World Top Stories: December 2018

Monday, December 31, 2018

Deadly blast ruins Russia housing block in Magnitogorsk

At least three people died in a suspected gas explosion in the city of Magnitogorsk.

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Russia reportedly detains American over suspected spying

"Russia reportedly detains American over suspected spying"
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The Ethiopian Prime Minister who captured Africa's imagination

At the beginning of 2018, Africa watchers were still reeling from the departure of Robert Mugabe. The Zimbabwe leader's 37-year tenure had been figuratively bayoneted by his own army in an apparent coup.

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New best story on Hacker News: Larry Roberts has died

New best story on Hacker News:
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Larry Roberts has died

Philippines deadly storm and landslides kill more than 60

An official says people did not take precautions as the storm was not classed as a typhoon.

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3 dead, 79 missing after gas explosion at high rise in Russia

At least three people are dead and 79 unaccounted for after a gas explosion in an apartment building in Magnitogorsk, Russia.

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Gambia's journalists, free from dictator, work to win trust

"Gambia's journalists, free from dictator, work to win trust"
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A Day, a Life: When a Medic Was Killed in Gaza, Was It an Accident?

When an Israeli soldier killed Rouzan al-Najjar, Palestinians called her an innocent martyr. Israel portrayed her as a threat. The truth is more complicated.. via NYT World A Day, a Life: When a Medic Was Killed in Gaza, Was It an Accident?

Sen. Lindsey Graham meets with Trump to discuss Syria and the partial government shutdown, says he left encouraged

"Sen. Lindsey Graham meets with Trump to discuss Syria and the partial government shutdown, says he left encouraged"
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Kim Jong Un calls for more summits with South Korea in 2019

"Kim Jong Un calls for more summits with South Korea in 2019"
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AP photographer Desmond Boylan dies in Havana at 54

"AP photographer Desmond Boylan dies in Havana at 54"
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Bosnia: Protesters demand resignations over student's death

"Bosnia: Protesters demand resignations over student's death"
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Russia resettles 30 Russian children from war on IS in Iraq

"Russia resettles 30 Russian children from war on IS in Iraq"
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What led Trump to decide to pull US troops from Syria? The president must now come up with a new strategy for Iran

"What led Trump to decide to pull US troops from Syria? The president must now come up with a new strategy for Iran"
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Ex-Argentina FM who had role in probe of AMIA bombing dies

"Ex-Argentina FM who had role in probe of AMIA bombing dies"
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Fifteen men charged over beheadings of female hikers in Morocco

Fifteen people have been charged in connection with the murders of two Scandinavian university students in Morocco.

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World News - Breaking international news and headlines | Sky News

Heartbreak as doctors try to save most-hunted mammal on Earth

The staff at the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital had put something extraordinary in the corner of their treatment room.

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World News - Breaking international news and headlines | Sky News

Walk Off The Earth's 'Beard Man' dies in his sleep

Mike Taylor, a member of the Canadian pop band Walk Off The Earth, has died in his sleep.

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Plastic made from seaweed could help fight against pollution

Nyoman Sudastra has been farming seaweed on Nusa Penida, an idyllic island next to Bali in Indonesia, for more than 20 years.

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16 dead as Bangladesh opposition rejects 'farcical' vote

More than a dozen people have been killed during an election in Bangladesh, with the opposition leader calling it "farcical" and demanding a new poll.

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Putin wishes 'well-being and prosperity' for Britons in 2019

Vladimir Putin has wished the British people "well-being and prosperity" in 2019 as he issued New Year greetings.

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Police seize huge haul of New Year fireworks

Police have seized fireworks which they say were 80 times above the legal limit allowed for private storage.

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Intern killed by lion 'died following her passion'

A recently hired intern has been killed by a lion after it escaped from what was meant to be a locked enclosure.

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'Plots to kill' Colombia president as 'weapons of war' seized

Colombian officials are investigating possible plots to assassinate the country's right-wing president Ivan Duque, who took office in August.

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Syria conflict: Trump 'slowing troop withdrawal', says Lindsey Graham

A top Republican says the president remains determined to defeat the Islamic State group in Syria.

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Bangladesh election: PM Sheikh Hasina wins landslide in disputed vote

Sheikh Hasina wins a third consecutive term in a vote marred by violence and claims of vote rigging.

