Headlines:
From Al Jazeera, Associated Press, BBC News, Reuters, The Globe and Mail, New York Times, and Wired
Missouri man fatally shoots girlfriend, her kids, her mother – (Associated Press)
ST. CHARLES, Mo. (AP) — A St. Louis-area man shot to death his girlfriend, her two young children and her mother in the home they all shared, authorities said Saturday. He exchanged gunfire with officers as he fled and was captured several hours later in a co…
Brazil moving its embassy to Jerusalem matter of ‘when, not if’: Israel’s prime minister – (Reuters)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Brazil’s President-elect Jair Bolsonaro told him that it was a matter of “when, not if” he moves his country’s embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.
No talk of solution to shutdown, president tweets blame – (Associated Press)
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump was firing Twitter barbs at Democrats this weekend as talks to end a weeklong partial government shutdown remained at a stalemate. Trump was cooped up in the White House after canceling a vacation to his private Florid…
A Journey Into the Solar System’s Outer Reaches, Seeking New Worlds to Explore – (The New York Times)
NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft will visit a tiny and mysterious object in the Kuiper belt on Tuesday, seeking clues to the formation of our cosmic neighborhood.
Bangladesh opposition leader rejects election as ‘farcical’ – (Associated Press)
DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — The leader of Bangladesh’s opposition alliance called Sunday’s general election “farcical,” saying any outcome would be rejected and demanding that a new election be held under the authority of a “nonpartisan government.” Voters went …
Column: With Alabama-Clemson set, get ready for part 5 – (Associated Press)
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Before Alabama-Clemson IV is even played, know that part five of college football’s epic championship series already is in production. The top-ranked Crimson Tide and No. 2 Tigers will meet for the fourth straight year in the College F…
Bangladesh PM takes big lead as opposition rejects poll alleging vote rigging – (Reuters)
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ruling party took a big lead over the opposition in a national election on Sunday, early results and trends showed, in a poll that was marred by allegations of vote rigging and violence that killed 17 people.
Sudan’s Bashir tells police to limit force against protesters – (Al Jazeera English)
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appeals ‘for calm and restraint’, while calling for government probe into deaths.
Trump puts blame for child deaths at border on Democrats – (Associated Press)
In his first public statements on the deaths of two Guatemalan children in U.S. custody, President Donald Trump claimed they were “very sick” before they reached the border and foisted responsibility for their deaths on Democrats, yet both young migrants pass…
U.S. CBP chief: agents did everything they could to save children – (Reuters)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents did everything they could to get medical help for two children who subsequently died in their custody, the CBP chief Kevin McAleenan said on Sunday.
Bangladesh opposition demand new election – (BBC News)
An opposition leader condemned what he called a “farcical result”, amid claims of vote rigging.
Putin scores some wins but tensions with the West mount – (Associated Press)
MOSCOW (AP) — It’s been a mixed year for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin may look like a winner after an abrupt U.S. decision to pull out of Syria. But Russia’s leader faces massive challenges in Syria and elsewhere, and he hasn’t moved an inch closer…
U.S. judge dismisses suit versus Google over facial recognition software – (Reuters)
A lawsuit filed against Google by consumers who claimed the search engine’s photo sharing and storage service violated their privacy was dismissed on Saturday by a U.S. judge who cited a lack of “concrete injuries.”
Huge bald eagle lands on US football fans – (BBC News)
A bird named Clark goes rogue in front of 90,000 fans at a college game.
N. Korean leader calls for more talks with South in new year – (Associated Press)
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent a letter to South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Sunday calling for more peace talks between the leaders in the new year following their active engagement in 2018, South Korea’s presidential offi…
Congo voters barred over Ebola vote anyway, by the thousands – (Associated Press)
BENI, Congo (AP) — They were barred from voting in Congo’s presidential election. They voted anyway. On Sunday, thousands of men and women gathered in Beni to cast paper ballots they hoped that someone, somewhere, might take seriously. Last week, the electora…
With U.S. departure, Syria’s Manbij braces for upheaval – (Reuters)
The city of Manbij has switched control more than most places in Syria’s civil war.
Putin tells Trump that Moscow is open for dialogue – (Reuters)
Russian President Vladimir Putin told his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump in a New Year letter on Sunday that Moscow was ready for dialogue on a “wide-ranging agenda”, the Kremlin said following a series of failed attempts to hold a new summit.
