2019年1月29日星期二

Yahoo! News: Iraq

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Yahoo! News: Iraq


Judge cancels Paul Manafort's Feb. 8 sentencing in Virginia case

Posted: 28 Jan 2019 05:57 PM PST

Judge cancels Paul Manafort's Feb. 8 sentencing in Virginia caseA federal judge has canceled Paul Manafort's Feb. 8 sentencing in Virginia until DC plea dispute resolved


Maduro rival says taking control of Venezuela's foreign assets

Posted: 28 Jan 2019 01:09 PM PST

Maduro rival says taking control of Venezuela's foreign assetsVenezuela's self-proclaimed acting president Juan Guaido said Monday he was taking control of the country's foreign assets as he piled pressure on leader Nicolas Maduro by calling for a new wave of protests against the embattled regime. Guaido, the opposition leader who has declared himself the country's ruler amid violent anti-government protests, says "usurper" Maduro's rule is illegitimate and wants to set up a transitional government ahead of new elections. Guaido also called for a two-hour strike Wednesday "to demand that the armed forces side with the people," ahead of a "big national and international rally" on Saturday to acknowledge support from several European countries that have issued Maduro a deadline to hold new polls.


Woman rages after being seated next to ‘big’ passengers on United Airlines plane: ‘I eat salad, okay?’

Posted: 29 Jan 2019 05:00 AM PST

Woman rages after being seated next to 'big' passengers on United Airlines plane: 'I eat salad, okay?'A woman was reportedly thrown off a flight after raging against "big" passengers she claimed she was wedged between in a middle seat. The outburst was filmed and later shared online by Norma Rodgers, one of the passengers on the receiving end of the woman's insults, and has since been viewed more than one million times. Footage of the incident shows the passenger complaining about being seated between Ms Rodgers and a man she had been travelling with, named only as Mac.


Trump Said 'We Need' Global Warming to Deal With Record Cold Temperatures. Here's Why That Doesn't Make Sense

Posted: 29 Jan 2019 10:33 AM PST

Trump Said 'We Need' Global Warming to Deal With Record Cold Temperatures. Here's Why That Doesn't Make SenseThere's a big difference between "climate" and "weather"


Barr Reveals He Discussed Mueller Probe With Pence

Posted: 28 Jan 2019 01:24 PM PST

Barr Reveals He Discussed Mueller Probe With PenceBarr disclosed those talks Monday in written answers to questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee. "Our conversations have included, at times, general discussion of the special counsel's investigation in which I gave my views on such matters as Bob Mueller's high integrity and various media reports," Barr wrote.


Five engineers arrested in Brazil over deadly dam collapse

Posted: 29 Jan 2019 05:26 AM PST

Five engineers arrested in Brazil over deadly dam collapseFive engineers, including two working for a German company, were arrested in Brazil Tuesday as part of a probe into a deadly dam collapse last week at a mine in the country's southeast, officials said. Three of the engineers work for Vale, the owner of the mine, and were directly involved in the process of the facility's operating licenses, the prosecutors' office in the state of Minas Gerais said. The other two worked for TUEV SUED, a German company that in September carried out the last safety inspection on the collapsed mine.


American and Taliban officials reportedly reach tentative agreement to pull US troops out of Afghanistan

Posted: 29 Jan 2019 02:47 AM PST

American and Taliban officials reportedly reach tentative agreement to pull US troops out of AfghanistanIn exchange, Taliban agrees to not allow terror groups inside Afghanistan's borders; Col. Rob Maness reacts.


