Headlines:
From Al Jazeera, Associated Press, BBC News, Reuters, The Globe and Mail, New York Times, and Wired
Trump, Democrats taking border wall fight to prime-time TV – (Associated Press)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Making his case on prime-time TV, President Donald Trump is stressing humanitarian concerns at the U.S.-Mexico border as he tries to convince the American people he must get funding for his long-promised border wall before ending a partial g…
Eyeing 2020, Harris addresses prosecutorial past in memoir – (Associated Press)
WASHINGTON (AP) — As she nears a decision on whether to seek the presidency, Sen. Kamala Harris is taking on what could be a hurdle in a Democratic primary: her past as a prosecutor. In her memoir published Tuesday, the California Democrat describes herself a…
What air travelers should know about the government shutdown – (Associated Press)
DALLAS (AP) — The partial government shutdown is starting to affect air travel. Over the weekend, some airports had long lines at checkpoints, apparently caused by a rising number of security officers calling in sick while they are not getting paid. Safety in…
Russian lawyer who met Trump Jr. charged in unrelated case – (Associated Press)
NEW YORK (AP) — A Russian lawyer who became a focal point of the investigation into whether there was collusion between Russians and President Donald Trump’s election campaign was charged with obstruction of justice Tuesday in an unrelated case in New York. N…
China gives long-awaited GM crop approvals amid U.S. trade talks – (Reuters)
China approved five genetically modified (GM) crops for import on Tuesday, the first in about 18 months in a move that could boost its overseas grains purchases and ease pressure from the United States to open its markets to more farm goods.
Factbox: China approves new GMO soybean, corn and canola traits – (Reuters)
China approved five genetically modified (GM) crops for import on Tuesday, the first in about 18 months, as representatives from the Asian country and the United States met in face-to-face talks to try to resolve trade disagreements.
Networks to air Pelosi, Schumer rebuttal to Trump – (Associated Press)
NEW YORK (AP) — Television networks airing President Donald Trump’s Oval Office speech on his proposed border wall and the partial government shutdown have also committed to airing the Democratic response to the president. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senat…
Stocks extend gains as U.S.-China trade hopes build – (Reuters)
An index of world stocks rose for the third straight session on Tuesday, lifted by hopes that the United States and China would strike a deal to end their months-long trade war that has hurt sentiment in financial markets.
CEO quits after vegetative patient has baby – (BBC News)
The woman, who has not been identified, had required round the clock care for over a decade.
U.S. job openings, hiring fall in November – (Reuters)
U.S. job openings fell in November, pulled down by sharp declines in construction and other services, but that will probably do little to change views that the economy is facing a shortage of workers.
Australia to ‘consider’ Saudi teen Rahaf Alqunun’s asylum plea – (Al Jazeera English)
Canberra says Alqunun’s humanitarian visa application will be ‘carefully considered’ as UNHCR looks into her case.
Exclusive: New documents link Huawei to suspected front companies in Iran, Syria – (Reuters)
The U.S. case against the chief financial officer of China’s Huawei Technologies, who was arrested in Canada last month, centers on the company’s suspected ties to two obscure companies. One is a telecom equipment seller that operated in Tehran; the other is …
Sears to ask bankruptcy judge for approval to liquidate: sources – (Reuters)
Sears Holdings Corp will ask a bankruptcy judge on Tuesday if it can proceed with liquidation after it could not reach an agreement on Chairman Edward Lampert’s $4.4 billion takeover bid, casting doubt on the survival of the 126-year-old U.S. department store…
Turkey slams US request for assurances on Syrian Kurds – (Associated Press)
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused the U.S. national security adviser of making “a very serious mistake” Tuesday by demanding that Ankara guarantee the safety of Kurdish fighters in northeastern Syria before the U.S. withdraw…
U.S. top court’s Ginsburg misses oral arguments again – (Reuters)
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s first absence from the bench extended into a second day on Tuesday as the 85-year-old jurist continued her recovery from lung cancer surgery at home.
We’re techy, too! Deere, Tide maker head to CES gadget show – (Associated Press)
LAS VEGAS (AP) — The companies founded by blacksmith John Deere and candle-and-soap-making duo Procter & Gamble may not be the hip purveyors of new technology they were in 1837. But they’re first-time exhibitors at this year’s CES gadget show, along with …
The reality on the border: How much will a wall really help? – (Associated Press)
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says there is a security crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border that can be addressed only by spending $5.7 billion on a wall. Democrats have flatly refused to agree to the funding. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called the wall…
Wall Street gains for third day on signs of trade talk progress – (Reuters)
U.S. stocks rose on Tuesday, as industrial stocks and Amazon helped extend Wall Street’s rebound for a third day on rising hopes of progress in U.S.-China trade talks.
