Headlines:

From Al Jazeera, Associated Press, BBC News, Reuters, The Globe and Mail, New York Times, and Wired

May says postponed Brexit vote to be held week of Jan 14 – (Associated Press)
LONDON (AP) — Prime Minister Theresa May said Monday that the postponed vote in Parliament on Britain’s Brexit agreement with the European Union will be held the week of Jan. 14 — more than a month after it was originally scheduled and just 10 weeks before Br…

US and European stocks dip again as health companies fall – (Associated Press)
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks are mostly lower Monday, although they’ve steadied after a rocky start. Health insurers and hospitals are falling after a judge in Texas ruled that the 2010 Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional. Retailers are also sinking, but b…

China, EU lambast United States for miring WTO in crisis – (Reuters)
The United States came under fire from China and the European Union on Monday, accused by both major trading partners of taking protectionist measures and bringing the World Trade Organization (WTO) to its knees.

China says U.S. has brought back ‘the ghost of unilateralism’ to WTO – (Reuters)
China said on Monday that the Trump administration’s trade measures on items from steel to intellectual property taken under the guise national security were “bringing back to life the ghost of unilateralism”.

Facing opposition, May will bring Brexit deal back to parliament – (Reuters)
Prime Minister Theresa May said on Monday she would bring her Brexit deal back to parliament for a vote in mid-January, pledging to get assurances from the European Union to break the deadlock over Britain’s departure from the bloc.

White House closer to partial shutdown with wall demand – (Associated Press)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Pushing the government to the brink of a partial shutdown, the White House is insisting that Congress provide $5 billion to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border despite lawmaker resistance from both parties. Without a resolution, parts …

Prosecutors charge 2 involved in Flynn’s Turkish lobbying – (Associated Press)
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — Two men involved in a Turkish lobbying campaign led by former National Security adviser Michael Flynn have been charged with illegally lobbying in a case related to special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation. The case unsealed Monda…

Afghan election set for April 20 amid Taliban talks with US – (Al Jazeera English)
Election commission chief says 12-day registration for presidential candidates expected to start next week.

After the Fed’s likely rate hike this week, all bets are off – (Associated Press)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Having raised interest rates with steady regularity in recent months, the Federal Reserve may embrace a new message this week: Flexibility. On Wednesday, the Fed is set to announce its fourth rate hike of the year. But after this week, no on…

Actor Geoffrey Rush accused of sexual misconduct – (Associated Press)
NEW YORK (AP) — “Orange Is the New Black” actress Yael Stone alleged actor Geoffrey Rush engaged in sexually inappropriate behavior when they starred in “The Diary of a Madman” in 2010. Speaking to The New York Times, the 33-year-old said Rush danced naked in…

J&J shares extend losses; company defends Baby Powder as safe – (Reuters)
Shares of Johnson & Johnson slipped another 2 percent on Monday, extending losses following Friday’s Reuters report that the healthcare conglomerate knew for decades that cancer-causing asbestos lurked in its Baby Powder.

Saudi Arabia denounces U.S. Senate resolutions on Khashoggi, Yemen – (Reuters)
Saudi Arabia on Monday denounced U.S. Senate resolutions calling for an end to U.S. military support for the war in Yemen and blaming Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, saying they were based on unsubstantiated clai…

Britain’s Labour claims credit for forcing new date for Brexit vote – (Reuters)
Britain’s main opposition Labour Party said on Monday Prime Minister Theresa May had only offered a date for a new vote on her Brexit deal because it had threatened to call for a motion of no confidence in her.

Global stocks dip as ‘Christmas rally’ proves elusive, oil rises – (Reuters)
Broad stock declines in Europe and the United States dragged world equity markets lower on Monday, adding to a sell-off that has sent global stocks near 17-month lows.

US conducts 6 airstrikes against Somalia extremists, 62 dead – (Associated Press)
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Six U.S. airstrikes that killed more than 60 people in a coastal Somali town were pre-emptive strikes to prevent a major extremist attack, according to a Somali intelligence officer. The U.S. military said Monday it carried out four stri…

UK’s May says rescheduling Brexit vote in parliament for mid-Jan – (Reuters)
British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Monday that she intended to re-schedule a delayed vote in parliament on her Brexit plan in the week starting on Jan. 14.

Former Michael Flynn Business Associates Indicted in Turkey Lobbying Case – (The New York Times)
The indictment is further evidence of a crackdown on unregistered foreign lobbying growing from the inquiry by Robert S. Mueller III, who has investigated money from Ukraine and Turkey designed to manipulate decision-making in Washington.