UAE ridiculed for gender balance award ceremony which features no women

Posted: 28 Jan 2019 09:56 AM PST

UAE ridiculed for gender balance award ceremony which features no womenThe government of the United Arab Emirates has been mocked for posting pictures of winners of awards for gender balance, which featured no women. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai's ruler, was shown congratulating the recipients of Best Personality Supporting Gender Balance, Best Federal Authority Supporting Gender Balance, and Best Gender Balance Initiative. Lt Gen Sheikh Saif bin Zayed al-Nahyan, the deputy prime minister and minister of the interior, was recognised as the "best personality supporting gender balance" for his efforts to implement maternity leave in the UAE's military. Two other senior male officials received the rest. Eyebrows were raised after photographs from the event were posted on the Dubai media office's Twitter account. . @HHShkMohd honors the winners of the Gender Balance Index 2018. The Index features three categories: Best Personality for Supporting Gender Balance, Best Federal Entity for Supporting Gender Balance, and the Best Initiative for Supporting Gender Balance. #UAEpic.twitter.com/qE5GkYHzTo— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) January 27, 2019 "Awesome initiative. How do you define Gender Balance Index? Obviously one gender is missing. Asking for a friend," tweeted one account. Daniela Tejada, whose husband Matthew Hedges was recently released from prison in UAE after being sentenced to life in prison for spying, tweeted: "The reason why neither Matt nor I ever represented a reputational risk to the UAE is because the UAE represents a reputational risk to itself. Once again, actions speak louder than words." Sheikh Mohammed was quoted as saying: "We are proud of the success of Emirati women and their role is central to shaping the future of the country. Gender balance has become a pillar in our governmental institutions." The Twitter account later released some pictures of the winners posing for pictures with a handful of women, though it does not appear they were themselves recipients of any awards. A statement by the official Dubai Media Office meanwhile cited Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, president of the UAE Gender Balance Council, as saying it had achieved a goal set in 2015 to reduce the gender gap across all sectors of government. But last month the country was ranked 121st out of 149 countries overall in the World Economic Forum's 2018 Global Gender Gap Report and 134th in terms of economic participation and opportunity.


U.S. drops out of top 20 performers in global corruption index, watchdog says

Posted: 28 Jan 2019 09:11 PM PST

U.S. drops out of top 20 performers in global corruption index, watchdog saysThe group said its latest report on business leaders' perceptions of corruption put the United States at 71, down from 75, on a scale of 0-100. "This is a red flag because it's really part of a pattern that we've seen since the 2008 global financial crisis of a loss of trust ... in our public institutions," she told Reuters. "People don't see us as having adequate mechanisms in place to fight corruption and ensure the accountability of our elected officials." GRAPHIC: Corruption Perceptions Index - https://tmsnrt.rs/2HCFkgJ Concerns were already mounting before the election of Donald Trump, although they have been highlighted by the actions of a rich president who defied precedent to keep his personal tax affairs secret and retain his business holdings in office.


Ex-Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn Says He's "Wrongly Accused" of Financial Misconduct; SEC Now Investigating Nissan

Posted: 28 Jan 2019 08:49 AM PST

Ex-Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn Says He's "Wrongly Accused" of Financial Misconduct; SEC Now Investigating NissanGhosn-through lawyers-proclaims he believes he has done nothing wrong and remains in jail in Japan.


Roger Stone's not guilty plea shows collapse of Russian collusion narrative

Posted: 29 Jan 2019 03:41 PM PST

Roger Stone's not guilty plea shows collapse of Russian collusion narrativeIt wasn't a crime for the Trump campaign to be interested in what WikiLeaks had on Hillary, other Democrats. The collusion narrative is falling apart.


NASA Releases New, High-Quality New Horizons Image of the Ultima Thule "Snowman" Asteroid

Posted: 28 Jan 2019 12:22 PM PST

NASA Releases New, High-Quality New Horizons Image of the Ultima Thule "Snowman" AsteroidThis new image highlights all kinds of features that weren't visible in the initial images.


US government scientists correct Trump over climate change statements: 'Winter storms don't prove global warming isn't happening'

Posted: 29 Jan 2019 09:36 AM PST

US government scientists correct Trump over climate change statements: 'Winter storms don't prove global warming isn't happening'Donald Trump has again appeared to fundamentally misunderstand climate change by suggesting extreme cold weather in the US is evidence global warming does not exist. "In the beautiful Midwest, wind chill temperatures are reaching minus 60 degrees, the coldest ever recorded," Mr Trump tweeted late on Monday evening. It follows a number of recent tweets by the president expressing gleeful disregard for the scientific consensus that holds human carbon emissions responsible for recent global temperature increases.