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Angela Merkel: Germany to take on greater global responsibility

Germany will assume greater international responsibility, Angela Merkel says in her New Year address.

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Mexico wall: Trump aide says concrete wall idea was dropped early on

Outgoing chief of staff John Kelly appears to contradict the US president on the border wall plan.

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'Dangerous orange pill' prompts Australia festival warning

Festival-goers are told that a "dangerous" drug is circulating in Australia, following a man's death.

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Californian law change means pet shops can sell only rescued animals

The state bans retailers from selling animals sourced from breeders, to cut down on "puppy mills".

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American college football: Huge bald eagle lands on fans

A bird named Clark goes rogue in front of 90,000 fans at a college game.

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UAE helicopter crash kills four crew on rescue mission near zipline

Four die in a helicopter crash near the world's longest zipline, in the UAE's northern-most emirate.

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France to help combat Channel smuggling

Six Iranian migrants are found on the Kent coast as the home secretary cuts short a holiday to deal with the issue.

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DoubleTree Portland hotel fires staff who evicted black guest

Police escorted Jermaine Massey out of the DoubleTree Portland after he called his mum in the lobby.

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What it’s like to be Black and Argentine

Afro-Argentines often feel like they’ve been written out of history and are mistaken for foreigners in their own country.

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BBC News - World

Bangladesh election: Voting disrupted by violence

Clashes between ruling party and opposition supporters have resulted in 17 deaths.

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BBC News - World

Spoken word poet Dylema: On a stroll through Africa in 2018

Dylema leads us through key events on the continent this year in a specially commissioned poem.

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Lederhosen love among Austria's millennials

Lederhosen and dirndl dresses are making a comeback in Austria.

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Female fightback... 2018 in hashtags

A look at the year's most influential hashtags used by women on social media.

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The 90-year-old back-flipping daredevil

This Canadian man is being called the world's most extreme grandpa.

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In search of Leonard, my martyred ancestor

Eli Melki looks for traces of a relative who was killed at 33 during a wave of attacks against eastern Turkey's Christians.

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2018 in news: The alternative end-of-the-year awards

From the ridiculous to the more ridiculous, here are the weird stories that caught our eye this year.

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Why legalising gay sex in India is not a Western idea

India's decision to decriminalise gay sex has taken the country back to its roots, some historians say.

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Remembering the entertainment and arts figures we lost in 2018

Remembering some of the figures from music, film, TV, radio and literature who died in 2018.

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Bangladesh clothing factories: Are they safe now?

Are garment factories in Bangladesh safe five years after the Rana Plaza disaster?

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Africa's year in pictures 2018

A selection of the best photos from across and about Africa this year.

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Kim Jong Un's 2019 game plan for North Korea awaits

Kim Jong Un shocked the world in 2018 by transforming his image from nuclear-armed tyrant to global statesman.

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Retired general hits Trump as immoral and dishonest

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The US is much less inclusive than it was two years ago. Here's why

If it feels like the US has become increasingly divided along race, gender, and other identity lines — it's because it has.

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Trump hits pause on Syria plans, senator says

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said on Sunday that withdrawing US troops from Syria could directly result in the deaths of Kurdish people there and that he plans to make a case to President Donald Trump today to reconsider his plans.

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11 countries going ahead in trade deal without US

A major 11-country agreement goes into effect Sunday, reshaping trade rules among economic powerhouses like Japan, Canada, Mexico and Australia — but the United States won't be a part of it.

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Lion escapes at US zoo, kills intern

A lion killed a worker Sunday at a North Carolina zoological park after it escaped a locked enclosure during a routine cleaning, officials said.

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Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte claims he abused maid as teenager

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has claimed he molested a maid while in high school -- comments his spokesman later said were "made up."

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6.8-kilogram baby is twice the size of most newborns

A baby born in Arlington, Texas, weighed nearly 15 pounds; mother and son are both healthy.

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Fisherman pulls up suspected cocaine

A fisherman returning to land in Monroe County, Florida, pulled almost 60 pounds of suspected cocaine out of the water on Saturday morning.

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'50-50' chance Brexit won't happen, says senior UK minister

A senior UK government minister has warned there is a "50-50" chance Brexit won't happen, if Prime Minister Theresa May's deal is voted down in Parliament next month.