Monsanto patent victory seen as a boost for biotech investment in India – (Reuters)
India’s Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday that Monsanto can claim patents on its genetically modified (GM) cotton seeds, a victory for the U.S. company that is expected to encourage biotechnology firms to step up investment in the country.
US cancer death rate hits milestone: 25 years of decline – (Associated Press)
NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. cancer death rate has hit a milestone: It’s been falling for at least 25 years, according to a new report. Lower smoking rates are translating into fewer deaths. Advances in early detection and treatment also are having a positive imp…
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From various sources
‘Gentleman,’ ‘statesman,’ ‘scientist,’ ‘Zionist’ Moshe Arens laid to rest – (The Jerusalem Post)
“There is no leader who met with Misha and did not respect him and look at him as he looked at them in return – at eye level.”
Eisenkot: We thwarted the smuggling of some 20,000 rockets into Gaza – (The Jerusalem Post)
According to foreign reports Israel has also acted beyond its borders to thwart Hamas from getting their hands on advanced rockets.
Arab MK Tibi breaks away from the Joint List – (The Jerusalem Post)
It remains to be seen if Ta’al, running as an individual party, can pass the electoral threshold.
Final swearing in of judges during current Knesset – (The Jerusalem Post)
It was impossible to ignore the satisfied tone in Hayut’s voice as she said these would be the final judicial appointments during the current Knesset.
Aho, Teravainen make selections for Last Men In at NHL All-Star Game – (NHL News)
Though some fans are meticulously breaking down the merits of who should earn selections for the 2019 NHL All-Star Last Men In presented by adidas, Carolina Hurricanes forward Sebastian Aho had no such qualms.
Penguins embark on second half with renewed swagger – (NHL News)
CRANBERRY, Pa. — It’s now easier for Sidney Crosby to see the positives of the Pittsburgh Penguins struggles earlier this season. An eight-game winning streak will do that.
Eichel practices with Sabres, no return date set – (NHL News)
The Buffalo Sabres got a pleasant surprise during practice Monday when captain Jack Eichel joined the group.
Catholic group paid almost $1 million to settle sexual misconduct suit against famous reverend – (Vice News)
The decade-old suit against the reverend who converted Newt Gingrich only became public now
Canadiens won’t trade top prospects for berth in Stanley Cup Playoffs – (NHL News)
Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin said he has no intention of trading any of their top prospects or assets simply to bolster their chances of qualifying for the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season.
Five Questions with Jennifer Botterill – (NHL News)
NHL.com’s Q&A feature called “Five Questions With …” runs every Tuesday. We talk to key figures in the game and ask them questions to gain insight into their lives, careers and the latest news.The latest edition features New York Islanders television analyst …
Ask HN: How to found a company as a single founder? – (Hacker News)
Iraqi stockpickers see a silver lining as public mood darkens – (Financial Times)
Despite challenges, fund managers eye potential for returns in the thinly traded exchange
The New Spider-Man Movie Makes Live-Action Superheroes Look Boring – (Buzzfeed)
Cartoon superheroes have made a big-screen comeback with Incredibles 2 and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, a film so vibrant it makes you wonder if all superheroes would be better off
Trump administration quietly snubs EU diplomats in U.S., officials say | CBC News – (CBC News)
U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has lowered the status of the European Union’s diplomats in Washington without notifying Brussels, EU officials say.
Chinese carmaker unveils the ‘world’s cheapest electric car,’ starting at less than $9,000 – (Mashable)
What a steal … but could this car be too good to be true?
Kegworth pays tribute to 47 killed in plane crash 30 years ago – (Daily Mail)
Leslie Bloomer, now 57, was one of the 79 survivors, whose lives changed forever after the British Midland flight BD92 took off from London Heathrow on January 8 1989.
Here are all of the TVs getting AirPlay 2 in 2019 – (The Verge)
CES 2019 saw the announcement of Apple’s AirPlay 2 coming to several televisions in the near future. Here’s where you can expect to find the feature, both in upcoming and current models.
Juul combats criticism with new TV ad campaign of adult smokers who quit after switching to e-cigarettes – (CNBC)
The campaign marks the start of a year Juul will need to spend proving to regulators its product is ending up where its supposed to — in the hands of adult smokers, not teenagers.
Clubber who claims cricketer, 23, raped her breaks down in court – (Daily Mail)
The woman who claims that Alex Hepburn, 23, (pictured) raped her wept as she told Worcester Crown Court that the wrong man had sex with her for 20 minutes before she realised who it was.