In-Depth Photos of the 2019 Honda Passport

Posted: 29 Jan 2019 04:57 AM PST

In-Depth Photos of the 2019 Honda Passport


Gaza-Egypt crossing to fully reopen Tuesday: Palestinians

Posted: 28 Jan 2019 12:06 PM PST

Gaza-Egypt crossing to fully reopen Tuesday: PalestiniansThe sole passenger crossing between Gaza and Egypt will reopen in both directions Tuesday, the strip's Islamist rulers Hamas said, after it was partially closed amid Palestinian political infighting. In a statement late Monday, the Hamas-run interior ministry announced "the opening of the Rafah border crossing in both directions on Tuesday". There was no immediate confirmation from Egypt.


The Latest: NY easing statute of limitations for molestation

Posted: 28 Jan 2019 02:45 PM PST

The Latest: NY easing statute of limitations for molestationALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — The Latest on the New York state Legislature's expected passage of legislation extending the statute of limitations on child molestation (all times local):


2 Suspects Killed and Five Officers Injured in a Houston Shootout, Police Say

Posted: 28 Jan 2019 04:53 PM PST

2 Suspects Killed and Five Officers Injured in a Houston Shootout, Police SayTexas Governor Greg Abbott called the incident a "horrific attack"


As historic cold blasts Midwest, cities focus on vulnerable, homeless

Posted: 29 Jan 2019 03:09 PM PST

As historic cold blasts Midwest, cities focus on vulnerable, homelessAs the Midwest girds for days of subzero temperatures, officials are scrambling to get some of their most vulnerable  out of the cold.


