chair Nadler promises investigations and says payments to women ‘would be impeachable offenses’
Trump ‘at center of massive fraud against Americans’, top Democrat says – (The Guardian (UK))
Incoming House chair Nadler promises investigations and says payments to women ‘would be impeachable offenses’
Comey: FBI probe of Russia initially looked at 4 Americans – (Associated Press)
WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI’s counterintelligence investigation into potential ties between the Trump campaign and Russia initially focused on four Americans and whether they were connected to Russian efforts to interfere in the 2016 presidential election, form…
Rubio on journalist’s killing: ‘We don’t need direct evidence that he ordered the code red on this thing’ – (CNN)
Sen. Marco Rubio pushed back against Trump administration claims that there’s no direct link between the Saudi crown prince and the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, saying that “there is no way” Mohammed bin Salman wasn’t aware of the killing and that he…
China Tries to Balance Huawei Arrest with Warmer Trade Ties – (The New York Times)
China is pushing hard for the release of a tech executive, while still trying to follow up on President Trump’s recent truce in trade frictions.
Rand Paul downplays potential Trump campaign finance violations: ‘We’ve over-criminalized campaign finance’ – (The Hill)
Sen.