Headlines:
From Al Jazeera, Associated Press, BBC News, Reuters, The Globe and Mail, New York Times, and Wired
Trump, Angry Over Mattis’s Rebuke, Considers Removing Him 2 Months Early – (The New York Times)
The president has been known to change his mind, but aides said his anger at Defense Secretary Jim Mattis had only grown.
Tsunami hits without warning in Indonesia, killing over 220 – (Associated Press)
CARITA BEACH, Indonesia (AP) — The deadly tsunami struck in the dark, without warning. At least 222 people were killed as waves smashed into houses, hotels and other beachside buildings Saturday night along Indonesia’s Sunda Strait, in a disaster that followe…
Trump’s reluctant backers sour on his leadership, policies – (Associated Press)
BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. (AP) — Jill Mott doesn’t like the tweets. The hard line on the border is too hard. And when asked whether she will vote for President Donald Trump a second time, she lets out a long, deep sigh. “That is the question,” said Mott, a Repu…
Women’s March Roiled by Accusations of Anti-Semitism – (The New York Times)
As the second anniversary of the Women’s March approaches, charges of anti-Semitism are overshadowing the movement and plans for more marches.
Mulvaney says ‘very possible’ shutdown stretches into 2019 – (Associated Press)
WASHINGTON (AP) — A top White House official warned Sunday that it’s “very possible” the partial government shutdown stretches into the new year and that how quickly numerous shuttered Cabinet departments and agencies resume doing the people’s business is up …
Macron ‘deeply regrets’ Trump’s Syria plan – (BBC News)
The US president’s decision to withdraw all troops from Syria has alarmed allies, including France.
White House Budget Chief Says Shutdown May Extend Into January – (The New York Times)
Mick Mulvaney, the budget director and incoming chief of staff, said that the White House had made Democrats an offer below the $5 billion figure President Trump had demanded for a border wall.
Top Trump aide Mulvaney says shutdown may go into new year – (Reuters)
U.S. President Donald Trump’s budget director and chief of staff on Sunday said the partial U.S. government shutdown could continue to January 3, when the new Congress convenes and Democrats take over the House of Representatives.
Kraft Heinz, Mondelez make the cut in Campbell Soup’s international business auction: sources – (Reuters)
U.S. food companies Kraft Heinz Co and Mondelez International Inc have been short-listed to participate in the second round of Campbell Soup Co’s auction of its international business, people familiar with the matter said.
Medics strike as Sudan protests continue – (BBC News)
An opposition leader says 22 people have been killed in the unrest, though officials say the toll is lower.
Mulvaney and Mnuchin Say Trump Knows He Lacks Authority to Fire Fed Chairman – (The New York Times)
Two White House officials responded to reports that President Trump had asked aides whether he could fire the Fed chairman, Jerome H. Powell.
Tesla cuts Model 3 prices in China – (Reuters)
Tesla Inc has slashed prices on its Model 3 electric car in China.
Scandal and justice: #MeToo reached the sports world in 2018 – (Associated Press)
One by one they came forward, more than 150 in all. Fearful yet defiant. Vulnerable but resolute, buoyed by the hope of catharsis and the promise of justice. Standing in a Michigan courtroom last January, women and girls sexually abused by Larry Nassar confro…
France’s Macron says deeply regrets Trump decision on troops in Syria – (Reuters)
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday he deeply regretted U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria.
Tsunami Strikes Indonesia Without Warning, Killing Over 220 – (The New York Times)
Officials said the tsunami that killed at least 222 and injured over 800 others might have been set off by an underwater landslide caused by volcanic activity on Anak Krakatau island.
How Volcanic Activity Can Spawn Tsunamis – (The New York Times)
No earthquakes were recorded before the tsunami struck, the Indonesian authorities said. But there had been an eruption on the volcanic island of Anak Krakatau about half an hour before.
How to Keep Baby Jesus in the Manger? Bolts, Cameras and Tethers – (The New York Times)
As thefts at nativity scenes rise, communities are turning to elaborate security measures. “People aren’t living the gospel,” one pastor said of the heists.
