Headlines:
From Al Jazeera, Associated Press, BBC News, Reuters, The Globe and Mail, New York Times, and Wired
Venezuela braces for rival protests – (BBC News)
Thousands gather for pro- and anti-government rallies as major power cuts add to a national crisis.
Deutsche, Commerzbank tentatively talk about merger after months of speculation: source – (Reuters)
The management board of Deutsche Bank has agreed to hold talks with rival Commerzbank on the feasibility of a merger, a person with knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Saturday.
Wall Street’s oldest-ever bull market turns 10 years old – (Reuters)
A savvy investor who managed to time the start of Wall Street’s bull market a decade ago – and hold on since then – would now be sitting on a handsome windfall.
Venezuela opposition protesters scuffle with police as blackout lingers – (Reuters)
Venezuelan opposition activists scuffled with police on Saturday morning in the run-up to a rally intended to keep up pressure on President Nicolas Maduro, as electricity remained intermittent after the country’s worst blackout in decades.
Companies decry ‘valve turners’ who shut down pipelines – (Associated Press)
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — As Enbridge prepared to move climate-damaging tar sands crude through a 40-year-old pipeline in eastern Canada in 2015, environmentalists and indigenous peoples including…
Severe thunderstorms expected on Saturday in parts of U.S. Midwest, South – (Reuters)
Severe thunderstorms are expected to strike parts of the Midwest and southern United States on Saturday afternoon and evening, bringing damaging winds, hail and the threat of tornadoes, forecasters said.
Bernie Sanders-Style Politics Are Defining 2020 Race, Unnerving Moderates – (The New York Times)
The leading Democratic candidates have largely broken with consensus-driven politics and embraced progressive ideas on health care, taxes, the environment and Middle East policy.
U.S. judge may force Trump administration to reunite more families separated at Mexico border – (Reuters)
In a blow to the Trump administration’s U.S.-Mexico border strategy, a federal court judge in California has expanded the number of migrant families separated at the border that the government may be required to reunite.
Biden eyes fundraising challenge amid new sense of urgency – (Associated Press)
NEW YORK (AP) — On the cusp of another White House run, Joe Biden faces a daunting challenge that could complicate his path to the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination: money.Those close…
As blackout eases, Venezuela braces for rival rallies – (Associated Press)
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuelan opposition protesters on Saturday confronted security forces on a main avenue in Caracas, venting their anger over a nationwide blackout, shortages of basic…
Amazon’s Tax Breaks and Incentives Were Big. Hudson Yards’ Are Bigger. – (The New York Times)
New York was riveted by a debate over incentives offered to Amazon to build a headquarters. But Hudson Yards, the huge office and luxury residential development in Manhattan, has received far more.
AP Explains: What Facebook’s ‘privacy vision’ really means – (Associated Press)
NEW YORK (AP) — Mark Zuckerberg’s abrupt Wednesday declaration of a new “privacy vision ” for social networking was for many people a sort of Rorschach test.Looked at one way, the manifesto…
First lady: Growing ease in official role, but not politics – (Associated Press)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Melania Trump came armed with surefire applause lines when she stepped up to address a largely female audience that had gathered to celebrate other women.The first lady…
U.S. women’s fight for fairness puts soccer World Cup in focus – (Reuters)
While some sporting brands used International Women’s Day to launch their Women’s World Cup team kits, lawyers representing the world-champion U.S. team were on their way to a California courthouse to file a landmark lawsuit that would rock the sport.
As budget deficit balloons, few in Washington seem to care – (Associated Press)
WASHINGTON (AP) — The federal budget deficit is ballooning on President Donald Trump’s watch and few in Washington seem to care.And even if they did, the political dynamics that enabled…
Hundreds march in Paris as childminders join ‘yellow vest’ protests – (Reuters)
Hundreds of “yellow vest” protesters began marches in Paris on Saturday, marking the 17th straight weekend of anti-government demonstrations despite attempts by French President Emmanuel Macron to quell discontent with a nationwide series of debates.
Dozens hurt as Japan ferry ‘hits whale’ – (BBC News)
The high-speed ship was en route to Sado Island in the Sea of Japan when the collision happened.
Iran couple arrested over public proposal – (BBC News)
Police say the pair’s engagement at a shopping centre in Arak contravened Islamic principles.