Bank of England pleaded with not to give Nicolas Maduro $1.3 billion in gold

Posted: 28 Jan 2019 12:54 PM PST

Bank of England pleaded with not to give Nicolas Maduro $1.3 billion in goldA British minister on Monday suggested that the Bank of England should decline to release £1 billion of gold to Venezuela's dictator after the opposition leader wrote to Theresa May.  Juan Guaido, who last week declared himself the country's legitimate ruler and was recognised as such by the US, has written to Mark Carney, the Bank's governor, to ask him not to hand over the gold to Nicolas Maduro. He also sent the letter to Theresa May, the Prime Minister. "I am writing to ask you to stop this illegitimate transaction," the 35-year-old opposition leader wrote. "If the money is transferred it will be used by the illegitimate and kleptocratic regime of Nicolas Maduro to repress and brutalise the Venezuelan people." Sir Alan Duncan, minister of the Americas, on Monday said it was a decision for the Bank to make, and suggested they should decline to release the gold. "The Bank of England holds a significant amount of Venezuela's gold. This is a decision for the Bank of England, not the government," he said.  "No doubt they will take into account when they do the fact that a large number of countries across the world are now questioning the legitimacy of Nicolas Maduro and recognising that of Juan Guaido."   Nicolas Maduro inspecting the troops on Sunday - his military has, so far, largely remained loyal  Mr Maduro has been attempting to repatriate the gold from the vaults since last year. The bullion in London makes up 15 per cent of Venezuela's foreign currency reserves. The Telegraph understands that each request for a release of gold made to the Bank of England is subject to fresh risk assessment procedures. The Caracas Chronicles, a Venezuelan publication, claims the Bank has twice refused gold transactions requests from the regime citing "compliance-related reasons". A Bank of England spokesman said: "The Bank of England provides banking services – including gold custody services – to a large number of customers. The Bank does not comment on any of those relationships, which are subject to customer confidentiality. In all its operations, the Bank observes the highest standards of risk management and abides by all relevant legislation, including applicable financial sanctions." The request from Mr Guaido came hours before the US imposed sanctions on oil exported from the country, and adds to mounting diplomatic and economic pressure on Mr Maduro to stand down. Steve Mnuchin, the treasury secretary, said on Monday afternoon that the oil was a "valuable asset that we are protecting for the Venezuelan people." From now on oil revenues must now be placed in "blocked accounts", which cannot be accessed by Mr Maduro. Mr Mnuchin said that there would also be limitations on the selling of oil products, but stopped short of announcing a total embargo on oil sales. Venezuela has the largest oil reserves in the world. "Effective immediately, any purchases of Venezuelan oil by US entities, money will have to go to blocked accounts," he said, adding the US would continue to buy Venezuelan oil, but only if the money from the sale went into blocked accounts.  "The purpose of sanctions is to change behaviour. When there is the recognition that PDVSA is the property of the rightful ruler of Venezuela, Juan Guaido, then it will go to him. "There is no reason for the poverty, the starvation, the humanitarian crisis." John Bolton, the national security adviser, added: "The authoritarian regime of Chavez and Maduro has allowed the penetration of adversaries, not least Cuba. We think that is a strategic threat to the United States, and there are others – not least Iran. "It is our mission to make reality what the people of Venezuela want." Directives sent on Friday to the US Federal Reserve will make it very hard for Mr Maduro to access Venezuela's overseas assets and earnings, including those from Houston-based Citgo, a subsidiary of state-owned oil giant PDVSA and the major source of revenue for the bankrupt government. Oil constitutes close to 90 per cent of Venezuelan exports. Some 75 per cent of the country's cash-generating oil shipments go the US, according to Barclays, but Mr Maduro retains the support of Russia, China, Turkey and Iran and is likely to divert shipments to them. Venezuela collapse | Mothers and children pay the price However, processing international financial transactions will be a challenge, without going through the US or European banks. Transport costs would also jump because Venezuela's ports are not well-equipped to load supertankers for transporting oil to such distant markets. Mr Maduro has had the door slammed in his face by Canada, Australia, Israel and a host of Latin nations, including Colombia, Chile, Argentina and Brazil, who have all followed the US lead and recognised Mr Guadio. Several EU countries have further said that Mr Maduro has eight days to call elections and end the stand-off, or else they will back Mr Guaido. Britain is yet to formally recognise Mr Guaido, but last week Jeremy Hunt, the foreign secretary, said Mr Guaido was "the right person to take Venezuela forward". Sir Alan also hit out at Labour MPs who wrote a joint letter to The Guardian, criticising the "far-Right" governments of the US and Brazil, and saying they offer "no hope" to Venezuela. The letter, signed by shadow chancellor John McDonnell and shadow home secretary Diane Abbott, alongside other Labour MPs, individuals and campaigners, insisted there is "no justification for backing the US attempt at regime change under way" and backed the call for dialogue from the Mexican and Bolivian presidents. Jorge Arreaza, Venezuela's foreign minister, on Monday backed the talks suggested last week by Mexico and Bolivia, saying: "We're even willing to meet with the devil so that we have sovereignty and peace." Jorge Arreaza, Venezuela's foreign minister But Sir Alan told the Commons he had little time for the Labour-led suggestion. "I think we should all be saddened that in our midst are people who seem to have still sympathy for the regime of Nicolas Maduro despite what it has done to poor people, it has not just made them poorer, it has made them destitute and in many cases has forced them to flee," he said. "So let the signatories of that letter in the Guardian be pinned on every wall as a list of signatures of shame." Rafael Uzcategui, director of the Venezuelan Program for Education-Action in Human Rights, said that eight people were murdered last week by the government in "extra-judicial killings," while another 35 died in the recent protests, which began a week ago. Mr Guadio has called for more demonstrations this week. Speaking at a press conference, Mr Uzcategui said the extra-judicial executions happened in operations conducted by the police special forces unit, FAES, in socially deprived areas.


My special needs students needed their teachers in the classroom — not on the picket line

Posted: 29 Jan 2019 11:24 AM PST

My special needs students needed their teachers in the classroom — not on the picket lineThe Los Angeles Unified School District strike resulted in historic wins for teachers. But students with disabilities were forced to bear the cost.