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In holiday message, Putin says Russia 'open to dialogue' with US

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia was "open to dialogue" with the US in a holiday message to President Donald Trump.

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Bangladesh PM wins 3rd term in vote marred by violence

At least 15 people were killed in election-related clashes in Bangladesh on Sunday, local police officials told CNN.

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Congo voters cast ballots in election delayed for 2 years

Citizens of the Democratic Republic of the Congo headed to the polls Sunday for a long-delayed presidential election originally scheduled to be held in 2016.

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From community center to 'enemy of the state'

It's almost 6pm in a rundown area of Budapest, and the Aurora community centre is shifting into its evening groove.

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Bald eagle makes surprise landings on football fans

A bald eagle failed to return to its handler during the national anthem at the Cotton Bowl, instead opting to land on two fans in the stadium. HLN's Coy Wire explains.

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I hope someone beats my records: Shiffrin

Mikaela Shiffrin began 2018 with a New Year's Day victory in Oslo, she ended it with the most World Cup wins by any competitor in a calendar year and surpassing her childhood idol as the most successful female slalom skier in history.

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New best story on Hacker News: How Facebook tracks you on Android [video]

New best story on Hacker News:
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How Facebook tracks you on Android [video]

New best story on Hacker News: How the Valley treats experienced people

New best story on Hacker News:
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How the Valley treats experienced people

New best story on Hacker News: EU to fund bug bounty programs for open-source projects

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EU to fund bug bounty programs for open-source projects

New best story on Hacker News: Inter UI, a typeface designed for user interfaces

New best story on Hacker News:
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Inter UI, a typeface designed for user interfaces

High-rise building collapses in Russia, at least two dead: Reports

December 31, 2018 3:12 PM

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Rescue services in the Russian city of Magnitogorsk scrambled to find survivors after a suspected gas blast in the early hours of Monday (Dec 31) caused the partial collapse of a high-rise apartment building, killing at least two people, news agencies reported.

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Putin scores five times in ice hockey match on Red Square

December 31, 2018 2:13 PM

RUSSIA (REUTERS) - Russian President Vladimir Putin took to the ice on Saturday (Dec 29) on Red Square in Moscow and, with a little help from a team of retired hockey legends and Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu, scored five goals.

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Trump digs in, darkening hopes for a deal to end US government shutdown

December 31, 2018 11:55 AM

WASHINGTON (NYTIMES) - The television is on. The phone is never far away. And President Donald Trump is repeatedly calling allies such as members of US Congress and conservative radio hosts, telling them privately that he will not give in on his demand for funding for a border wall.

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Volunteers strive to stave off shutdown chaos at US parks

December 31, 2018 11:25 AM

LOS ANGELES (AFP) - Sabra Purdy is just back from Joshua Tree National Park in southern California, which was crammed with tourists. It is high season, and to prevent chaos from the partial shutdown of the US federal government, she put on her gloves, cleaned toilets and picked up trash.

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After Mattis, Patrick Shanahan takes Pentagon helm at critical time

December 31, 2018 10:29 AM

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Patrick Shanahan, who on Tuesday (Jan 1) becomes the acting US Secretary of Defence, takes the helm of America's massive military machine at a critical time.

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China thwarts US effort to promote American culture on campuses

December 31, 2018 10:00 AM

BEIJING (NYTIMES) - The US ambassador to China, Terry Branstad, wanted to make what in most nations would have been a routine trip.

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Brexit sends Britons seeking Irish passports up 22 per cent in 2018

December 31, 2018 9:40 AM

DUBLIN (Reuters) - The number of British citizens applying for Irish passports rose by 22 per cent in 2018, Ireland's foreign office said on Monday (Dec 31), more than doubling the total of annual applications since Britain voted to leave the European Union.

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Merkel says Germany must assume greater responsibilities as multilateralism comes under pressure

December 31, 2018 8:29 AM

BERLIN (AFP) - Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday (Dec 31) said Germany must "stand fast, argue, and fight for our own convictions" and assume greater responsibilities at a time when multilateralism is coming under intense pressure.

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Top Republican senator, Trump aide signal US President is reconsidering Syria withdrawal

December 31, 2018 7:41 AM

WASHINGTON (AFP) - A senior Republican senator said Sunday (Dec 30) that President Donald Trump had promised to stay in Syria to finish the job of destroying the Islamic State group - just days after announcing he would be withdrawing troops immediately.

