Headlines:
From Al Jazeera, Associated Press, BBC News, Reuters, The Globe and Mail, New York Times, and Wired
US special counsel to speak about Russia inquiry – (BBC News)
It will be Robert Mueller’s first public statement on the investigation since it started in 2017.
Robert Mueller to Make Statement on Russia Investigation – (The New York Times)
The special counsel will make a statement Wednesday morning, the Justice Department announced.
Nissan tells Renault ‘not opposed’ to Fiat Chrysler merger plan: Nikkei – (Reuters)
Nissan on Wednesday told Renault it wasn’t opposed to its partner’s potential $35 billion merger with Fiat Chrysler, the Nikkei newspaper said, as the two met to hash out the future of their alliance amid a deal that could upend the auto industry.
U.S. Special Counsel Mueller to speak on Russia probe at 11 a.m. ET – (Reuters)
U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller will make a statement at 11 a.m. (1500 GMT) for his first public comments on his investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, the Justice Department said on Wednesday.
Mueller to make 1st public statement on Russia probe – (Associated Press)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Special counsel Robert Mueller is set to make his first public statement on the Russia investigation Wednesday, the Justice Department said.Mueller will speak at the…
Tornadoes rip through Kansas after one killed, scores hurt by Ohio twisters – (Reuters)
Several tornadoes reportedly touched down on Tuesday evening in Kansas to damage homes, uproot trees and rip down power lines, the National Weather Service (NWS) said.
AP Exclusive: Sackler foreign firm caught up in opioid probe – (Associated Press)
PARMA, Italy (AP) — The police huddled for hours each day, headphones on, eavesdropping on the doctor. They’d tapped his cellphone, bugged his office, planted a camera in a trattoria.They…
No end seen to struggle as Mississippi flood enters month 4 – (Associated Press)
HOLLY BLUFF, Miss. (AP) — Larry Walls should have been out working in his fields last week. Instead, his John Deere tractor is parked on high ground, just beyond the reach of the ever-encroaching…
Tornado rips through Kansas City suburbs as storm moves east – (Associated Press)
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A vicious storm tore through the Kansas City area, spawning tornadoes that downed trees and power lines, damaged homes and injured at least a dozen people in the latest…
S&P 500 opens at two-month low as trade tensions mount – (Reuters)
The S&P 500 opened at a more than two-month low on Wednesday as China’s readiness to escalate its trade war with the United States fueled fears that the dispute could be long drawn and weigh on global growth.
U.S. believes Russia conducting low-level nuclear tests: official – (Reuters)
The United States believes Russia may be conducting low-level nuclear testing in violation of a moratorium on such tests, the head of the Defense Intelligence Agency said on Wednesday.
In UAE, Trump’s adviser warns Iran of ‘very strong response’ – (Associated Press)
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — President Donald Trump’s national security adviser warned Iran on Wednesday that any attacks in the Persian Gulf will draw a “very strong response” from the…
Brazil’s mangroves on the front line of climate change – (Reuters)
Fishermen like Jose da Cruz have made their living for decades hunting for crabs among Brazil’s vast coastal mangrove forests, dense thickets of twisted plants in deep black mud that grow where fresh-water rivers meet the brackish Atlantic Ocean.
Mexico attorney general confirms arrest order for ex-Pemex boss – (Reuters)
Mexico’s attorney general said on Wednesday an arrest warrant had been issued for Emilio Lozoya, former CEO of state oil company Pemex, as part of a probe into the company’s purchase of fertilizer businesses in the previous government.
China ready to hit back at U.S. with rare earths: newspapers – (Reuters)
China is ready to use rare earths to strike back in a trade war with the United States, Chinese newspapers warned on Wednesday in strongly worded commentaries on a move that would escalate tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
D-Day joy, hell for civilians told anew with virtual reality – (Associated Press)
CAEN, France (AP) — The emotion of being liberated from Nazi occupation was so sweet and intense that the French refugees burst into song, a spontaneous rendition of “La Marseillaise” that echoed…
Huawei asks court to rule US security law unconstitutional – (Associated Press)
SHENZHEN, China (AP) — Fighting to maintain its access to major markets for next-generation communications, Chinese tech giant Huawei is challenging the constitutionality of a U.S. law that limits…
New Israeli government or election: Netanyahu faces deadline – (Associated Press)
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s raucous political world was on edge Wednesday, counting down the hours to a midnight deadline to see whether a new government will be formed or whether, alternatively,…
Nusrat Jahan Rafi: Bangladesh charges 16 for burning girl alive – (Al Jazeera English)
Sixteen people, including the headmaster of an Islamic school, charged over the murder of a 19-year-old girl last month.