US weather: Record low temperatures ‘threaten 110 million Americans’ with risk of hypothermia 'in a matter of minutes'

Posted: 29 Jan 2019 11:08 AM PST

US weather: Record low temperatures 'threaten 110 million Americans' with risk of hypothermia 'in a matter of minutes'Life-threatening temperatures across the United States and a polar vortex in the Midwest is set to impact nearly 110 million Americans this week. The extreme cold and record-breaking temperatures are blasting a swathe of states spanning from North Dakota to Missouri and into Ohio after a powerful snowstorm pounded the region earlier this week. One of those polar vortex pieces is responsible for the subzero temperatures across the Midwest this week.


Obama Spoke at Boeing Retreat After Firm Gave Millions to Library Fund

Posted: 28 Jan 2019 10:33 AM PST

Obama Spoke at Boeing Retreat After Firm Gave Millions to Library FundGeorge W. Bush addressed the group last year, said people familiar with the matter. Obama dropped in on the leadership sessions while traveling back to the mainland from his year-end holiday in Hawaii, and Arizona's top-notch golf courses were part of the allure. The former president waived his speaking fee for the informal address, said Katie Hill, Obama's spokeswoman.


PG&E files for bankruptcy after California wildfires

Posted: 29 Jan 2019 09:09 AM PST

PG&E files for bankruptcy after California wildfiresThe company, the largest utility in America's most populous state, has been under intensifying scrutiny in the wake of the so-called 2018 Camp Fire in Northern California that left 86 people dead, destroyed some 18,000 buildings and came on the heels of deadly wildfires in the state in 2017. PG&E, whose shares have fallen 72 percent over the last year, could face huge liabilities if investigations reveal its equipment was directly responsible for the fire.


US intel heads list North Korea, not border, as threat to US

Posted: 29 Jan 2019 05:10 PM PST

US intel heads list North Korea, not border, as threat to USWASHINGTON (AP) — Directly contradicting President Donald Trump, U.S. intelligence agencies told Congress on Tuesday that North Korea is unlikely to dismantle its nuclear arsenal, that the Islamic State group remains a threat and that the Iran nuclear deal is working. The chiefs made no mention of a crisis at the U.S.-Mexican border for which Trump has considered declaring a national emergency.


Feds rest case against Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán; accused drug lord won't testify in his own defense

Posted: 28 Jan 2019 03:06 PM PST

Feds rest case against Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán; accused drug lord won't testify in his own defenseAccused Mexican drug lord Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, facing federal charges that could put him in prison for life, has opted not to testify in his own defense.


Huawei lawyer says CFO Meng a "hostage" after U.S. presses charges

Posted: 29 Jan 2019 12:28 AM PST

Huawei lawyer says CFO Meng a "hostage" after U.S. presses chargesWASHINGTON/HONG KONG (Reuters) - Huawei's CFO "should not be a hostage" in Sino-U.S. relations, her lawyer said on Tuesday, after the United States announced criminal charges against herself and the Chinese firm just days before crunch trade talks with Beijing. The Justice Department charged Huawei Technologies Co Ltd and its chief financial officer with conspiring to violate U.S. sanctions on Iran by doing business through a subsidiary it tried to hide and that was reported on by Reuters in 2012 and 2013. In a separate case, the Justice Department charged the telecommunications equipment maker with stealing robotic technology from T-Mobile US Inc. Huawei has said the companies settled their dispute in 2017.


The 2020 Genesis GV80 Will Be the Luxury Brand's First SUV

Posted: 28 Jan 2019 11:16 AM PST

The 2020 Genesis GV80 Will Be the Luxury Brand's First SUVThe rear-wheel-drive-based crossover is finally almost here.


Sen. Kamala Harris kicks off 2020 campaign criticizing Trump and calling for unity

Posted: 28 Jan 2019 02:51 AM PST

Sen. Kamala Harris kicks off 2020 campaign criticizing Trump and calling for unityLess than a mile away from where she began her career as a prosecutor, Harris characterized her track record as a district attorney, attorney general and U.S. Senator as "fighting for the people."


