Headlines:
From Al Jazeera, Associated Press, BBC News, Reuters, The Globe and Mail, New York Times, and Wired
Pope appeals for Middle East peace in Christmas message – (Al Jazeera English)
Head of world’s 1.3 billion Catholics hopes for ‘fraternity’ among people of all walks of life in his Christmas message.
Clashes erupt as Sudanese march on presidential palace – (Associated Press)
CAIRO (AP) — Police used tear gas and fired in the air Tuesday to disperse thousands of protesters attempting to march on the presidential palace to demand that Omar Bashir, Sudan’s president of 29 years, step down, according to activists and video clips post…
Trump: Government stays closed as long as Dems reject wall – (Associated Press)
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says parts of the government will stay shut as long as Democrats refuse to build more barriers on the U.S.-Mexico border, seemingly dashing hope for a Christmas miracle that would soon allow several departments to reop…
Confusion, anger grow as Congo faces Sunday’s election – (Associated Press)
KINSHASA, Congo (AP) — As Congo hurtles toward Sunday’s already troubled election, the opposition on Tuesday urged mobile phone companies to disable SIM cards provided for voting machines as concerns grow about how the ballots of some 40 million people will b…
Nissan American exec Greg Kelly released on bail in Japan – (Associated Press)
TOKYO (AP) — Nissan Motor Co. executive Greg Kelly was released from detention in Japan on Tuesday after being granted bail over the alleged underreporting of his boss Carlos Ghosn’s pay. The late-night release of Kelly, who is American, followed the Tokyo Di…
Congo opposition cry foul over web-enabled voting machines – (Reuters)
Opposition candidates in this weekend’s presidential election in Democratic Republic of Congo demanded on Tuesday that the electoral board deactivate SIM cards in voting machines to prevent the electronic transmission of results.
On Christmas, Trump Again Lobbies for Border Wall – (The New York Times)
With funding lapsing for nine departments and numerous federal agencies, the president remained in Washington. On Twitter, he stewed over criticism and his perceived enemies.
Trump says U.S. govt shutdown to last until agreement on border wall – (Reuters)
U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday said the partial shutdown of the federal government was going to last until his demand for funds to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border is met.
Sudanese police fire tear gas to halt protest march – (Al Jazeera English)
Security forces used live ammunition to disperse crowds of protesters marching toward the presidential palace.
Nissan’s Kelly released on bail as Tokyo court rejects prosecutors’ plea – (Reuters)
Former Nissan Motor Co Representative Director Greg Kelly has been released on bail after more than a month in detention on financial-misconduct charges, as a Tokyo court rejected prosecutors’ request to keep the American executive in custody.
U.S.-led coalition reports recent air strikes on ISIS in Syria – (Reuters)
The U.S.-led coalition in Syria conducted air strikes last week that destroyed facilities used by Islamic State, the coalition said on Tuesday, less than a week after President Donald Trump declared victory over the militant group and said he would withdraw U…
Three migrant boat rescues off Kent coast – (BBC News)
Lifeboats and the coastguard rescue 15 people and French officials help eight migrants in UK waters.
Several dead in suicide attack on Libyan foreign ministry – (Reuters)
Three suicide bombers attacked Libya’s foreign ministry in Tripoli on Tuesday, killing at least two other people as well as themselves, authorities said.
Not a ‘Department of No,’ New Defense Chief Turns Trump’s Demands Into Policy – (The New York Times)
Patrick M. Shanahan, the White House pick for acting defense secretary, used his experience at Boeing to navigate, and battle, the Pentagon.
Sicilian airport reopens amid Mount Etna’s latest eruption – (Associated Press)
ROME (AP) — Italy’s Catania airport resumed full operations Tuesday, a day after an ash cloud from Mount Etna’s latest eruption in eastern Sicily forced it to shut down. Before dawn Tuesday, fiery red flaming lava shooting out from the volcano could be seen a…
Indonesia tsunami survivors remain jittery as deaths hit 429 – (Associated Press)
SUMUR, Indonesia (AP) — Panicked residents, police and soldiers in this remote fishing village clobbered by a devastating weekend tsunami ran to higher ground Tuesday, shouting “Water is coming! Water is coming!” and reciting verses from the Quran as emergenc…
Thailand approves medicinal cannabis – (BBC News)
A lawmaker behind the bill says it has been fast-tracked as a “New Year’s gift to the people”.
