2019-02-13

Headlines:

From Al Jazeera, Associated Press, BBC News, Reuters, The Globe and Mail, New York Times, and Wired

Not clear whether Trump will sign government funding deal: White House – (Reuters)
The White House said on Wednesday it was not clear whether President Donald Trump would sign a government funding deal to avoid a partial shutdown of federal agencies, even as a source familiar with the situation said he likely would.

Philippine agents arrest journalist critical of president – (Associated Press)
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The award-winning head of a Philippine online news site that has aggressively covered President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration was arrested Wednesday by government agents in a libel case.Maria Ressa, who was selected by Time magaz…

Wall St. opens higher on trade deal optimism – (Reuters)
U.S. stocks opened higher on Wednesday, buoyed by hopes that the ongoing U.S.-China trade talks could result in an agreement, while benign inflation data did little to change the outlook on interest rates.

Mexico’s president calls El Chapo trial a lesson, looks to future – (Reuters)
The conviction of drug lord Joaquin ‘El Chapo’ Guzman in the United States is a lesson that a life of crime and easy money doesn’t bring happiness, Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Wednesday.

Ford recalls 1.48 million F-150 pickups in North America over transmissions – (Reuters)
Ford Motor Co said on Wednesday it was recalling about 1.48 million F-150 pickup trucks in North America due to a potential transmission downshift issue that could increase the risk of a crash.

Trump will likely sign government funding deal: source – (Reuters)
U.S. President Donald Trump is likely to sign a bipartisan government funding deal as it stands now, a source familiar with the situation told Reuters, adding that Trump could still change his mind.

France’s ‘Benalla Affair’ – the scandal Macron can’t shake – (Reuters)
Emmanuel Macron has spent much of the past four months battling to contain the threat from France’s “yellow vest” revolt. But another lingering problem may cast a longer shadow over his presidency: the Benalla Affair.

Politician’s accuser speaks about issue of sexual assault – (Associated Press)
STANFORD, Calif. (AP) — A college professor avoided talking directly about her accusation that Virginia’s lieutenant governor sexually assaulted her, but she was not shy about publicly discussing her research and thoughts on the growing number of women report…

Renault scraps Ghosn’s 30 million euro parachute with government backing – (Reuters)
Renault said it had scrapped 30 million euros ($34 million) in deferred and severance pay to former boss Carlos Ghosn, forced out last month following his arrest for suspected financial misconduct at Japanese affiliate Nissan.

Johnson & Johnson to buy private robotics firm Auris for $3.4 billion – (Reuters)
Johnson & Johnson is buying privately held surgical robotics company Auris Health Inc for about $3.4 billion in cash, the healthcare conglomerate said on Wednesday, as it continues its push into robotics.

‘So far, so good,’ Mnuchin says of trade talks in China – (Reuters)
U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said trade talks with China went well on Wednesday, as the world’s two largest economies try to iron out an agreement to resolve their dispute.

Parkland shooting spurs 3 siblings into life of activism – (Associated Press)
PARKLAND, Fla. (AP) — Last February, Matt Deitsch was living his dream studying at a California university. His brother, Ryan, was about to graduate from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and head to college, the natural next step for the middle child from…

The Latest: Giuliani wants hard line on Iran from conference – (Associated Press)
WARSAW, Poland (AP) — The Latest on the international conference on the Middle East (all times local):3:10 p.m.U.S. President Donald Trump’s lawyer and former mayor of New York City Rudy Giuliani has called on a conference on the Middle East to take a “firm s…

10 Things to Know for Today – (Associated Press)
Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:1. ‘I CAN’T SAY I’M THRILLED’Trump says he’s not expecting the government to shut down again, a signal that he’s leaning toward accepting a budget deal that…

‘This hurts’: On El Chapo’s home turf, some lament Mexican drug lord’s conviction – (Reuters)
News of the conviction of Mexico’s legendary crime boss Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman traveled quickly on Tuesday to his rugged home state, where people said they felt pain for a man some described as a fallen folk hero and community benefactor.

Spain teeters on brink of snap election – (BBC News)
Catalan parties withdraw their support for the Socialist government during a budget vote.

A Fence, Steel Slats or ‘Whatever You Want to Call It’: A Detailed Timeline of Trump’s Words About the Wall – (The New York Times)
An analysis of the president’s word choices regarding the wall, what it’s made of and what its physical characteristics are.