Wall Street drops 1 percent as health stocks weigh; Nasdaq erases 2018 gains – (Reuters)
Wall Street slid 1 percent on Monday, led by healthcare stocks after a federal ruling that Obamacare was unconstitutional, with the decline in the market-leading sector further unnerving investors already concerned about slowing global growth.

Strikes kill 62 al-Shabab fighters, US says – (BBC News)
The US military says six air strikes targeted militants in Somalia linked to al-Qaeda.

Senate report: Russia social media influence efforts ongoing – (Associated Press)
WASHINGTON (AP) — A report compiled by private researchers and expected to be released Monday by the Senate intelligence committee says that “active and ongoing” Russian interference operations still exist on social media platforms, and that the Russian opera…

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From various sources

Father of Palestinian woman detained by PA: “We fear for her life” – (The Jerusalem Post)
After waiting for more than three hours, Badran and his wife learned that the PA security forces had taken Suha back to prison in Jericho.

A quarter of young religious women enlisting in the IDF, study finds – (The Jerusalem Post)
Increasing enlistment among young women from national-religious sector flies in the face of a campaign by hard-line rabbis against the trend.

Rona Ramon, widow of Israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon, passes away at 54 – (The Jerusalem Post)
President Reuven Rivlin honored her memory by saying “Ilan and Assaf touched the heavens, Rona touched our hearts.”

Two IDF soldiers injured in overturned bulldozer during training – (The Jerusalem Post)
One was badly injured and the other lightly injured, both men were taken to a hospital to get medical care and their families were notified.

A possible stock-market crash is starting to freak out investors – and that might mean it’s time to buy – (Business Insider)
A possible stock-market crash is starting to freak out investors - and that might mean it’s time to buy

A possible stock-market crash is starting to freak out investors – and that might mean it’s time to buy – (Business Insider (UK))
A possible stock-market crash is starting to freak out investors - and that might mean it’s time to buy

Despite legal warning, Netanyahu says deporting terrorists’ families is effective – (The Jerusalem Post)
“In my opinion, its benefits are greater than its costs,” Netanyahu said in a Likud faction meeting.

Will chatbots replace therapists? We tested it out. – (Vice News)
We asked therapists to evaluate the AI incarnation of their jobs.

Last Year: The Nightmare Launch Trailer Shows Off PvP Madness – IGN.com – (IGN)
One group of friends. One singular monster. One high school. Complete chaos. Check out the launch trailer for this 5v1 first-person multiplayer game. Get it on December 17 at 9pm on Discord: https://discordapp.com/store/skus/489576163438624769/last-year-the-n…

PUBG: The Making of the New ‘Vikendi’ Map – IGN.com – (IGN)
The developers of PUBG show us how they created the battle royale giant’s newest map, “Vikendi.”

Vice Review – IGN – (IGN)
The director of The Big Short unleashes a vicious dark comedy about Dick Cheney, one of the most controversial political figures of our time.

Crossing the border illegally into Canada was the only option left for me: Opinion | CBC News – (CBC News)
Seeking asylum in the U.S was not an option — not after President Donald Trump’s anti-immigrant policies and rhetoric. So I made my way to Canada. This was not an easy decision by any means.

U.S. prosecutors charge 2 involved in Michael Flynn’s Turkish lobbying | CBC News – (CBC News)
Two men involved in a Turkish lobbying campaign led by former U.S. national security adviser Michael Flynn have been charged with illegally lobbying in a case related to special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation.

communications – (Next Big Future)

The Andrew Kearse Act: Police could soon be held criminally responsible for denying medical care – (Newsweek)
“With the passing of this law, there will never be another officer who gets away with the actions that killed Eric Garner and Andrew Kearse,” said civil rights activist Hawk Newsome.

Corbyn set to demand a stunt vote of no confidence in Theresa May – (Daily Mail)
Labour had demanded the Prime Minister call the crucial vote on her Brexit deal before Christmas despite knowing it would be defeated by a landslide.

Amazon chief denies her firm is ‘killing Britain’s high streets’ – (Daily Mail)
Amazon director of public policy Lesley Smith was questioned by a committee investigating the death of UK town centres as shops close down.

Most voters believe Labor will win the federal election – Guardian Essential poll – (The Guardian (AU))
Just 21% of those polled say they think the Morrison government can recover from a horror 2018

Andrew Broad’s seat should be as safe as they come. But these are not normal times | Gabrielle Chan – (The Guardian (AU))
A feminist, vegan marriage equality backer won a shock victory in a state seat overlapping Broad’s. After Monday’s allegations he is the next National party ‘good bloke’ at risk

Study finds ‘alarming’ levels of chemicals in Great Barrier Reef turtles – (The Guardian (AU))
Results of research into 2012 mass deaths offer insights into reef health and throw up further questions

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All about Trump

Crossing the border illegally into Canada was the only option left for me: Opinion | CBC News – (CBC News)
Seeking asylum in the U.S was not an option — not after President Donald Trump’s anti-immigrant policies and rhetoric. So I made my way to Canada. This was not an easy decision by any means.

