Headlines:
From Al Jazeera, Associated Press, BBC News, Reuters, The Globe and Mail, New York Times, and Wired
Anti-abortion bills: Odds good in GOP states, not Congress – (Associated Press)
President Donald Trump’s call for a ban on late-term abortions is unlikely to prevail in Congress, but Republican legislators in several states are pushing ahead with their own tough anti-abortion bills that they hope can pass muster with the Supreme Court.Tw…
Tech leads Wall Street lower as global growth worries resurface – (Reuters)
U.S. stocks fell on Thursday weighed down by the technology sector, as fears of a global slowdown were rekindled after the European Union cut its economic growth forecasts, while a slew of dismal quarterly reports also added to woes.
Heads roll: NAB CEO, chairman to quit after scathing misconduct inquiry report – (Reuters)
The chief executive and chairman of Australia’s fourth-largest bank NAB are quitting, the biggest scalps following a major inquiry that leveled blistering criticism at the country’s financial sector for widespread misconduct.
Russia: we would be open to U.S. proposals for new nuclear pact – (Reuters)
Russia would be prepared to consider new proposals from the United States to replace a suspended Cold War-era nuclear pact with a broader treaty that includes more countries, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Thursday.
Melting ice sheets may soon unleash ‘climate chaos’: study – (Al Jazeera English)
Antarctic-Greenland meltwater could destabilise the climate system and accelerate weather fluctuations in just decades.
France-Italy diplomatic spat deepens – (BBC News)
France recalls its envoy to Rome after an Italian minister met French “yellow-vest” protesters.
Russian official: Another nuclear pact with US in trouble – (Associated Press)
MOSCOW (AP) — Another U.S.-Russian nuclear pact is in danger following the U.S. move to withdraw from a Cold War-era arms control treaty, a senior Russian diplomat said Thursday.Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov charged that the U.S. refusal to negotiate…
Virginia looks to Black Caucus for cues in political turmoil – (Associated Press)
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — With Virginia’s top three elected officials engulfed in scandal, fellow Democrats were rendered practically speechless, uncertain of how to thread their way through the racial and sexual allegations and the tangled political implications.…
The view from Poland: How Brexit could impact migration, economy – (Al Jazeera English)
Poland is the most common nationality and non-UK place of birth in Britain. What do Poles think about Brexit?
Trump wades into scandals engulfing Virginia Democrats – (Reuters)
U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday waded into the race and sex scandals engulfing Virginia’s three leading Democrats and suggested the turmoil could improve his Republican Party’s chances in the state.
U.S. weekly jobless claims drop from one-and-a-half-year high – (Reuters)
The number of Americans filing applications for unemployment benefits dropped from near a 1-1/2-year high last week, pointing to sustained labor market strength that should continue to underpin the economy.
EU agrees to work with British PM on Brexit demands – (Reuters)
The European Union on Thursday promised to work with Theresa May on “whether a way through can be found” to avoid the disruption of a no-deal Brexit after the British prime minister demanded changes to the divorce deal to get it through parliament.
Gucci pulls ‘blackface sweater’ from stores after complaints – (Associated Press)
ROME (AP) — Gucci has apologized after complaints that a wool sweater with an oversized collar designed to cover the face resembled blackface makeup, and said the item had been pulled from its online and physical stores.It was the latest case of a fashion hou…
Germany to restrict Facebook’s data gathering activities – (Al Jazeera English)
Antitrust watchdog threatens to impose fines of up to 10 percent of social media giant’s annual global revenues.
Renault to alert prosecutors over ex-CEO Ghosn’s wedding costs – (Reuters)
Renault is investigating a sponsorship deal with the Chateau de Versailles that included a 50,000 euro ($57,000)personal benefit to its scandal-hit former chairman Carlos Ghosn, the carmaker said on Thursday.
BB&T to buy SunTrust in biggest U.S. bank deal in a decade – (Reuters)
BB&T Corp will buy SunTrust Banks Inc for about $28 billion in an all-stock deal, the regional lenders said on Thursday, creating the sixth largest U.S. lender in the biggest bank deal since the 2007-2009 financial crisis.