Michelle Obama’s Grammy appearance did not impress mom – (Associated Press)
PHOENIX (AP) — It appears Michelle Obama received a reality check from her mom following her appearance at the Grammys.The former first lady took to Instagram Wednesday to share a text exchange with mom Marian Robinson. Obama had received a standing ovation o…

Apple, Google urged to remove app that lets Saudi men track wives – (Al Jazeera English)
Absher lets Saudi men specify when and where women under their ‘guardianship’ are allowed to travel.

No escape? El Chapo likely off to ‘prison of all prisons’ – (Associated Press)
NEW YORK (AP) — In the world of corrections, there are inmates who pose security risks, and then there’s “El Chapo.”Drug lord Joaquin Guzman has an unparalleled record of jailbreaks, having escaped two high-security Mexican prisons before his ultimate capture…

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From various sources

Omani FM to Netanyahu: There is a new era in the Middle East – (The Jerusalem Post)
The two men met in in Warsaw on Wednesday.

Iran could get nuclear weapon within two years, intel assessments find – (The Jerusalem Post)
Israeli intelligence assessment finds if Tehran leaves JCPOA it would have enough fissionable material within a year.

Israel might expand covert war against Iran beyond Syria in coming year – (The Jerusalem Post)
A reduction has noted in weapons shipments, funds to Iran’s Syria project

Facebook takes down Radical Jewish party Otzma Yehudit’s page – (The Jerusalem Post)
The party plans to petition against the move to the Central Elections Committee.

Denver’s public school teachers say merit pay destroyed their salaries. Now, they’re fighting back. – (Vice News)
A corporate-sounding performance incentive program is at the core of the dispute.

Trump’s ex-lawyer makes ‘startling’ Mueller prediction – CNN Video – (CNN)
President Trump’s former lawyer John Dowd says he does not expect the public to hear from Robert Mueller or see his final report after his investigation is completed.

‘We’re going to lift this country up again’: Scenes from a day of protest in Caracas | CBC News – (CBC News)
Everyone in Venezuela is aware that Tuesday is a major test of strength between the two men who claim to be Venezuela’s legitimate president.

Pro Rata – (Axios)
Insider views on deals and dealmakers in venture capital, private equity and M&A, by Dan Primack. Weekday mornings

House Homeland Security Committee holds hearing – (Fox News)

– (Fox Sports)

Shannon Gabriel banned for first four ODIs against England – (Mirror)
The West Indies star has accepted the charge of ‘personal abuse’ of England skipper Joe Root

ANC North West PEC back at work and reworking party list – (News24)
Supra Mahumapelo’s provincial executive committee says it had already started meeting with structures and reworking the province’s candidate list when the High Court ordered the ANC to take “immediate” steps to ensure it is put back in office.

Kate Middleton attends‘Mental Health in Education’ conference – (Daily Mail)
The Duchess of Cambridge has arrived at The Royal Foundation’s ‘Mental Health in Education’ conference at Mercers Hall in London.

Parkland shooting: One year later – (CBS News)
CBSN’s Anne-Marie Green speaks with students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High school as the anniversary of a school shooting there approaches

England in West Indies: Shannon Gabriel banned for four ODIs – (BBC Sport)
West Indies fast bowler Shannon Gabriel is banned for the first four one-day internationals against England.

Metro Exodus: A good single-player game to usher in the PC ray tracing era – (Ars Technica)
Plus, a deeper look at Nvidia’s proprietary DLSS system, which absolutely impresses.

15 Mascaras You Can Get On Amazon That People Actually Swear By – (Buzzfeed)
Anything is possible as long as you have a good mascara!

Not clear whether Trump will sign government funding deal: White House – (Reuters)
The White House said on Wednesday it was not clear whether President Donald Trump would sign a government funding deal to avoid a partial shutdown of federal agencies, even as a source familiar with the situation said he likely would.

Anthony Joshua v Jarrell Miller: Madison Square Garden New York bout agreed for 1 June – (BBC Sport)
Anthony Joshua will fight in the US for the first time when he defends his IBF, WBA and WBO world heavyweight titles against Jarrell Miller on 1 June.

Metro Exodus Review – IGN – (IGN)
Metro Exodus successfully brings its survival horror to the surface without sacrificing any of the series’ signature tension.