Christmas in Lebanon: ‘Jesus Isn’t Only for the Christians’ – (The New York Times)
Few seasons frame the everyday give-and-take of religious coexistence quite like Christmastime in Lebanon, where hijab-wearing women snap selfies in front of Beirut’s colossal Christmas tree.
Pope Francis, in Christmas Day Message, Emphasizes ‘Fraternity’ – (The New York Times)
In his “Urbi et Orbi” (“To the City and to the World”) benediction, the pontiff declares that differences are a source of richness rather than danger.
As China Cracks Down on Churches, Christians Declare ‘We Will Not Forfeit Our Faith’ – (The New York Times)
China this year banned online sales of the Bible, burned crosses, demolished churches and forced at least a half-dozen places of worship to close.
***
From various sources
Iona in winter: Why the most peaceful island in Britain is the perfect place to recover from Christmas – (The Telegraph)
Christmas is over and you may be reading this feeling gluttonous and depleted.
Netanyahu visits Northern border, views operation Northern Shield up close – (The Jerusalem Post)
“We did excellent work here,” said Netanyahu, “it [Hezbollah] invested a lot in this [the terror tunnels] and we wrecked it for them.”
Rapper 21 Savage apologizes for antisemitic lyrics – (The Jerusalem Post)
21 Savage said in his tweet: “The Jewish people I know are very wise with there money so that’s why I said we been gettin Jewish money I never thought anyone would take offense.”
DiPietro has reminder on blocker to focus on ABC at WJC – (NHL News)
VANCOUVER — Vancouver Canucks goalie prospect Michael DiPietro debuted a new set of red-and-white, maple leaf-adorned Bauer pads and gloves shortly after learning he’d be playing for Canada at the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship.
The Trailer For Jordan Peele’s Next Feature “Us” Is Here And It Looks Scarier Than “Get Out” – (Buzzfeed)
Unlike Get Out, writer-director Jordan Peele’s next film, Us, won’t be about race.
emutos/emutos – (Hacker News)
EmuTOS is a Free operating system for Atari computers, and more. – emutos/emutos
Photo Essay: Christmas in the Holy Land – (The Jerusalem Post)
Christian pilgrims and tourists are visiting Christianity’s holiest sites, especially in Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth.
Celebrities celebrate Christmas 2018: See the holiday messages – (Entertainment Weekly)
‘Tis the season for holiday cheer, including warm wishes from stars on social media.
On Christmas, Trump talks shutdown, economy, Russia probe – (CBS News)
President Trump says the partial government shutdown will continue until Congress agrees to fund a border wall. He spoke about that plus concerns about the economy and other issues from the Oval Office on Christmas Day. Watch his remarks.
Pope appeals for Middle East peace in Christmas message – (Al Jazeera English)
Head of world’s 1.3 billion Catholics hopes for ‘fraternity’ among people of all walks of life in his Christmas message.
Donald Trump insists shutdown will not end unless Congress funds border wall – (The Guardian (UK))
‘I can’t tell you when the government is going to reopen,’ says Trump after funding for quarter of federal programs expired on Friday
Trump: “I can’t tell you when” shutdown will end – (Axios)
His comments didn’t suggest any real progress in ending the standoff.
President Trump tells 7-year-old child it’s ‘marginal’ to still believe in Santa Claus – (USA Today)
“Are you still a believer in Santa?” President Trump said to a child calling in to the federal government’s official “Santa Tracker”.
Baker Mic’d Up for Landry Bomb ? – (Bleacher Report)
React Kawaii – Cute React SVG Components – (Hacker News)
Cute React SVG Components
All we want for Christmas is the first trailer for Jordan Peele’s Us – (Ars Technica)
Oscar-winning screenwriter is back with what looks like a truly terrifying film.
Nissan executive linked to Ghosn case released on bail – (RTE)
Japanese authorities have released on bail a Nissan executive accused of a key role in the financial misconduct case involving auto tycoon Carlos Ghosn, who remains in detention.
17 Mexican Moms Who Are Doing This Whole Parenting Thing Right – (Buzzfeed)
Protect them at all costs.
Trump lashes out at Fed — again: ‘They’re raising interest rates too fast’ – (CNBC)
Trump has largely laid the blame for economic headwinds on the Fed, openly criticizing its chairman, Jerome Powell, whom he appointed.