Victim speaks out as alleged abuser dies in crash before trial – (Daily Mail)
An ex-youth football player has said he gets ‘no closure’ from the death of former coach and alleged child abuser Michael Sean Carson, 75, who died yesterday in Cambridgeshire.
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All about Trump
Trump administration quietly snubs EU diplomats in U.S., officials say | CBC News – (CBC News)
U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has lowered the status of the European Union’s diplomats in Washington without notifying Brussels, EU officials say.
Trump administration officials admit mistakes while trying to tie terrorism to southern border – (USA Today)
Trump’s own team is acknowledging that they’ve used misleading statistics to push for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Trump, Democrats taking border wall fight to prime-time TV – (Associated Press)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Making his case on prime-time TV, President Donald Trump is stressing humanitarian concerns at the U.S.-Mexico border as he tries to convince the American people he must get funding for his long-promised border wall before ending a partial g…
Donald Trump’s top security aide snubbed by Turkey’s president – (Financial Times)
John Bolton was expected to meet Recep Tayyip Erdogan but had talks with spokesman instead
Pelosi and Schumer to deliver rebuttal to Trump’s address – live – (Google News (UK))
Democratic leaders to speak from US Capitol in response to president’s televised speech on border security after calling for equal airtime
Russian lawyer in Trump Tower meeting charged with obstruction in unrelated case – (USA Today)
Nataylya Veselnitskaya was charged with obstruction in an unrelated money laundering investigation, federal prosecutors alleged Tuesday.
Hoyer: IRS distributing refunds during shutdown is illegal – (The Hill)
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) claimed Tuesday that the Trump administration lacks the legal authority to distribute tax refunds during the government shutdown, as the White House says it intends to do.
Trump Will Make a Border Wall Speech on Live TV Tonight. Here’s How to Watch – (Fortune)
President Trump will deliver a prime-time, televised address from the Oval Office on Tuesday night about funding the border wall.
Russian lawyer who attended Trump Tower meeting charged with obstruction of justice – (Axios)
The charges allege she has deep ties to the Kremlin.
Inside the teardown of Trump’s infamous tent city for migrant kids – (Vice News)
Tornillo is being torn down, and fast.
TV executive worries about airing Trump live – CNN Video – (CNN)
President Donald Trump tweeted he will address the nation Tuesday night, claiming a “humanitarian and national security crisis on our southern border.”
Russian lawyer who met Trump Jr. charged in unrelated case – (Associated Press)
NEW YORK (AP) — A Russian lawyer who became a focal point of the investigation into whether there was collusion between Russians and President Donald Trump’s election campaign was charged with obstruction of justice Tuesday in an unrelated case in New York. N…
Mike Pence: “We have a crisis” and Democrats need to negotiate – (CBS News)
Vice President Mike Pence spoke with CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett ahead of President Trump’s first formal address from the Oval Office. Major joined CBSN with more on his conversation with the VP and what to expect from the president …
Networks to air Democratic response from Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer to Trump’s prime-time speech – (Axios)
It’s a decision that’s not without precedent.
Networks to air Pelosi, Schumer rebuttal to Trump – (Associated Press)
NEW YORK (AP) — Television networks airing President Donald Trump’s Oval Office speech on his proposed border wall and the partial government shutdown have also committed to airing the Democratic response to the president. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senat…
Russian lawyer at Trump Tower meeting with Trump officials charged with obstruction in civil suit – (NBC News)
Natalia Veselnitskaya, a Russian lawyer who was at the 2016 Trump Tower meeting with Trump campaign officials, was charged with obstruction in a civil case.
How Mueller is closing in on Trump – CNN Video – (CNN)
CNN’s Marshall Cohen explains how the Russia investigation is closing in on President Donald Trump.
Despite Trump denials, parts of dossier proven – CNN Video – (CNN)
It’s a document that became so famous — or infamous — in the two years since its existence was reported that it’s now known by a simple two-word phrase: the dossier.
Russian lawyer at heart of Trump Tower meeting charged with obstruction by New York prosecutors – (Vice News)
The charges brought by prosecutors in the Southern District of New York aren’t directly tied to Veselnitskaya’s meeting with senior members of Trump’s campaign in Trump Tower at the height of the 2016 election.
Russian lawyer who attended Trump Tower meeting charged in separate probe – (The Hill)
A Russian lawyer who attended a 2016 Trump Tower meeting with Trump campaign officials has been charged with attempting to stop an investigation into money laundering, according to court filings obtained by The Hill.