Headlines:
From Al Jazeera, Associated Press, BBC News, Reuters, The Globe and Mail, New York Times, and Wired
U.S. sanctions on Venezuelan oil reverberate globally – (Reuters)
The Trump administration’s sanctions on Venezuelan oil, aimed at driving President Nicolas Maduro from power, sent shockwaves around the world on Tuesday, triggering higher global oil prices and angry responses from China and Russia.
Venezuela’s attorney general seeks Guaido investigation, accounts’ freeze – (Reuters)
Venezuela’s Attorney General Tarek Saab on Tuesday said he had asked the Supreme Court to open a preliminary investigation against self-proclaimed president Juan Guaido, and to freeze the opposition leader’s accounts.
S&P 500 flat on mixed earnings, trade caution – (Reuters)
The S&P 500 was little changed on Tuesday, as mixed earnings reports and concerns about the upcoming U.S.-China trade talks gave little impetus for markets to recover from a slide a day earlier.
Five Vale staff and contractors arrested after Brazil dam disaster – (Reuters)
Three employees of Brazilian miner Vale SA and two contractors were arrested on Tuesday, prosecutors said, as a criminal investigation began after a devastating dam rupture expected to leave a death toll of more than 300 people.
US faces ‘once-in-a-generation’ cold snap – (BBC News)
Freezing winds, caused by a dense pool of cold air, could bring temperatures as low as -46C (-50F).
Trump ally Stone pleads not guilty to U.S. charges in Russia probe – (Reuters)
President Donald Trump’s longtime political ally Roger Stone on Tuesday pleaded not guilty to seven criminal counts after becoming the latest member of Trump’s inner circle charged in Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation.
Trump friend Stone pleads not guilty in Russia probe case – (Associated Press)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Roger Stone, a longtime adviser and confidant of President Donald Trump, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges in the Russia investigation after a publicity-filled few days spent torching the probe as politically motivated.The political oper…
Show the EU what Brexit you want, PM May tells British lawmakers – (Reuters)
Prime Minister Theresa May asked the divided British parliament to send a message on Tuesday to Brussels that it would support a European Union withdrawal deal if a plan to avoid a hard border in Ireland is replaced.
Trump ally Stone to enter not guilty plea in U.S. court: lawyer – (Reuters)
President Donald Trump’s longtime political ally Roger Stone on Tuesday will enter a not guilty plea in federal court, where he faces seven criminal counts as part of U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation, his lawyer told a U.S. judge.
Netanyahu’s toughest ballot rival, ex-general Gantz, to break silence – (Reuters)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s toughest rival in Israel’s April ballot, former military chief and political enigma Benny Gantz, will set out his goals on Tuesday in a marker of the center-left opposition’s prospects.
Qatar thrash UAE to reach Asian Cup football final – (Al Jazeera English)
Qatar to face Japan in the final after beating hosts in front of a hostile crowd in Abu Dhabi.
Shooting that hurt 5 officers started with warrant attempt – (Associated Press)
HOUSTON (AP) — An attempt to serve a search warrant at a suspected drug house quickly turned into a gunbattle that killed two suspects and injured five officers, including four who were shot, Houston’s police chief said.The suspects were killed Monday after f…
Record-breaking cold shuts down schools in the Midwest – (Associated Press)
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Hundreds of schools and several large universities closed their campuses Tuesday as temperatures plummeted across the Midwest, with forecasters warning that the frigid weather will get worse and could be life-threatening.The extreme cold and …
Senate committee delays vote on Trump’s attorney general pick – (Reuters)
The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday postponed a vote on President Donald Trump’s attorney general nominee, William Barr, as Democrats expressed concern that he might not make public a final report on Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia probe.
Brazil issues 5 arrest warrants in deadly mine dam collapse – (Associated Press)
BRUMADINHO, Brazil (AP) — Brazilian authorities issued arrest warrants Tuesday for five people in connection with a dam collapse that killed at least 65 people and left nearly 300 missing as it plastered part of a small city with reddish-brown mud and iron or…
Canadian landscaper admits eight murders – (BBC News)
Many of the victims’ remains were found in plant pots on a property in Toronto.
Spain to insist on excluding Gibraltar from any Brexit deal: sources – (Reuters)
Spain will insist on excluding Gibraltar from all agreements between Britain and the European Union once Britain has left the European Union, Spanish diplomatic sources said on Tuesday.
AP-NORC poll: Most Americans see nation on the wrong track – (Associated Press)
PAWTUCKET, R.I. (AP) — The state of the union is dark.A large majority of Americans say they are pessimistic about the state of the country and few expect things will get better in the year ahead, according to a poll released Tuesday by The Associated Press-N…
China tells US to stop ‘unreasonable crackdown’ on Huawei – (Associated Press)
BEIJING (AP) — China called on the U.S. government on Tuesday to “stop the unreasonable crackdown” on Huawei after the U.S. stepped up pressure on the tech giant by indicting it on charges of stealing technology and violating sanctions on Iran, complicating h…
Guaidó: Venezuela ‘under dictatorship’ – (BBC News)
The opposition leader tells the BBC President Maduro has abused power, and renews his call for polls.