Trump digs in on the wall and the shutdown – (NBC News)
President Donald Trump told reporters the wall was already being built and renovated, but that he wouldn’t end the shutdown until receiving funding he seeks.
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All about Trump
On Christmas, Trump talks shutdown, economy, Russia probe – (CBS News)
President Trump says the partial government shutdown will continue until Congress agrees to fund a border wall. He spoke about that plus concerns about the economy and other issues from the Oval Office on Christmas Day. Watch his remarks.
Donald Trump insists shutdown will not end unless Congress funds border wall – (The Guardian (UK))
‘I can’t tell you when the government is going to reopen,’ says Trump after funding for quarter of federal programs expired on Friday
Trump: “I can’t tell you when” shutdown will end – (Axios)
His comments didn’t suggest any real progress in ending the standoff.
President Trump tells 7-year-old child it’s ‘marginal’ to still believe in Santa Claus – (USA Today)
“Are you still a believer in Santa?” President Trump said to a child calling in to the federal government’s official “Santa Tracker”.
Trump lashes out at Fed — again: ‘They’re raising interest rates too fast’ – (CNBC)
Trump has largely laid the blame for economic headwinds on the Fed, openly criticizing its chairman, Jerome Powell, whom he appointed.
Trump digs in on the wall and the shutdown – (NBC News)
President Donald Trump told reporters the wall was already being built and renovated, but that he wouldn’t end the shutdown until receiving funding he seeks.
Donald Trump makes Christmas calls to troops, denies collusion and defends shutdown stand – (USA Today)
While wishing a Merry Christmas to troops overseas, President Donald Trump ventured into politics Tuesday.
Trump says no end to shutdown until border barrier funded, plans January visit to new section of wall – (Google News)
President Donald Trump said Tuesday the government won’t reopen until funding is secured for his border barrier, and he plans to go to the border in January to visit a new stretch of wall.
Trump: Government stays closed as long as Dems reject wall – (Associated Press)
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says parts of the government will stay shut as long as Democrats refuse to build more barriers on the U.S.-Mexico border, seemingly dashing hope for a Christmas miracle that would soon allow several departments to reop…
Trump says he has confidence in Mnuchin but hits Fed – (The Hill)
President Trump on Tuesday expressed confidence in Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin one day after markets continued their slide amid investor concerns about rising interest rates and chaos in the Trump administration.
From Kim summit to Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court hearing, 7 political moments that defined 2018 – (Fox News)
In 2018, President Trump traveled to Singapore for a historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, celebrities advocated for criminal justice reform in the Oval Office and Democrats took back the House after years in the political wilderness on Capito…
Trump sets completion date for border wall – CNN Video – (CNN)
President Donald Trump says he wants the border wall between Mexico and the United States finished by election day 2020.
On Christmas, Trump Again Lobbies for Border Wall – (The New York Times)
With funding lapsing for nine departments and numerous federal agencies, the president remained in Washington. On Twitter, he stewed over criticism and his perceived enemies.
Trump says U.S. govt shutdown to last until agreement on border wall – (Reuters)
U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday said the partial shutdown of the federal government was going to last until his demand for funds to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border is met.
Trump doesn’t blink on shutdown in Christmas comments – (The Hill)
President Trump on Tuesday dug in on his demand for a border wall as the government shutdown stretched into its fourth day.
Trump says no end to shutdown until border barrier constructed, plans January visit to new section of wall – (CNN)
President Donald Trump said Tuesday the government won’t reopen until funding is secured for his border barrier, and he plans to go to the border in January to visit a new stretch of wall.
Is Abbas trying to reach out to Trump in his Christmas message? – (The Jerusalem Post)
“We are not the enemies of anyone; we are not the enemies of America. We want America’s friendship and good relations with it, but it should treat us justly,” Abbas said.
Trump says government shutdown will last until agreement on border wall – (CNBC)
Partial govt shutdown to last until wall built – Trump – (RTE)
US President Donald Trump has said the partial shutdown of the federal government was going to last until his demand for funds to build a US-Mexico border wall is met.
5 heartwarming moments in politics, even in 2018 – (CNN)
2018 has been a tumultuous year in Washington — we’ve seen unprecedented turnover in the White House, the passings of two political statesmen, and indictments of several Trump associates as part of special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation (which still c…