Germany to restrict Facebook’s data gathering activities – (Reuters)
Facebook has been ordered to curb its data collection practices in Germany after a landmark ruling on Thursday that the world’s largest social network abused its market dominance to gather information about users without their consent.
New US-Mexico border barrier charts tricky course near homes – (Associated Press)
ALONG THE SAN DIEGO-TIJUANA BORDER (AP) — For all practical purposes, the purple-and-white stucco shrine that Jose Arias built to celebrate his recovery from a heart attack and honor his family lies in Mexico.The only way in and out of his plywood shack is th…
Outcry after Uganda uses ‘curvy women’ to boost tourism – (Al Jazeera English)
Outraged at the proposal, Ugandan women have called for Tourism Minister Godfrey Kiwanda’s resignation.
Ex-NY Times editor accused of plagiarism – (BBC News)
Jill Abramson says she “takes seriously the issues raised” over her book and will review some chapters.
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From various sources
ExxonMobil’s climate-wrecking bet – (The Economist)
Even as concerns about global warming grow, energy firms are planning to increase fossil-fuel production. None more than ExxonMobil
What happens after US withdrawal from Syria? – (The Jerusalem Post)
Anti-ISIS coalition meets in Washington amid shadow of uncertainty.
Poland concerned over how it is perceived in Israel – (The Jerusalem Post)
Poland is rarely presented in a positive light by the Israeli media.
French Foreign Ministry: Italy’s attacks – without precedent since WWII – (The Jerusalem Post)
“France has been, for several months, the target of repeated, baseless attacks and outrageous statements,” its foreign ministry said in a statement.
Prime minister, candidates cannot publish pictures with soldiers: A-G – (The Jerusalem Post)
The attorney-general made no distinction between posting the photos on political sites, like Likud’s election campaign site, and government sites.
Don’t Let New START Die – (The American Conservative)
Allowing New START to expire would be very dangerous and foolish, but all signs suggest that this is exactly what the administration is going to do.
Facts and Figures: Rangers continue NHL’s season of comebacks – (NHL News)
The New York Rangers became the latest NHL to author a comeback on Wednesday when they shook off being down two goals in the third period to defeat the Boston Bruins 4-3 in a shootout at Madison Square Garden.
– (Fox Sports)
Police arrest man, 24, over disappearance of Libby Squire, 21 – (Daily Mail)
Officers have sealed off the Hull property where Paweł Rełowicz lives with his wife Jagoda and their two children after towing away his silver Vauxhall Astra from the street outside at 10pm last night.
iPhone apps are recording your on-screen activity – (Daily Mail)
An investigation has found that iPhone apps are recording your activity and sending the data to app developers who can ‘replay it’ in order to improve their services.
Sophie Jones: Sheffield United Women forward charged with racist abuse – (BBC Sport)
Sheffield United Women’s Sophie Jones is charged with racially abusing Tottenham’s Renee Hector during a game in January.
“She’s showing people who’s boss”: AOC says Nancy Pelosi is “doing a great job” – (Axios)
“I very much understand that she’s in an extraordinarily difficult position.”
Mumsnet reports itself to regulator over data breach – (The Guardian (UK))
Company apologises after bug meant users were able to log into accounts of strangers
UN tells UK: stop using terror charges against peaceful protesters – (The Guardian (UK))
15 anti-deportation activists were convicted of terror offences but spared jail
FDA putting Walgreens ‘on notice,’ weighs enforcement action for alleged illegal tobacco sales to minors – (CNBC)
Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said he’s putting pharmacy chain Walgreens “on notice” for allegedly selling tobacco product to minors.
Zac Efron Posted A Picture With His Brother And The Internet Is Suddenly Thirsty AF – (Buzzfeed)
“Someone should probably tell Zac Efron not to thirst trap with his brother, but it’s not going to be me.”