Profiting off presidency? Trump biz takes hit since election – (Associated Press)
NEW YORK (AP) — When workers pried the Trump name off another Manhattan building earlier this year, it capped a bad few weeks for the president’s businesses. Donald Trump’s golf resorts in Scotland had just posted millions of dollars in losses, one of his hot…
Santa tracker will still run despite government shutdown – (Associated Press)
DENVER (AP) — The government may be partially shut down, but that won’t stop hundreds of volunteers dressed in Christmas hats and military uniforms Monday from taking calls from children around the world who want to know when Santa will be coming. The militar…
SpaceX launches first U.S. national security space mission – (Reuters)
A SpaceX rocket carrying a U.S. military navigation satellite blasted off from Florida’s Cape Canaveral on Sunday, marking the space transportation company’s first national security space mission for the United States.
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From various sources
Prayer service at Western Wall for injured IDF soldier Nathaniel Felber – (The Jerusalem Post)
Nathaniel’s Hebrew name is Netanel Ilan ben Shaina Tzipora.
Yesh Din asks High Court to strike Jewish Nation-State Law – (The Jerusalem Post)
Petition is broader attack than earlier one filed by Druze.
Biased World? Turks operating in Syria judged differently than Israel – (The Jerusalem Post)
“We are determined to turn the east of the Euphrates into a peaceful and livable place for its true owners just like the other areas we have made secure in Syria,” said Erdogan
Indonesia tsunami kills at least 168 after striking without warning – (The Washington Post)
Tsunami came following an eruption at the nearby Krakatoa volcano, but may not be directly linked
A flame from post-Holocaust Jewish life in Poland brought to Israel – (The Jerusalem Post)
The Ner HaTamid [Eternal Light] was honored at the central synagogue in Tanow, Poland. The building was destroyed, but now found its way to Israel.
Jeanneret ‘resting and doing well’ after leaving Sabres win against Ducks – (NHL News)
Rick Jeanneret, a Buffalo Sabres broadcaster for 47 years, is doing well a day after leaving the Sabres’ 3-0 victory against the Anaheim Ducks at KeyBank Center on Saturday.
‘Avengers,’ ‘Captain America’ star Hayley Atwell nude photos hacked: report – (Fox News)
Hackers claim to have posted naked photos of Hollywood star Hayley Atwell online.
May cuts MPs’ Christmas break short to rally Brexit deal support – (Financial Times)
Tory officials confident of winning war of attrition for approval of terms
Trump, Angry Over Mattis’s Rebuke, Considers Removing Him 2 Months Early – (The New York Times)
The president has been known to change his mind, but aides said his anger at Defense Secretary Jim Mattis had only grown.
SP, BSP ready to forge alliance in Uttar Pradesh – (The Hindu)
Seat-sharing formula to be revealed soon, say party sources; Congress may not make the cut.
18 New Year’s Resolutions That Are Actually Worth Trying In 2019 – (Buzzfeed)
2019 is gonna be your year.
Departing Defense Secretary Mattis Now Expected to Leave Jan. 1 – (The Wall Street Journal)
Departing Defense Secretary Jim Mattis is now expected to leave his post on Jan. 1.
Tsunami hits without warning in Indonesia, killing over 220 – (Associated Press)
CARITA BEACH, Indonesia (AP) — The deadly tsunami struck in the dark, without warning. At least 222 people were killed as waves smashed into houses, hotels and other beachside buildings Saturday night along Indonesia’s Sunda Strait, in a disaster that followe…
18 Husbands Who Didn’t Exactly Nail It This Time – (Buzzfeed)
But their hearts were in the right place…I think.
Trump pushes out James Mattis sooner than expected – (Axios)
After Mattis’ stark resignation letter
– (Fox Sports)
Wikipedia2Vec: An Optimized Implementation for Learning Embeddings from Wikipedia – (Hacker News)
We present Wikipedia2Vec, an open source tool for learning embeddings of words and entities from Wikipedia. This tool enables users to easily obtain high-quality embeddings of words and entities from a Wikipedia dump with a single command. The learned embeddi…
NFL News, Videos, Scores, Teams, Standings, Stats – (Fox Sports)
Find live NFL scores, pro football player & team news, NFL videos, rumors, stats, standings, team schedules & fantasy football games on FOX Sports.
Senior Product Designer – (Hacker News)
San Francisco
Neural networks in JavaScript | Scrimba.com – (Hacker News)
A fun and practical introduction to building neural networks with Brain.js
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All about Trump
Trump, Angry Over Mattis’s Rebuke, Considers Removing Him 2 Months Early – (The New York Times)
The president has been known to change his mind, but aides said his anger at Defense Secretary Jim Mattis had only grown.