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While You Were Sleeping: 5 stories you might have missed, Dec 31

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Children of Russian ISIS fighters return home from Iraq

December 31, 2018 5:31 AM

MOSCOW (AFP) - Thirty Russian children whose mothers are in prison in Iraqi for belonging to the Islamic State arrived Sunday (Dec 30) in Moscow from Baghdad, Russian authorities said.

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World Briefs: Democratic Republic of Congo goes to the polls

December 31, 2018 5:00 AM

KINSHASA • The Democratic Republic of Congo started voting yesterday for a successor to long-serving President Joseph Kabila after a tense campaign the opposition said was marred by crackdowns and disruptions.

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Putin to Trump: Russia is ready for dialogue

December 31, 2018 5:00 AM

MOSCOW • Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a New Year letter to his US counterpart, Mr Donald Trump, said yesterday that Moscow was ready for dialogue on a "wide-ranging agenda", the Kremlin said.

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Big progress on trade deal with China: Trump

December 31, 2018 5:00 AM

WASHINGTON/BEIJING • US President Donald Trump said he had spoken at length with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday and that "big progress" is being made towards a deal between the world's largest economies.

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Tourists in Washington to face closed doors amid US shutdown

December 31, 2018 5:00 AM

WASHINGTON • By all accounts, Saturday was a near-perfect day to be a tourist in Washington.

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Trump blames Democrats for child deaths at border

December 31, 2018 5:00 AM

WASHINGTON • United States President Donald Trump has blamed opposition Democrats for the death of two immigrant children in US custody, comments set to heighten tensions as the second week of a government shutdown began over his demands for a wall on the US-Mexico border.

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Cyber attack hits delivery of major US newspapers: Report

December 31, 2018 5:00 AM

LOS ANGELES • A malware attack appearing to have originated outside the United States delayed the hard-copy distribution of several major newspapers, according to a report.

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Hanoi urges quick action by Cairo over tour bus bombing

December 31, 2018 5:00 AM

HANOI/GIZA (Egypt) • Vietnam is calling on the Egyptian government to act fast to find and punish those responsible for the terror attack which claimed the lives of three tourists and their Egyptian guide, its foreign ministry spokesman said yesterday.

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EU is not trying to keep Britain in: Juncker

December 31, 2018 5:00 AM

BRUSSELS • The European Union is not trying to keep Britain in and wants to start discussing future ties the moment the UK Parliament approves Brexit, partly to focus on its own unity ahead of May elections, the head of the bloc's executive said.

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Macron ex-bodyguard admits using diplomatic passports after dismissal

December 31, 2018 4:33 AM

PARIS (AFP) - The disgraced former bodyguard of French President Emmanuel Macron admitted Sunday (Dec 30) he had used his diplomatic passports "for personal convenience" after being fired in August, a day after investigators opened a probe into his failure to return the documents.

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The World in 2019: What ST foreign correspondents will be keeping an eye on

December 31, 2018 2:07 AM

From the world’s most important power relation to key elections in the region, here’s what our foreign correspondents around the world will be keeping an eye on in the coming year.

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Top Republican senator, Trump aide signal Trump is reconsidering Syria withdrawal

December 31, 2018 1:06 AM

“We talked about Syria. He told me some things I didn’t know that made me feel a lot better about where we’re headed in Syria,” Republican Senator Lindsey Graham told reporters.

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4 killed in eastern DR Congo province: Tshisekedi campaign

December 31, 2018 12:55 AM

KINSHASA (REUTERS) - A police officer and civilian were killed in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in a dispute over alleged voting fraud in Sunday's (Dec 30) presidential and legislative elections, a witness and a politician from the area said.

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The Straits Times World News

Outgoing White House chief John Kelly says Trump not building 'concrete wall' on border

December 31, 2018 12:50 AM

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Outgoing White House chief John Kelly said he had "nothing but compassion" for undocumented migrants crossing into the US and undercut the idea of a border wall in an interview Sunday (Dec 30) that jarred with US President Donald Trump's tough rhetoric on immigration.