***
From various sources
What will Benny Gantz wear at his coming out party? – (The Jerusalem Post)
Gantz will make his first political address at a rally of his Israel Resilience Party on Tuesday night at the Tel Aviv Fairgrounds.
Facebook transparency makes Israel’s elections a little more secure – (The Jerusalem Post)
Public warnings of foreign interference have already come from the most senior of Israeli security officials, including Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) Director Nadav Argaman.
Gantz and Ya’alon finalize alliance agreement for upcoming elections – (The Jerusalem Post)
Benny Gantz will unveil his campaign platform on Tuesday night.
Candidates battling for Likud’s top tough-guy title – (The Jerusalem Post)
Three men are vying to be the second ‘Mr. Security’ after Netanyahu
Second synagogue vandalized in Netanya – (The Jerusalem Post)
“On the day that the world is commemorating international Holocaust Day, Jews are doing this to other Jews. It’s awful,” Tucker lamented.
Despite truce, shelling in Syria injures dozens, including two children – (The Jerusalem Post)
Syrian state news agency SANA said the army had carried out operations responding to “terrorist violations” of the truce in the southern part of the enclave, targeting insurgent fortifications.
Apple has taken a beating following its China warning. Here’s what the pros are saying about the stock ahead of earnings. (AAPL) – (Business Insider)
Apple has taken a beating following its China warning. Here’s what the pros are saying about the stock ahead of earnings. (AAPL)
Apple has taken a beating following its China warning. Here’s what the pros are saying about the stock ahead of earnings. (AAPL) – (Business Insider (UK))
Apple has taken a beating following its China warning. Here’s what the pros are saying about the stock ahead of earnings. (AAPL)
Roger Stone pleads not guilty to federal charges | CBC News – (CBC News)
Roger Stone, a longtime adviser and confidant of President Donald Trump, has pleaded not guilty to charges in the Russia investigation after a publicity-filled few days spent torching the probe as politically motivated.
Codebook – (Axios)
The collision of cybersecurity and policy, and why it matters, by Joe Uchill. Tuesday and Thursday mornings
Ingraham: Democrats move left and eat their own – (Fox News)
Tom Brokaw under fire for Hispanic assimilation remark; Oscars going without a host after Kevin Hart controversy.
Xbox Games with Gold February 2019 games announced – (Polygon)
Xbox Live Gold subscribers will get access to two Xbox One games, Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon and Super Bomberman R, in February 2019 thanks to Games with Gold. Assassin’s Creed Rogue and Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy will also be free.
Man arrested on suspicion of murder after 16-year-old girl found dead – (Daily Mail)
Sarah Goldman, 16, was reported missing yesterday morning and police later announced they had found a body in a derelict building in the Kersal area of Salford, Greater Manchester.
Rules to rein in ride-hailing apps coming to Barcelona – (TechCrunch)
Catalan’s regional government has agreed new rules to regulate the vehicle for hire (VTCs) sector that will require ride-hailing companies such as Uber and Cabify to substantially change how they operate in Barcelona and other local cities as soon as this wee…
U.S. sanctions on Venezuelan oil reverberate globally – (Reuters)
The Trump administration’s sanctions on Venezuelan oil, aimed at driving President Nicolas Maduro from power, sent shockwaves around the world on Tuesday, triggering higher global oil prices and angry responses from China and Russia.
Business chiefs call for dramatic overhaul of rates to help high street – (The Guardian (UK))
Growing pressure to reform ‘unfair’ tax, as latest figures show rise in insolvencies
Rakitic wants new Barcelona deal despite Chelsea rumours – (FourFourTwo)
Despite being linked with Chelsea, Ivan Rakitic has no desire to seek a move away from Barcelona.
Pochettino fears Tottenham will make no signings before deadline day – (FourFourTwo)
Having expressed some confidence in Tottenham’s chances of one or two January deals, Mauricio Pochettino now fears no signings will be made.
Qatar 4 United Arab Emirates 0: Hosts dumped out as Sanchez’s men reach first final – (FourFourTwo)
Felix Sanchez’s Qatar are into the 2019 Asian Cup final thanks to an impressive 4-0 win over host nation United Arab Emirates.
Waze expands its Bluetooth beacons to New York City to end GPS signal blackouts – (TechCrunch)
Drivers in New York City will soon be able to use Waze — and other navigation apps — in places like tunnels or bridges where it’s common to lose a GPS signal. The new capability is courtesy of small open source puck-like devices called Waze Beacons that were …
***
All about Trump
Roger Stone pleads not guilty to federal charges | CBC News – (CBC News)
Roger Stone, a longtime adviser and confidant of President Donald Trump, has pleaded not guilty to charges in the Russia investigation after a publicity-filled few days spent torching the probe as politically motivated.