Murdered man’s children to be split up – (BBC News)
The parents of a man killed by his Chinese wife abroad agree to bring just one grandchild to the UK.
Deutsche Bank is strong, has no need for state aid, merger” chairman – (Reuters)
Deutsche Bank is strong and its turnaround strategy is bearing fruit, Chairman Paul Achleitner said, ruling out the need for state aid and playing down speculation that the lossmaking German bank should merge.
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From various sources
Dave Barry’s Year in Review 2018 – (The Washington Post)
You thought 2016 and 2017 were bad? Let’s look back at this past year.
ANALYSIS: Michael Oren’s loss is a tragedy for all Israelis – (The Jerusalem Post)
The Knesset is a place where many talented, qualified people can’t survive, but vulgarians, serial harassers and terrorism-supporters get elected over and over again.
Philippines to buy SPYDER air defense missile system from Israel – (The Jerusalem Post)
Philippine Air Force also purchasing 13 Hermes long-range drones and two new radars.
Killing of Palestinian medic, ‘reckless at best, and possibly a war crime’ – (The Jerusalem Post)
A video released by the IDF in June appears to show Razan Najjar throwing a smoke grenade into an open area and announcing that she is offering herself as a human shield.
Facts and Figures: Bruins, Blackhawks win final Winter Classic tuneups – (NHL News)
The Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks each earned overtime victories on the road Saturday in their final games before they play in the 2019 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana, on Jan. 1 (1 p.m. ET; NBC, SN, TVAS).
– (Fox Sports)
Who will rebuild after a climate disaster as workers retire and weather worsens? | CBC News – (CBC News)
More powerful and destructive storms are driving up demand for construction workers, power line technicians and even insurance adjusters.
Giuliani suggests Mueller cover-up, charges Dems ‘absolutely’ could have prevented illegal immigrant cop killing – (Fox News)
In a wide-ranging interview on “Fox & Friends” on Sunday, President Trump personal attorney Rudy Giuliani charged that Democrats had rejected legislation that would have “absolutely prevented” the murder of a California police officer by an illegal immigrant …
Sajid Javid accused of bungling Dad’s Army response to migrant crisis – (Daily Mail)
Home Secretary Sajid Javid was last night forced to cut short a safari in South Africa amid a growing outcry over his ‘Dad’s Army’ handling of the Channel migrant crisis.
Anthony Martial starts: Manchester United vs Bournemouth preview and team news for live talkSPORT commentary – (TalkSport)
The Red Devils are a rejuvenated side under caretaker boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Disabled boy, 12, ‘forced to sleep in filthy room with used loo roll on floor’ – (Mirror)
The youngster’s mum and dad have been arrested after he was reportedly found to be living in filthy conditions
Lennit Max ditches ‘self-serving’ DA to join the ANC – (News24)
Former DA Western Cape MPL Lennit Max has resigned from the party with immediate effect and has now joined the ANC.
This Food Pun Test Will Reveal If You’re More Introverted Or Extroverted – (Buzzfeed)
I like big bundts and I cannot lie!
Test your tech knowledge in TechCrunch’s 2018 Year In Tech Quiz – (TechCrunch)
Think you know tech? Square off against TechCrunch editors with 2018’s year in tech quiz. TechCrunch’s 2018 Year In Tech Quiz Square off against TechCrunch’s reporters and editors in this year’s annual quiz, covering the major stories of the past twelve month…
What John Kelly is proudest of: Serving as a check on Trump – (Axios)
He told the L.A. Times that his tenure is “best measured by what the president did not do.”
‘I know Putin’: How a drumbeat of 2018 revelations shadows Trump’s presidency – (USA Today)
Donald Trump’s connections with Russia and efforts to bury damaging information began at early moments of his campaign, continued until his election.
Four Millionth tourist arrives in Israel – (The Jerusalem Post)
The four millionth tourist landed in Israel on Sunday, marking an unprecedented number of tourists who arrived in the country in 2018.