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‘Exhibit A’: How McKinsey Got Entangled in a Bribery Case

The consultancy’s report became key evidence in a battle over the extradition of a powerful Ukrainian oligarch charged in a scheme to help Boeing.. via NYT World ‘Exhibit A’: How McKinsey Got Entangled in a Bribery Case

Hello. Does Poland Have Vampires? My Date Wants to Know My Blood Type.

The British Foreign Office released a list of the oddest phone calls it received this year from Britons abroad.. via NYT World Hello. Does Poland Have Vampires? My Date Wants to Know My Blood Type.

China Thwarts U.S. Effort to Promote American Culture on Campuses

The Chinese authorities blocked activities of centers run by American universities and financed by the State Department. After 10 years, none are left.. via NYT World China Thwarts U.S. Effort to Promote American Culture on Campuses

Colombia Investigates a Possible Plot to Assassinate President, Official Says

Foreign Minister Carlos Holmes offered few details in a video address Saturday night, but said several Venezuelans had been arrested recently with assault weapons.. via NYT World Colombia Investigates a Possible Plot to Assassinate President, Official Says

He Helped Indonesia Through a ‘Year of Disasters,’ While Facing His Own

Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, a government spokesman, has kept the public informed about earthquakes, landslides and tsunamis while being treated for Stage 4 lung cancer.. via NYT World He Helped Indonesia Through a ‘Year of Disasters,’ While Facing His Own

Sunday, December 30, 2018

N. Korean leader calls for more talks with South in new year

"N. Korean leader calls for more talks with South in new year"
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Colombia probes alleged plot to assassinate President Iván Duque

Three Venezuelans are being held in connection with an alleged plot to kill Colombia's president.

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The Latest: Opposition candidate votes in Congo election

"The Latest: Opposition candidate votes in Congo election"
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Bali volcano shoots new burst of ash; flights unaffected

"Bali volcano shoots new burst of ash; flights unaffected"
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Brazil military academy offers glimpse of next government

"Brazil military academy offers glimpse of next government"
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Bangladesh votes as iron-lady PM seeks 3rd straight term

"Bangladesh votes as iron-lady PM seeks 3rd straight term"
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Colombia investigates possible plot to assassinate president

"Colombia investigates possible plot to assassinate president"
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World's tallest empty hotel lit up with N. Korean propaganda

"World's tallest empty hotel lit up with N. Korean propaganda"
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China's Disappeared: A look at who went missing in 2018

"China's Disappeared: A look at who went missing in 2018"
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Turkish and Russian defense ministers meet to talk about involvement in Syria: Is the US among their concerns?

"Turkish and Russian defense ministers meet to talk about involvement in Syria: Is the US among their concerns?"
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Peru demolishes mausoleum holding dead Shining Path rebels

"Peru demolishes mausoleum holding dead Shining Path rebels"
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Remains of missing Wisconsin teacher found in Slovenia, officials say

"Remains of missing Wisconsin teacher found in Slovenia, officials say"
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DR Congo election: Polls to open in tense vote

The election could see the first peaceful transition of power in DR Congo since independence in 1960.

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Cyber-attack disrupts distribution of multiple US newspapers

The malware, which affected papers owned by Tribune Publishing, is believed to be from outside the US.

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Morocco tourist murders: Swiss-Spanish national arrested

The dual Swiss-Spanish national was arrested in Marrakesh on Saturday, Moroccan authorities say.

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Bangladesh elections: Deadly clashes mar vote

The current PM Sheikh Hasina is tipped to win a third straight term in a poll marred by violence.

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Brazil gun laws: Bolsonaro vows to loosen ownership rules

Incoming President Jair Bolsonaro says he plans to sign a decree to allow more people to own guns.

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Italy budget: Parliament passes budget after EU standoff

Italy's parliament approves a budget for 2019, amid complaints it was revised to placate the EU.

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Indian miners: Navy divers deployed in rescue bid

High-power pumps arrive at a flooded "rat-hole" mine where 15 workers were trapped 16 days ago.

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Bre Payton, US conservative news writer, dies at 26

Bre Payton wrote for The Federalist and appeared on major TV networks such as Fox and the BBC.

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Hanover airport shut after car driven near runway

The airport closed for several hours after a man drove through a fence onto the tarmac.

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US-China trade: Trump touts progress in talks for deal

China and the US have imposed billions of dollars in tit-for-tat tariffs throughout 2018.