Trump pushes out James Mattis sooner than expected – (Axios)
After Mattis’ stark resignation letter
Santorum: Trump’s base may not support this – CNN Video – (CNN)
Former Senator Rick Santorum tells CNN’s Jake Tapper he does not think most of President Donald Trump’s base supports his decision to back out of Syria “without a plan.”
Trump will continue troop withdrawal from Syria, despite military opposition, acting chief of staff says – (USA Today)
President Donald Trump campaigned to withdraw troops from Syria and will continue, despite military opposition, acting chief of staff Mulvaney said.
Bob Corker says the government shutdown is Trump’s “made-up fight” – (Axios)
Corker called Trump’s method for funding border security “juvenile.”
Trump’s reluctant backers sour on his leadership, policies – (Associated Press)
BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. (AP) — Jill Mott doesn’t like the tweets. The hard line on the border is too hard. And when asked whether she will vote for President Donald Trump a second time, she lets out a long, deep sigh. “That is the question,” said Mott, a Repu…
Macron ‘deeply regrets’ Trump’s Syria plan – (BBC News)
The US president’s decision to withdraw all troops from Syria has alarmed allies, including France.
Trump’s chief of staff says president will not fire Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell – (USA Today)
“He now realizes he does not have the authority,” acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney said Sunday on ABC’s “This Week.”
White House Budget Chief Says Shutdown May Extend Into January – (The New York Times)
Mick Mulvaney, the budget director and incoming chief of staff, said that the White House had made Democrats an offer below the $5 billion figure President Trump had demanded for a border wall.
Top Trump aide Mulvaney says shutdown may go into new year – (Reuters)
U.S. President Donald Trump’s budget director and chief of staff on Sunday said the partial U.S. government shutdown could continue to January 3, when the new Congress convenes and Democrats take over the House of Representatives.
Mick Mulvaney Says Trump ‘Now Realizes’ He Can’t Fire Federal Reserve Chief Jerome Powell – (The Huffington Post)
The president reportedly asked his advisers whether he could give Powell the boot in response to a stock market slump.
US foreign policy is in disarray as Jim Mattis leaves – (Financial Times)
The next defence secretary must temper Donald Trump’s wilder impulses
Gov. John Kasich ‘seriously look at’ running for president in 2020, says dysfunction in Washington is ‘very disturbing’ – (Fox News)
The Ohio governor speaks out on ‘Fox News Sunday’ on his timeline for making a decision to challenge President Trump.
Mick Mulvaney goes inside border wall negotiations and a timeline for agreement, says the ball is in Democrats’ court – (Fox News)
Incoming acting White House chief of staff goes inside President Trump’s negotiations with Democrats and Defense Secretary James Mattis’ resignation on ‘Fox News Sunday.’
Melania Trump haters attacked first lady throughout 2018, from mocking accent to slamming Christmas décor – (Fox News)
First lady Melania Trump has blasted “opportunists” in the media who use her name to advance themselves, but 2018 had no shortage of attacks on the president’s wife. While the first lady has thick skin, she takes issue with false and overwhelmingly negative c…
‘Very possible’ partial government shutdown will last into the new year, Mulvaney says – (Google News)
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director and incoming Acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney told “Fox News Sunday” that the partial government shutdown will likely extend past Dec. 27, as President Trump “refuses to go along to get along.”
Mick Mulvaney Says Trump Now Realizes He Can’t Fire Fed Chairman – (Fortune)
White House Budget Director Mick Mulvaney on Sunday echoed the comments of Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.
Trump Administration Warns Shutdown Could Last Into January – (The Wall Street Journal)
A top Trump administration official warned that the partial government shutdown could stretch into January after weekend negotiations failed to yield a spending deal.
Beto O’Rourke: ‘What’s happening now is part of a larger threat to us all’ – (CNN)
Outgoing Democratic Rep. Beto O’Rourke issued a pointed warning about what he sees as the threat President Donald Trump poses to American democracy, writing that “what’s happening now is part of a larger threat to us all.”
Rand Paul: ‘I’m very proud of the President’ for Syria withdrawal decision – (CNN)
Republican Sen. Rand Paul said Sunday he’s “very proud” of President Donald Trump for his decision last week to withdraw US troops from Syria.
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