Bodies of missing climbers found – (BBC News)
Tom Ballard and Daniele Nardi last made contact from a mountain in Pakistan almost two weeks ago.
Omar furor reflects intensifying national debate over Israel – (Associated Press)
NEW YORK (AP) — For Congress, the allegations of anti-Semitism directed toward Rep. Ilhan Omar have no precedent. Yet on college campuses, in state legislatures and in many other venues…
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From various sources
Top Fatah official escapes assassination attempt in Gaza – (The Jerusalem Post)
It was not immediately clear who was responsible for the attack, which came amid continued tensions between Fatah and Hamas.
Facebook to reduce exposure of anti-vaxxer pages – (The Jerusalem Post)
Muslim Council of Foreign Relations member condemns Ilhan Omar for antisemitism – (The Jerusalem Post)
“In her remarks, she has branded every Muslim in America as an antisemite, and this is absolutely unacceptable and un-Islamic,” Ahmed said.
Florida woman shoots partner after alcohol-fueled argument over his snoring: deputies – (Fox News)
Florida deputies say an alcohol-fueled argument over snoring resulted in a man being shot and wounded by his girlfriend.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Green New Deal is a bird-pocalypse – (Fox News)
If the Green New Deal were to become law, it would result in untold millions of birds being slaughtered by Democrats’ supposedly “environmentally friendly” green energy sources,
Car crashes a few yards away from presidential motorcade in Alabama – (Axios)
The crash took place on Friday and is under investigation by local authorities.
Obscure no-deal Brexit group is UK’s biggest political spender on Facebook – (The Guardian (UK))
Britain’s Future spent £340,000 promoting hard exit – but no one knows who’s funding it
Venezuela braces for rival protests – (BBC News)
Thousands gather for pro- and anti-government rallies as major power cuts add to a national crisis.
14 Cat Posts From This Week That’ll Warm Your Heart And Knead Your Belly – (Buzzfeed)
Click for a scientific breakthrough in the “If I fits, I sits” principle.
Afghan hounds in head scarves steal the show at Crufts – (Metro)
Pets from the breed dressed in sparkling headbands, futuristic ‘knee-high’ boots and shower caps ahead of the show.
Anderson Lopes discovers big drop after leaping hoardings in J-League game – BBC Sport – (BBC Sport)
Brazilian striker Anderson Lopes celebrates a goal for Consadole Sapporo by jumping over a barrier – only to discover a steep drop.
How overmedicating our kids is harming them long-term – (Fox News)
Using drugs as a quick fix isn’t helping kids become resilient to stress; psychoanalyst Erica Komisar explains.
Bernie Sanders holds rally in Iowa – (Fox News)
Central London roads closed after reports of suspicious vehicle – (The Guardian (UK))
Victoria Embankment and Westminster Bridge evacuated over suspicious vehicle
Florida spa founder offered access to Trump and family at Mar-a-Lago to Chinese clients, according to firm’s website – (USA Today)
Cindy Yang runs an investment business that has offered to sell Chinese clients access to Trump and his family at Mar-a-Lago, Mother Jones reported.
England v Italy, Six Nations 2019: live score and latest updates from Twickenham – (The Telegraph)
A quick hop back to Murrayfield and this piece of sensational snubbery by Howley:
Deutsche, Commerzbank tentatively talk about merger after months of speculation: source – (Reuters)
The management board of Deutsche Bank has agreed to hold talks with rival Commerzbank on the feasibility of a merger, a person with knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Saturday.
Wall Street’s oldest-ever bull market turns 10 years old – (Reuters)
A savvy investor who managed to time the start of Wall Street’s bull market a decade ago – and hold on since then – would now be sitting on a handsome windfall.
Tesla hides hilarious secret message inside of Model Y invitations – (Mashable)
Well played, Tesla.
Ravens tendering Michael Pierce, Patrick Onwuasor – (NFL News)
After letting C.J. Mosley walk into free agency earlier this week, the Baltimore Ravens are extending tenders to two other key defensive pieces. Michael Pierce and Patrick Onwuasor are coming back.