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BBC issues formal complaint to Russia over staff data leak

A list of 44 BBC reporters, including their personal data, was published online by Russian websites.

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Florida school shooting: New video shows 'blunders'

A media investigation using new footage alleges officials were underprepared for the Parkland attack.

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The Instagrammer who wants to show a different side of Gaza

Instagram photographer Kholoud Nassar wants to show us a different side of Gaza.

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The man who takes animals to funerals

A Thai man has made it his life's mission to help people through their grief with animals.

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Capt Lou Rudd is first Briton to cross Antarctic unaided

A British Army officer has become the second person ever to trek unaided across Antarctica.

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Parkland shooting: CCTV pictures released ahead of report

New footage has emerged ahead of a report into the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

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Police diver adopts dog rescued from icy lake

A puppy was saved from a frozen lake by a police diver in Turkey.

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The country that has lost three million people

The Venezuelan migration crisis is a major concern for South America and shows no sign of ending.

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How ancient DNA may rewrite prehistory in India

Aryans are not the source of Indian civilisation, according to new research on genetic ancestry.

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Dinner for One: English comedy spices up German New Year

The English film you've never seen - but Germans watch it adoringly every New Year's Eve.

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2018: BBC Tech's biggest stories and what happened next

From fake porn to Facebook scandals, security alerts to Google protests - 2018 was a busy year.

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Sneakernomics: All change in the trainer business

The way trainers are made and sold is allowing newcomers to break into the market.

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With an eye to power and profit, Beijing is building influence in the Arctic

In its quest to become a global superpower, China has regularly become entangled in territorial disputes with its neighbors, butting up against international law.

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US battles to calm angry allies over Syria troop withdrawal

The State Department, Department of Defense and national security adviser John Bolton all issued public statements Friday that collectively outlined a road map for implementing President Donald Trump's decision to pull US troops out of Syria, a move the President has adamantly defended after more than a week of criticism and signs of conflict within the administration's highest levels.

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Locked up for trying to take his own life, in a country where suicide is still a crime

Last year Ifeanyi Ugokwe was arrested and locked up for weeks. His crime: he tried to take his own life.

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China court orders retrial for Canadian charged with drug smuggling

A Chinese court ordered a retrial Saturday in a case involving a Canadian convicted of drug smuggling after prosecutors claimed new evidence.

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Elections, economics and the world's biggest pilgrimage: India in 2019

This year brought big changes to Indian society. The Supreme Court decriminalized gay sex and scrapped an outdated adultery law, both relics of the colonial past, while the #MeToo movement finally arrived in a country notorious for sexual violence against women.

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'Absolutely Fabulous' actress Dame June Whitfield dies at 93

British actress Dame June Whitfield -- perhaps best known for her role in the sitcom "Absolutely Fabulous" -- has died at age 93.

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Russia, Turkey 'reach understanding' on Syria

Russian and Turkish officials have reached an "understanding" on coordination of military activities in Syria following a high-level meeting in Moscow, Russian state news outlets cited Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov as saying.

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Germany's third gender law is celebrated as a revolution. But is it enough?

By the time Lynn D. turned 2, he had already undergone seven surgeries. His childhood memories -- in the German states of Bavaria and Hesse -- were shaped by monthly visits to the doctor, where he says up to 50 researchers would observe examinations of his naked body.

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Egypt security forces kill 40 suspected terrorists in raids after bus bomb

Egyptian security forces killed 40 alleged terrorists in raids in the Giza and North Sinai regions early Saturday, state media reported, a day after four people were killed when a roadside bomb struck a tourist bus in Giza.

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Sudan opposition leader arrested after protest crackdown, party says

Sudanese opposition leader Omar el-Digeir has been arrested after a crackdown on anti-government protests held across Sudan on Friday, his Sudanese Congress Party said.

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New best story on Hacker News: How DOOM fire was done

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The Madagascar pochard, one of the world's rarest birds, gets new home

December 30, 2018 3:07 PM

One of the rarest birds in the world, thought to be extinct just over a decade ago, has been given a new home.

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Cyber-attack hits US newspaper distribution

December 30, 2018 11:35 AM

LOS ANGELES (REUTERS) - A cyber-attack caused major printing and delivery disruptions on Saturday (Dec 29) at the Los Angeles Times and other major US newspapers, including ones owned by Tribune Publishing Co such as the Chicago Tribune and Baltimore Sun.