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All about Trump

Trump’s ex-lawyer makes ‘startling’ Mueller prediction – CNN Video – (CNN)
President Trump’s former lawyer John Dowd says he does not expect the public to hear from Robert Mueller or see his final report after his investigation is completed.

Not clear whether Trump will sign government funding deal: White House – (Reuters)
The White House said on Wednesday it was not clear whether President Donald Trump would sign a government funding deal to avoid a partial shutdown of federal agencies, even as a source familiar with the situation said he likely would.

Trump will likely sign government funding deal: source – (Reuters)
U.S. President Donald Trump is likely to sign a bipartisan government funding deal as it stands now, a source familiar with the situation told Reuters, adding that Trump could still change his mind.

Iranian photojournalist slams Trump for tweeting her photo – (ABC News)
“Because of his policies, I, my family and my friends are forced to live under sanctions that are devastating our lives,” she said.

Confusion reigns as Trump and Congress scramble to dodge another shutdown – (CNBC)
With a little more than two days to spare before funding lapses for the second time since December, confusion reigned at the White House and on Capitol Hill on Wednesday.

Omar fires back after Trump calls for her resignation: ‘You have trafficked in hate your whole life’ – (The Hill)
Rep.

Lawmaker: Any goodwill towards Michael Cohen is gone – CNN Video – (CNN)
Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr said “any goodwill” the committee may have had toward President Trump’s former attorney Michael Cohen was gone after Cohen “stiffed” Congress by postponing a hearing.

The Latest: Giuliani wants hard line on Iran from conference – (Associated Press)
WARSAW, Poland (AP) — The Latest on the international conference on the Middle East (all times local):3:10 p.m.U.S. President Donald Trump’s lawyer and former mayor of New York City Rudy Giuliani has called on a conference on the Middle East to take a “firm s…

Unhappy With the New Border Deal, President Trump Still Doesn’t Expect a Second Shutdown – (Time)
Under pressure from his party, President Trump appears to be leaning toward accepting a deal for border funding to avoid another shutdown.

Pompeo’s Botched Warsaw Conference – (The American Conservative)
Fortunately, there is no international consensus in support of the administration’s Iran policy, and Trump and Pompeo are too inept at diplomacy to change that.

10 Things to Know for Today – (Associated Press)
Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:1. ‘I CAN’T SAY I’M THRILLED’Trump says he’s not expecting the government to shut down again, a signal that he’s leaning toward accepting a budget deal that…

Congress races to get shutdown deal passed and signed by Trump – live – (The Guardian (AU))
Congressional negotiators try to hammer out details of deal to avoid another government shutdown before midnight Friday deadline

Trump reportedly expected to sign Congress’ bipartisan border deal to avoid shutdown – (Axios)
Even though he wasn’t “thrilled” about the deal.

How Team Trump keeps changing its story in the Russia investigation – (CNN)
Public contradictions, walkbacks and flip-flops have become a hallmark of how Trump and his team responded to the Russia investigation. This interactive project highlights the top 15 examples of these flip-flops and contradictions, and is accompanied by nine …

Trump likely to sign deal to keep government open that doesn’t include wall funding – (NBC News)
President Donald Trump plans to sign a bipartisan agreement to keep the government open that does not include wall funding he sought.

A Fence, Steel Slats or ‘Whatever You Want to Call It’: A Detailed Timeline of Trump’s Words About the Wall – (The New York Times)
An analysis of the president’s word choices regarding the wall, what it’s made of and what its physical characteristics are.

Iran Rift Hurts U.S. Effort to Build Consensus on Mideast Policy – (Google News)
Divisions over Iran are hindering the Trump administration’s efforts to build consensus with NATO allies on Middle East policy, with European powers balking at joining U.S. officials in Poland to discuss regional security.

Trump Is Expected to Sign Border-Security Deal – (The Wall Street Journal)
President Trump is expected sign a bill that would keep the government open past Friday and allocate $1.38 billion for 55 miles of physical barriers, falling short his previous demands.

Republicans want El Chapo to pay for wall – (News.com.au)
US Senator Ted Cruz thinks convicted Mexican drug cartel Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman should finance US President Donald Trump’s long-promised border wall.

Trump intends to sign border deal to avoid another shutdown – (CNN)
President Donald Trump intends to sign the border security deal to avoid another partial government shutdown, according to two sources who have spoke directly with the President.

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