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All about Trump
Anti-abortion bills: Odds good in GOP states, not Congress – (Associated Press)
President Donald Trump’s call for a ban on late-term abortions is unlikely to prevail in Congress, but Republican legislators in several states are pushing ahead with their own tough anti-abortion bills that they hope can pass muster with the Supreme Court.Tw…
Trump’s no. 1 legal enemy was the perfect choice to give the Spanish response to the State of the Union – (Vice News)
We sat down with California Attorney General Xavier Becerra after his rebuttal to the State of the Union.
Socialism 2020 – (The American Conservative)
Trump’s re-election campaign will focus in part on the spectre of left-wing tyranny. Good!
Donald Trump pins hopes on strong US economy ahead of 2020 poll – (Financial Times)
President paints picture of unparalleled strength in State of the Union speech but risks lurk
Trump’s former attorney Michael Cohen postpones congressional testimony – (CBS News)
For the second time, President Trump’s former personal attorney Michael Cohen has postponed his congressional hearing. His closed-door testimony is now set for Feb. 28, the same day as the president’s high-stakes summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. …
Exclusive: Sonos could shift manufacturing out of China if Trump trade war escalates – (Axios)
Hardware companies are in the trade war’s line of fire.
Trump wades into scandals engulfing Virginia Democrats – (Reuters)
U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday waded into the race and sex scandals engulfing Virginia’s three leading Democrats and suggested the turmoil could improve his Republican Party’s chances in the state.
Trump slams Adam Schiff in latest tweets, accuses Democrats of going “nuts” – (Newsweek)
Representative Adam Schiff, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, said the committee would investigate the financial interests of President Donald Trump, his family and allies to determine if financial interests are driving the president’s or his admi…
Engine maker Cummins posts lower profits after CEO’s warning on Trump’s tariffs – (Axios)
It amplifies concerns of a slowdown in sales of heavy-duty trucks.
Trump: Top dems ‘killing the great state of Virginia’ – (The Hill)
President Trump on Thursday ripped into members of Virginia’s Democratic Party as the state’s top leaders have become embroiled in scandal, tweeting that members of the party were “killing” the state.
House Democrats vow to “take an MRI to any Russian financing” in Trump’s businesses – (Axios)
They’re hiring staff with deep expertise at tracing cash.
Trump Is Right to Warn Democrats About Socialism – (Bloomberg)
Trump goes off on sweeping House investigation into Russia, his finances – (NBC News)
President Donald Trump fired off a pair of Thursday morning tweets blasting a new House probe into his financial dealings.
Trump: Dem investigations a ‘continuation of Witch Hunt!’ – (The Hill)
President Trump on Thursday labeled investigations that House Democrats are launching using their newfound majority a “continuation” of special counsel Robert Mueller’s “witch hunt.”
New Mexico Governor Pulls National Guard From Border, Rejects Trump’s ‘Fear-Mongering’ – (The Huffington Post)
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) said she rejects Trump’s contention that “there exists an overwhelming national security crisis” at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Pelosi: ‘There will not be another shutdown’ – (The Hill)
Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) predicted in a new interview that Republican leaders in Congress would not support another partial government shutdown over funding for President Trump’s plans to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Democrats launching series of probes into Trump despite warning – (CBS News)
Congressional Democrats are launching a series of hearings and investigations to look into the president’s possible conflicts of interest during his campaign and while in office. They come after the president’s warning during the State of the Union that “ridi…
Eye Opener: Turmoil engulfs Virginia Democratic leadership – (CBS News)
Virginia’s political crisis gets even worse, as a second high-ranking Democrat is caught up in the blackface scandal. Also, President Trump says congressional Democrats’ latest investigations into his possible conflicts of interest is “unlimited presidential …
Trump orders agencies to buy U.S.-made steel, aluminum and cement ‘to the greatest extent’ possible – (Financial Post)
Government procurement rules were among the sticking points between Canadian and U.S. officials during talks to revamp NAFTA
The Hill’s Morning Report – House Dems prepare to swamp Trump with investigations – (The Hill)
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