Hells Angels bikers banned by Dutch court – (BBC News)
The court says the group – which has thousands of members worldwide – is a danger to public order.
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From various sources
Rivlin: I will do all I can to avoid return elections – (The Jerusalem Post)
“If the government is not formed by midnight tonight I have two options and I must take one of them within three days.”
Hamas bans PA daily for ‘incitement’ – (The Jerusalem Post)
The decision to ban the newspaper was taken the Hamas-controlled information and interior ministries.
State, Sara Netanyahu reach plea deal in corruption case – (The Jerusalem Post)
Netanyahu secured a reduced fine of only NIS 55,000 down from the original charge of NIS 359,000.
Direct flights from Tel Aviv to Tokyo to begin in March – (The Jerusalem Post)
El AL flights expected to lead to boon in tourists, business and investments from Japan.
DeSantis: Glad I’m in American rather than Israeli politics – (The Jerusalem Post)
“All I can say is that I’m glad I’m in American politics rather than Israeli politics – it is much more complicated over here than in Florida,” DeSantis told reporters.
Bennett and Shaked meet to discuss latest political developments – (The Jerusalem Post)
After the New Right did not cross the electoral threshold, Bennett was expecting to take a break from politics, while Shaked was sought by multiple parties.
Can think-tanks survive a post-fact world? – (The Economist)
The brainy, technocratic, urbane elites need to rejuvenate their mission or accept their demise
Shocker! Mitch McConnell Wants to Screw Democrats on a SCOTUS Nomination – (Vice News)
So much for his “principles.”
Robert Mueller Is About to Speak For the First Time on the Russia Investigation. Here’s How to Watch. – (Vice News)
The event, slated for 11:00 a.m. ET, will be livestreamed on the Department of Justice website.
Bank of Canada holds key interest rate steady at 1.75% | CBC News – (CBC News)
Canada’s central bank is keeping its benchmark interest rate right where it is, suggesting it views the recent slowdown of Canada’s economy as “temporary.”
US Treasury rally accelerates as market jitters mount – (Financial Times)
Ten-year yield on government debt falls to lowest level since September 2017
Iranian hitman linked to Irish gangsters ‘Gucci Gang’ killed in Ireland in apparent revenge attack – (Fox News)
An Iranian national who worked as a hitman for the group “Gucci Gang” was shot dead in Ireland on Tuesday after being targeted in an alleged revenge killing for the murder of two of his fellow associates.
Special counsel Robert Mueller to make statement on Russia investigation | CBC News – (CBC News)
Special counsel Robert Mueller will make his first public statement on the results of his nearly two-year long Russia investigation on Wednesday.
Apple’s latest defense of the App Store shows how hard it is to compete with Apple – (The Verge)
As it faces both an antitrust lawsuit with huge implications and a formal EU investigation over its App Store tactics, Apple is now defending itself against Spotify and other critics of the company’s massively successful software storefront.
French Open second round – Federer v Otte – (BBC Sport)
Follow text updates of Roger Federer’s second-round match followed by live commentary of Johanna Konta v Lauren Davis on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra.
Hundreds of mourners their respects at Niki Lauda’s funeral – (Daily Mail)
Birgit Lauda, 40, and his two sons Mathias and Lucas were pictured placing his trademark red crash helmet on top of his wooden coffin St. Stephen’s Cathedral in his home city of Vienna.
Kansas City tornado: Large and dangerous tornado touches down in outskirts of Kansas City; National Weather Service reports 12th consecutive day of more than 8 tornadoes – (CBS News)
Tuesday was the record-breaking 12th straight day that at least eight tornadoes were reported to the National Weather Service
New York legislation inspired by sex assault survivor would combat abuse by doctors – (CBS News)
Marissa Hoechstetter told CBS News in a December interview that her gynecologist repeatedly assaulted her while she was pregnant with twins
Pick All The Photos That Speak To Your Soul And We’ll Reveal Your Life’s Purpose – (Buzzfeed)
Images that capture our soul truly are gateways for our divine purpose.
Tornado barrage leaves path of destruction from Kansas to Pennsylvania – (USA Today)
A two-week roar of tornadoes that has ravaged much of the Midwest descended on Kansas on Tuesday.
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All about Trump
President, Trump Jr. warn Roy Moore against Senate bid in Alabama – (Google News (Canada))
President Donald Trump and his son are publicly warning Roy Moore against seeking a US Senate seat in Alabama, fearing that the allegations of sexual assault that torpedoed his bid two years ago will again cost Republicans a winnable election.