U.S. sanctions on Venezuelan oil reverberate globally – (Reuters)
The Trump administration’s sanctions on Venezuelan oil, aimed at driving President Nicolas Maduro from power, sent shockwaves around the world on Tuesday, triggering higher global oil prices and angry responses from China and Russia.
Trump adviser Roger Stone pleads not guilty to obstruction, witness tampering in Russia probe – (USA Today)
Roger Stone pleaded not guilty to charges that he lied to Congress about Trump campaign efforts to learn of emails stolen by the Russian government.
Trump Associate Roger Stone Pleads Not Guilty in Obstruction Case – (Time)
Donald Trump’s longtime friend Roger Stone has pleaded not guilty to charges in the special counsel’s Russia investigation.
Trump ally Stone pleads not guilty to U.S. charges in Russia probe – (Reuters)
President Donald Trump’s longtime political ally Roger Stone on Tuesday pleaded not guilty to seven criminal counts after becoming the latest member of Trump’s inner circle charged in Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation.
Trump friend Stone pleads not guilty in Russia probe case – (Associated Press)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Roger Stone, a longtime adviser and confidant of President Donald Trump, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges in the Russia investigation after a publicity-filled few days spent torching the probe as politically motivated.The political oper…
Hospitals now required to post prices online to help patients. But it doesn’t work. – (USA Today)
President Donald Trump required hospitals to put their prices online, but the efforts to save patients money have largely failed.
Roger Stone to enter not guilty plea in Mueller probe – (RTE)
Roger Stone, a long time political ally of US President Donald Trump, is to enter a not guilty plea in federal court, his lawyer has told a US judge.
Trump ally Stone to enter not guilty plea in U.S. court: lawyer – (Reuters)
President Donald Trump’s longtime political ally Roger Stone on Tuesday will enter a not guilty plea in federal court, where he faces seven criminal counts as part of U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation, his lawyer told a U.S. judge.
Roger Stone pleads not guilty to charges from Mueller probe – (NBC News)
Ex-Trump adviser Roger Stone pleaded not guilty to charges of obstruction, giving false statements and witness tampering as part of Robert Mueller’s probe into Russian election interference.
Trump friend and advisor Roger Stone pleads not guilty in Mueller case – (CNBC)
President Donald Trump’s longtime friend and advisor Roger Stone on Tuesday pleaded not guilty Tuesday to criminal charges related to his alleged efforts to hide his attempts to have WikiLeaks release information stolen from Democrats during the 2016 presiden…
Stone pleads not guilty to charges stemming from Mueller investigation – (The Hill)
Roger Stone, an informal adviser to President Trump, pleaded not guilty in federal court in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday to criminal charges brought by special counsel Robert Mueller.
Senate Committee Delays Vote On William Barr Amid Democrats’ Concerns – (The Huffington Post)
Democrats worry Trump’s pick for attorney general might not make public a final report on Mueller’s Russia probe.
Contradicting Trump, DNI Dan Coats says North Korea unlikely to give up nuclear weapons – (Axios)
“Its leaders ultimately view nuclear weapons as crucial to regime survival.”
Senate committee delays vote on Trump’s attorney general pick – (Reuters)
The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday postponed a vote on President Donald Trump’s attorney general nominee, William Barr, as Democrats expressed concern that he might not make public a final report on Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia probe.
Trump campaign preparing to sue ex-staffer who wrote tell-all book, official says – (The Hill)
A top official for President Trump’s 2020 campaign said Tuesday that the campaign was preparing to file a lawsuit against former White House communications aide Cliff Sims for violating a nondisclosure agreement (NDA).
Donald Trump: Aide-turned-author Cliff Sims violated non-disclosure agreement – (USA Today)
“A low level staffer that I hardly knew named Cliff Sims wrote yet another boring book based on made up stories and fiction,” Trump tweeted.
Chris Christie: Having Trump family members in the White House is “problematic” – (CBS News)
Former New Jersey governor and Trump campaign adviser Chris Christie says having members of the president’s family working the White House is “always problematic.” Christie spoke to CBSN about his concerns over Jared Kushner, as well as his new book.
Trump rips ex-aide over tell-all book: ‘He was nothing more than a gofer’ – (The Hill)
President Trump on Tuesday lashed out at Cliff Sims on the day the former White House staffer’s book detailing his time in the administration was released, dismissing him as “low level” and “nothing more than a gofer.”
Schultz heckled at book event: ‘Don’t help elect Trump!’ – CNN Video – (CNN)
Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz was heckled at a book event by a protester shouting “don’t help elect Trump!”
***