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EU is not trying to keep Britain in, wants to discuss future ties: Juncker

December 30, 2018 10:18 AM

BRUSSELS (REUTERS) - The European Union is not trying to keep Britain in and wants to start discussing future ties the moment the British Parliament approves Brexit, partly to focus on its own unity ahead of May elections, the head of the bloc's executive said.

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Dogs help California wildfire survivors recover their most precious possession: Human cremains

December 30, 2018 9:58 AM

CHICO, CALIFORNIA (WASHINGTON POST) - Larry Woodward surveyed the charred ruins of his 1,700-square foot home, the blackened brick fireplace among the few recognisable items that survived the flames.

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While You Were Sleeping: 5 stories you might have missed, Dec 30

December 30, 2018 6:00 AM

A selection of news stories that happened overnight, Dec 30, 2018.

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Five terror suspects held in Netherlands, Germany

December 30, 2018 5:51 AM

THE HAGUE (AFP) - Dutch security forces arrested four people in the port city of Rotterdam on Saturday (Dec 29) on suspicion of preparing for a "terrorist crime", police said, while a fifth suspect was detained in Germany.

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Gravely ill boy whose Yemeni mother had to fight to visit him in a US hospital dies

December 30, 2018 5:11 AM

SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) - A young boy whose mother had to fight for permission to visit him from Yemen as he lay gravely ill in a US hospital has died, a rights group said on Saturday (Dec 29).

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Assad comes in from the diplomatic wilderness

December 30, 2018 5:00 AM

WASHINGTON • After the Syrian civil war began in 2011, Damascus became diplomatically isolated from a number of foreign countries. Many closed their embassies or removed their ambassadors because of safety concerns, but some made it clear they were doing so in condemnation of the Syrian government and its leader, President Bashar al-Assad.

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World Briefs: Winter storms batter large swatches of US

December 30, 2018 5:00 AM

Winter storms batter large swatches of US

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No crisis, new Saudi foreign chief insists, as king revamps govt

December 30, 2018 5:00 AM

RIYADH • Saudi Arabia's new Foreign Minister struck a note of defiance last Friday in the face of international outrage over critic Jamal Khashoggi's murder, denying the kingdom was in crisis and that his predecessor had been demoted.

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Facebook chief proud of progress made in tackling problems

December 30, 2018 5:00 AM

WASHINGTON • Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg has said that the world's biggest social network has "fundamentally" changed to focus on securing its systems against manipulation and misinformation.

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Coal plants in US could get green light to release more mercury

December 30, 2018 5:00 AM

WASHINGTON • The Trump administration has proposed major changes to the way the federal government calculates the benefits, in human health and safety, of restricting mercury emissions from coal-burning power plants.

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US govt shutdown continues over Trump's wall fund demand

December 30, 2018 5:00 AM

WASHINGTON • The partial US government shutdown entered its second week yesterday, with nearly 14,000 workers at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) going on furlough and Coast Guard service members missing their final pay cheques of 2018.

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Alleged top ISIS recruiter stripped of Australian citizenship

December 30, 2018 5:00 AM

SYDNEY • The Australian government has stripped citizenship from a man it believes is a top recruiter for terror group Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), Australia's Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton said yesterday.

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Remembering a Marvel-lous legend

December 30, 2018 5:00 AM

Fans of Marvel comic book legend Stan Lee gathering at his Hollywood Walk of Fame Star in Hollywood, California, on his birthday last Friday.

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German ISIS woman let 'slave' girl, 5, die of thirst

December 30, 2018 5:00 AM

BERLIN • German prosecutors have announced war crime charges against a female member of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) group who let a five-year-old girl die of thirst in the scorching sun.

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Automated trading and Wall Street volatility

December 30, 2018 5:00 AM

NEW YORK • The recent tumult in US financial markets has shone a light on the rising role of automated trading on Wall Street and whether it is exacerbating volatility.

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Egyptian police kill 40 'terrorists' after Giza bus attack

December 30, 2018 5:00 AM

CAIRO • Egyptian police killed 40 "terrorists" in separate raids early yesterday, a day after a roadside bomb near the Giza pyramids killed three Vietnamese tourists and their guide.