Petitions to parliament in 2018 include Danny Dyer peerage request – (The Guardian (UK))
Thousands of rejected petitions reveal Brexit most popular issue and interests in vegan diets, plastic pollution and war in Syria
Two Donegal men charged with alleged assault on pensioner in Australia – (The Irish Times)
Christopher McLaughlin, 24, and Nathan Kelly, 21, charged with grievous bodily harm
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All about Trump
Giuliani suggests Mueller cover-up, charges Dems ‘absolutely’ could have prevented illegal immigrant cop killing – (Fox News)
In a wide-ranging interview on “Fox & Friends” on Sunday, President Trump personal attorney Rudy Giuliani charged that Democrats had rejected legislation that would have “absolutely prevented” the murder of a California police officer by an illegal immigrant …
What John Kelly is proudest of: Serving as a check on Trump – (Axios)
He told the L.A. Times that his tenure is “best measured by what the president did not do.”
‘I know Putin’: How a drumbeat of 2018 revelations shadows Trump’s presidency – (USA Today)
Donald Trump’s connections with Russia and efforts to bury damaging information began at early moments of his campaign, continued until his election.
2019: What to expect in Washington in the New Year? – (CBS News)
Change is coming to Congress. CBS News correspondent Chip Reid lays out the challenges facing President Donald Trump, from House Democrats and Special Counsel Robert Mueller, in the coming year.
No talk of solution to shutdown, president tweets blame – (Associated Press)
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump was firing Twitter barbs at Democrats this weekend as talks to end a weeklong partial government shutdown remained at a stalemate. Trump was cooped up in the White House after canceling a vacation to his private Florid…
2019: What to expect in Asia in the New Year? – (CBS News)
CBS News correspondent Ben Tracy discusses what the coming year may bring for North Korea and its nuclear program, and the duel of tariffs between the Trump administration and China.
Graham: There will never be a deal without wall – CNN Video – (CNN)
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) discusses President Trump’s demands for a border wall as a partial government shutdown enters its second week.
Kellyanne Conway on border security, immigration reform and shutdown negotiations with the Democrats – (Fox News)
As the partial government shutdown enters its second week, both sides are digging in over funding for President Trump’s border wall; insight from White House counselor Kellyanne Conway.
John Kelly opens up about tumultuous White House tenure in extensive exit interview – (NBC News)
Outgoing White House chief of staff John Kelly told the Los Angeles Times that President Donald Trump’s border wall isn’t exactly a wall.
Lindsey Graham to tell Trump to reconsider Syria decision – (Axios)
He floated a proposal to end the government shutdown.
Trump puts blame for child deaths at border on Democrats – (Associated Press)
In his first public statements on the deaths of two Guatemalan children in U.S. custody, President Donald Trump claimed they were “very sick” before they reached the border and foisted responsibility for their deaths on Democrats, yet both young migrants pass…
Conway reacts to John Kelly’s ‘it’s not a wall’ remark – CNN Video – (CNN)
White House counselor Kellyanne Conway defends President Trump’s border security measures after former White House chief of staff John Kelly contradicted Trump’s wall demands in an interview with the Los Angeles Times.
See how Trump’s false claims have multiplied – CNN Video – (CNN)
CNN’s Victor Blackwell uses gumballs to represent The Washington Post’s count of President Donald Trump’s false and misleading claims since taking office.
Trump unmoved on border wall demand as shutdown enters ninth day – (The Guardian (UK))
Democrats refuse to provide funds for president’s pet project, with polling suggesting they have public support
Putin says Russia is ready for ‘wide ranging’ dialogue with US in the new year – (CNBC)
Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a New Year letter to his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump, said on Sunday that Moscow was ready for dialogue on a “wide-ranging agenda,” the Kremlin said in a statement.
After Syria, Trump Should Clean Out His National Security Bureaucracy – (The American Conservative)
They’re undermining his positions and pursuing their own agendas. John Bolton should be the first to go.
Kelly: ‘To be honest, it’s not a wall’ – (The Hill)
Outgoing White House chief of staff John Kelly said in an interview published Sunday that the Trump administration has moved on from the push for a concrete wall along the southern border.
Melania Trump’s Famous Beluga Whale Tweet Mysteriously Turned Into A Giraffe And No One Knows Why – (Buzzfeed)
“WHERE’S THE FUCKING DOLPHIN???”
China and US hail ‘positive progress’ on trade talks – (Financial Times)
Beijing ‘stands ready’ to secure deal after Trump-Xi phone conversation
Trump’s shifting Cabinet to introduce new faces – (The Hill)
President Trump will enter 2019 with several fresh faces in his Cabinet, setting up high profile confirmation hearings.Here’s a breakdown of where Trump’s Cabinet stands heading into 2019.Attorney General