The Sad Trump-Biden Feud Is Only the Beginning of What 2020 Holds – (Vice News)
If the latest spat feels like a 2020 preview, that’s because the candidates seem to think it is.
Nixon didn’t have Fox News. Will that make all the difference to Trump post-Mueller? – (MSNBC)
Nixon didn’t have Fox News. Will that make all the difference to Trump post-Mueller as Democrats push for impeachment?
Special counsel Robert Mueller to deliver unexpected statement on Russia investigation – (The Telegraph)
Robert Mueller, the special counsel who investigated Russian election meddling and alleged links to Donald Trump’s campaign, will give an unexpected statement on Wednesday morning.
Lemon presents the Mueller investigation numbers – CNN Video – (CNN)
CNN’s Chris Cuomo and Don Lemon discuss President Donald Trump’s comments following his meeting with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), who accused Trump of engaging in a cover-up beforehand.
Fact Check: Trump’s extraordinary Rose Garden speech – CNN Video – (CNN)
CNN’s Jake Tapper, in partnership with FactCheck.org, on President Trump’s claims about the Mueller report and a recent election during Rose Garden remarks.
Why are homes in the Hamptons losing value? – (Financial Times)
Locals blame Donald Trump’s tax changes for deterring wealthy buyers
Donald Trump to Roy Moore: Don’t run for Senate seat in Alabama again – (USA Today)
Donald Trump urged former Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore to forgo another run, saying it’s crucial for Republicans to regain the seat in 2020.
New social media app Parler a haven for users kicked off traditional platforms – (CBS News)
A new Twitter-like social media platform is gaining popularity among far-right users. Parler currently hosts about 100,00 users, but members of Trump’s campaign are suggesting the president consider create an account. CNET senior producer Dan Patterson joined…
Kellyanne Conway on Comey defending Trump campaign probe, border crisis, Democrats’ impeachment push – (Fox News)
Counselor to the president Kellyanne Conway reacts to former FBI Director James Comey denouncing attacks on his investigation into the 2016 campaign and more on ‘Fox & Friends.’
In UAE, Trump’s adviser warns Iran of ‘very strong response’ – (Associated Press)
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — President Donald Trump’s national security adviser warned Iran on Wednesday that any attacks in the Persian Gulf will draw a “very strong response” from the…
Dow Flails After ‘Devastating’ Beijing Bombshell Pummels Trump – (Crypto Coins News)
The Dow plummeted on Wednesday after Beijing exposed its “devastating” strategy to pressure Trump into capitulation in trade war negotiations.
Mitch McConnell says he would seek to confirm a Trump Supreme Court pick in 2020 if a vacancy opened, after he refused to do it in 2016 – (Google News)
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., would seek to confirm a Supreme Court justice if a vacancy opened next year despite vowing during President Barack Obama’s presidency to block any election year appointments.
Trump urges Roy Moore not to run for US Senate in Alabama – (ABC News)
Get breaking national and world news, broadcast video coverage, and exclusive interviews. Find the top news online at ABC news.
Huawei files motion to challenge sweeping US ban, calling it ‘not normal’ – (TechCrunch)
Huawei this morning began the process of challenging the Trump administration’s sweeping ban. The Chinese hardware giant has filed a motion for summary judgement that calls into question the constitutionality of the section of the National Defense Authorizati…
Donald Trump slammed Obama for using Air Force One for election campaigning. Now he does the same – (USA Today)
Trump’s love for rallies is all but certain to raise perennial questions about how the White House accounts for the cost of flying Air Force One.
Trump: ‘Roy Moore cannot win’ Alabama Senate seat – (The Hill)
President Trump on Wednesday signaled that he’s opposed to Roy Moore running for Senate in Alabama again, arguing the former judge “cannot win.”
China has no good options for retaliating against Trump’s Huawei ban – (The Verge)
President Trump is once again playing the Nixonian greater madman by attacking China’s Huawei and ratcheting up tensions between the world’s two biggest economies. But China seems unlikely to retaliate, in part because it has limited options.
Dow Plunges over China’s Fierce ‘Don’t Say We Didn’t Warn You’ Trump Threat – (Crypto Coins News)
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is set to open in the red on Wednesday as China throws a heavy threat at Donald Trump.
No one seems to agree with Donald Trump that North Korea missile tests did not violate U.N. resolutions – (Newsweek)
National Security Adviser John Bolton, Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo and now the State Department have all contradicted the president.
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