Dems preparing for prolonged shutdown – (The Hill)
House Democrats are making plans for a prolonged shutdown that will begin Saturday if the White House and lawmakers are unable to work out an agreement on President Trump’s demands for $5 billion in funding for his wall on the Mexican border.

Donald Trump’s potential Dominican Republic real estate deal may violate the Constitution, report reveals – (Newsweek)
Eight months after Eric Trump visited the Dominican Republic, the country’s government changed its laws in a way that could benefit Trump real estate projects.

Trump tweet says wall is necessary for ‘good Boarder Security.’ Twitter erupts – (USA Today)
“Anytime you hear a Democrat saying that you can have good Boarder Security without a Wall, write them off,” Trump tweeted.

China says U.S. has brought back ‘the ghost of unilateralism’ to WTO – (Reuters)
China said on Monday that the Trump administration’s trade measures on items from steel to intellectual property taken under the guise national security were “bringing back to life the ghost of unilateralism”.

How Russia used disinformation on social media to target voters – (CBS News)
An independent report prepared for the Senate Intelligence Committee details how Russia used social media platforms in an attempt to sway voters and boost Donald Trump’s candidacy during the 2016 presidential campaign. CNET senior producer Dan Patterson joins…

CNN reporter fact-checks Trump tweet on FBI – CNN Video – (CNN)
CNN’s Abby Phillip fact-checks President Donald Trump’s tweet on the investigation into his former lawyer Michael Cohen.

A raped migrant teen wanted an abortion. A Trump official sent her to anti-abortion counseling – (Vice News)
Former head of the Office of Refugee Resettlement Scott Lloyd wanted to personally sign off on minors’ requests for abortions.

Nancy Pelosi seeks to stop Trump impeachment talks among Democrats – live – (The Guardian (UK))
Incoming House speaker wants to protect Mueller’s investigation, and allow him to finish his work before considering impeachment proceedings

Melania Trump Spokeswoman Rips ‘Offensive’ CNN Op-Ed – (The Huffington Post)
In a Fox News appearance, Stephanie Grisham hit back at an editorial claiming the first lady “doesn’t understand” her own job, calling it flat-out wrong.

Michael Flynn’s Business Partner Indicted Ahead of Trump Aide’s Sentencing – (The Huffington Post)
Bijan Kian was indicted on charges of acting as an agent of Turkey, which wanted to extradite a cleric living in the U.S.

Ex-Flynn business partner charged in Turkish lobbying case – (CNN)
A former business partner of former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn was charged with trying to influence US politicians to seek the extradition of a Turkish cleric, according to an indictment filed in the Eastern District of Virginia.

Senate reports find millions of social media posts by Russians aimed at helping Trump, GOP – (USA Today)
The Senate released Monday a pair of reports that found Russia engaged in an all-out social media campaign on Donald Trump’s behalf.

Americans are more worried about the economy — an ominous sign for Trump’s re-election prospects – (CNBC)
If voters sour on the economy, it would bode poorly for Trump, who has frequently pointed to it as a triumph.

Two associates of ex-Trump national security advisor Michael Flynn indicted on conspiracy charges related to Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen – (CNBC)
Bijan Kian and Kamil Alptekin were charged in U.S. District Court in Eastern Virginia with crimes related acting as unregistered agents of the Turkish government, according to court documents made public Monday.

Trump lashes out at the Fed ahead of expected rate hike that could reportedly cost him an extra $1 million a year – (Business Insider)
Trump lashes out at the Fed ahead of expected rate hike that could reportedly cost him an extra $1 million a year

Trump lashes out at the Fed ahead of expected rate hike that could reportedly cost him an extra $1 million a year – (Business Insider (UK))
Trump lashes out at the Fed ahead of expected rate hike that could reportedly cost him an extra $1 million a year

Russian-backed social media campaigns exploited everyone to benefit Trump, research report says – (CNBC)
A report compiled on influence operations in the 2016 elections points to a wholesale effort to inflame sentiments on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and Twitter, with some campaigns dating back to 2009.

Two Business Partners of Former Trump Adviser Michael Flynn Indicted – (The Wall Street Journal)
Federal prosecutors have indicted two business partners of former Trump adviser Michael Flynn for allegedly acting as agents of the Turkish government.

Trump steps up attack on Federal Reserve over interest rates – (Financial Times)
US president says it is ‘incredible’ central bank is ‘even considering’ a rise this week