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The Straits Times World News

The year diplomacy turned on its head

December 30, 2018 5:00 AM

It now goes without saying that US President Donald Trump is unlike any previous American president.

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The Straits Times World News

Family of Lion Air co-pilot sues Boeing over fatal crash

December 30, 2018 5:00 AM

CHICAGO • The family of the Indonesian co-pilot of a Lion Air flight that crashed in October, killing all 189 on board, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Boeing in Chicago, adding to litigation piling up against the US aircraft manufacturer in its hometown.

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A forest of ancient trees, poisoned by rising seas

December 30, 2018 5:00 AM

Bear Swamp is a forest of 400-and 500-year-old black gums, some of the oldest trees in eastern North America, along the Delaware Bay in south-eastern New Jersey. The trees have begun to die. The cause is the rising sea, which is making the groundwater at the base of the forest saltier. The trees are doomed. Much of the Glades Wildlife Refuge, which contains the forest, eventually will be under water.

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The Straits Times World News

Syria's Kurds ask Assad govt for protection

December 30, 2018 5:00 AM

BEIRUT • Feeling betrayed by the United States, Washington's Kurdish allies in Syria have asked the Syrian government to protect them from possible attack by Turkey.

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French hero who saved hundreds of Jewish children dies aged 108

December 30, 2018 4:12 AM

PARIS (AFP) - French Resistance hero Georges Loinger, who used his ingenuity and athletic prowess to save the lives of hundreds of Jewish children during World War II, has died at the age of 108.

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Trump blames Democrats for child deaths at border, amid government budget impasse

December 30, 2018 3:52 AM

WASHINGTON (AFP) - US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Dec 29) blamed opposition Democrats for the death of two immigrant children in US custody, comments set to heighten tensions as the second week of a government shutdown began over his demands for a wall on the US-Mexico border.

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Morocco arrests Swiss man linked to hiker murder suspects

December 30, 2018 3:27 AM

RABAT (AFP) - A Swiss man living in Morocco was arrested in Marrakesh on Saturday (Dec 29), for alleged links to suspects in the recent murder of two female Scandinavian hikers, authorities said.

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The Straits Times World News

Dutch mounted police break up 'yellow vest' protest in The Hague

December 30, 2018 2:58 AM

THE HAGUE (REUTERS) - Dutch police on horseback broke up a protest on Saturday (Dec 29) by "yellow vest" demonstrators who threw rocks and fireworks at them, a statement said.

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The Straits Times World News

Germany's Hanover airport reopens after car intruder overpowered

December 30, 2018 2:16 AM

BERLIN (REUTERS) - Germany's Hanover airport temporarily suspended flights on Saturday (Dec 29) after a man drove onto the apron area before police stopped his car and overpowered and detained him, they said.

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The Straits Times World News

New Year's Eve party in Times Square to cheer for press freedom

December 30, 2018 2:00 AM

NEW YORK (REUTERS) - Reporters will be the guests of honour at the New Year's Eve party in New York's Times Square on Monday (Dec 31), in what organisers said was a celebration of press freedom after an unusually deadly year for journalists at US news outlets.

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The Straits Times World News

US President Donald Trump touts 'big progress' after phone call on trade with China's President Xi Jinping

December 30, 2018 12:20 AM

Both the US and China talked of progress on Saturday after telephone talks between their leaders over a trade war that has helped rattle global markets.

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The Straits Times World News

Egypt Kills 40 Suspected Militants After Deadly Bombing of Tour Bus

Security forces raided sites in North Sinai and Giza, the Interior Ministry said on Saturday, a day after a bomb killed three Vietnamese tourists and their Egyptian guide.. via NYT World Egypt Kills 40 Suspected Militants After Deadly Bombing of Tour Bus

A roadside bomb wiped out a family in Afghanistan, except for a tiny girl who arrived in a shepherd’s arms at a hospital where no one knew her name. She was called “Angel” as she struggled to survive.. via NYT World Along a Road of Sorrow, a Toddler Lost Her Name, Her Family and Her Life

Amazon Sees in Brazil Continent-Size Profits and Problems

The retail behemoth is laying the groundwork to penetrate Brazil’s huge consumer market, analysts say. Success won’t come easy.. via NYT World Amazon Sees in Brazil Continent-Size Profits and Problems

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