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All about Trump
Florida spa founder offered access to Trump and family at Mar-a-Lago to Chinese clients, according to firm’s website – (USA Today)
Cindy Yang runs an investment business that has offered to sell Chinese clients access to Trump and his family at Mar-a-Lago, Mother Jones reported.
U.S. judge may force Trump administration to reunite more families separated at Mexico border – (Reuters)
In a blow to the Trump administration’s U.S.-Mexico border strategy, a federal court judge in California has expanded the number of migrant families separated at the border that the government may be required to reunite.
Funding caps, border wall set stage for defense budget battle – (The Hill)
In an attempt to skirt budget caps, President Trump is expected to propose more than doubling the amount of money in a war fund
CNN anchor counts Trump’s false claims using gumballs – 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 in Super Bowl selfie with founder of spa in prostitution case – (The Guardian (UK))
Li Yang, pictured with smiling president at Mar-a-Lago, sold spa now involved in trafficking case in 2013
First lady: Growing ease in official role, but not politics – (Associated Press)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Melania Trump came armed with surefire applause lines when she stepped up to address a largely female audience that had gathered to celebrate other women.The first lady…
As budget deficit balloons, few in Washington seem to care – (Associated Press)
WASHINGTON (AP) — The federal budget deficit is ballooning on President Donald Trump’s watch and few in Washington seem to care.And even if they did, the political dynamics that enabled…
George Conway blasts Trump in rare public appearance – CNN Video – (CNN)
George Conway, the husband of White House counselor Kellyanne Conway, said that the degradation of the rule of law under President Donald Trump — including attacks on the freedom of the press — risked turning the US into a “banana republic.” CNN’s Tom Forem…
Trump claims Michael Cohen asked him for a pardon – (CBS News)
President Trump made a new claim on Friday that his former fixer, Michael Cohen, had asked him for a pardon – a request he says he refused. Cohen testified to Congress under oath last week denying that he has ever asked Mr. Trump for a pardon. This comes amid…
Elizabeth Warren: Fox News ‘Looks Like A Propaganda Machine’ – (The Huffington Post)
The senator raised concerns about the network “operating as an arm of the Trump campaign and then the Trump administration.”
Why Javanka’s security clearances were vital to Trump – (CNN)
Why did Trump push for Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner to get security clearance? It’s possible that he was simply being stubborn — or perhaps he understood his own deficiencies, writes Michael D’Antonio
It Doesn’t Matter If They Voted By Mistake. A Trump Appointee In North Carolina Doesn’t Care. – (The Huffington Post)
Legal immigrants in North Carolina, and an American citizen, made explainable mistakes. But prosecutors aren’t giving them a break and are making an exam…
Trump is attacking Democrats with fake claims of ‘presidential harassment.’ It won’t work. – (MSNBC)
Trump tweets fake claims of ‘presidential harassment’ as House oversight Democrats launch a blizzard of investigations and subpoenas into alleged wrongdoing
Trump learns perils of ‘made-in-America’ regime change – (Politico)
The Trump administration has heavily sanctioned and condemned Iran and Venezuela, but both anti-American administrations appear dug in.
Trump’s private talks with Putin may contain clues to his Russia romance – (The Guardian (AU))
Democrats say Trump’s attempts to conceal his conversations with the Russian leader raise questions about his motivations
Subscriber Only: Fintan O’Toole: The Irish priest who paved way for Donald Trump – (The Irish Times)
Fr Charles Coughlin created the template for a media-savvy demagogue to acquire a huge political following in the US
Schumer: Trump ‘redefined chutzpah’ by calling Dems an ‘anti-Jewish party’ – (The Hill)
Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) hammered President Trump on Friday for calling Democrats
Beijing is worried that Trump may walk away from the table, like he did with North Korea – (NBC News)
That diplomatic snafu with North Korea in Vietnam led Chinese officials to grow worried Trump could do the same in trade talks, an official told CNBC.
Judge rules thousands more migrants should be in lawsuit over family separations – (The Hill)
A federal judge ruled Friday that potentially thousands of migrant families who were separated at the southern border under the Trump administration’s “zero tolerance” policy could be added to an existing class-action lawsuit.
Trump administration responsible for even more separated children, judge rules – (NBC News)
The ruling followed a report that found that “potentially thousands” of children were separated from their parents between June 2017 and May 2018.
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