NBC Host Tom Brokaw apologises for xenophobic ‘assimilation’ remarks on immigration

Posted: 28 Jan 2019 01:33 PM PST

NBC Host Tom Brokaw apologises for xenophobic 'assimilation' remarks on immigrationNBC News personality Tom Brokaw, who has been accused of sexual misconduct by two women who worked with him in the 1990s, apologised on Sunday for making xenophobic comments regarding Hispanic immigration while appearing on Meet the Press earlier that morning. While discussing the southern border, Mr Brokaw mentioned the fears about Hispanic immigrants among Republicans. "But the fact is, on the Republican side, a lot of people see the rise of an extraordinary, important, new constituent in American politics, Hispanics, who will come here and all be Democrats," Mr Brokaw said.


75 below zero? Polar vortex brings life-threatening chill, staggeringly low AccuWeather RealFeel Temperatures

Posted: 29 Jan 2019 04:41 PM PST

75 below zero? Polar vortex brings life-threatening chill, staggeringly low AccuWeather RealFeel TemperaturesLong-standing records are poised to fall as the polar vortex sends extremely cold air into the north-central, midwestern and northeastern United States.


Nvidia becomes latest casualty of Chinese slowdown with $500m sales warning

Posted: 28 Jan 2019 09:27 AM PST

Nvidia becomes latest casualty of Chinese slowdown with $500m sales warningThe American microchip maker Nvidia has become the latest tech giant to warn of a sharp economic slowdown in China as it blamed "extraordinary dynamics" for a $500m (£380m) hole in its revenues. The company, whose graphics chips are used in powerful computers and robotic systems such as driverless cars, said computer gamers in China had held off buying its graphics cards in recent months as the economic picture worsens. China is the world's biggest video games market, particularly in PC gaming due to a ban on games consoles that lasted until 2015, and Nvidia is seen as a leader in computer graphics units. On Monday it blamed "deteriorating macroeconomic conditions, particularly in China" as it cut revenue forecasts by a fifth. Nvidia said it expected to report revenues of $2.2bn for the fourth quarter of last year when it gives final results next month, having previously told investors to expect $2.7bn. Shares in the company fell by as much as 17pc. They have now halved since the summer, having previously fallen as the company suffered the effects of the end of the Bitcoin boom, which led to a drop-off in sales of Nvidia technology used to mine cryptocurrency. Apple, which reports fourth-quarter results on Tuesday, has already blamed economic conditions in China for a drop in iPhone sales, although its chief executive Tim Cook has said that slowing upgrade rates from consumers elsewhere has also hit sales. Like Apple, Nvidia admitted that China was not wholly responsible for its revenue shortfall. It said the high price of its latest graphics cards had put off consumers and that companies had delayed investments in data centres due to a "cautious" approach. Last week, the Chinese government said growth in 2018 fell to 6.6pc, its slowest rate since 1990. Nvidia's chief executive Jensen Huang insisted that the company was on the right track. "The markets we are creating – gaming, design, HPC [high-performance computing], AI and autonomous vehicles – are important, growing and will be very large. We have excellent strategic positions in all of them," he said. The news led to a sell-off in other chip stocks. Computer processor maker AMD fell 6.2pc and Intel fell by 1.7pc.


Graham to Press Barr on Releasing Mueller Report

Posted: 29 Jan 2019 12:17 PM PST

Graham to Press Barr on Releasing Mueller ReportChairman Lindsey Graham was pressed on the issue at a committee meeting Tuesday by Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, who questioned whether Barr would feel constrained by a Justice Department policy against releasing derogatory information about people who haven't been charged with a crime. Whitehouse of Rhode Island noted that a separate department legal opinion holds that a sitting president can't be prosecuted.


Contract that ended LA teacher strike gets final approval

Posted: 29 Jan 2019 02:39 PM PST

Contract that ended LA teacher strike gets final approvalLOS ANGELES (AP) — A contract that ended a six-day strike by Los Angeles teachers got final approval despite a report from an oversight agency saying the deal may not be sustainable because of the long-term financial outlook of the nation's second-largest school district.


Huawei exec's extradition hearing pushed to March

Posted: 29 Jan 2019 02:13 PM PST

Huawei exec's extradition hearing pushed to MarchThe extradition hearing for a top Huawei executive at the center of a diplomatic row between Ottawa and Beijing was pushed back to March on Tuesday, after the US unveiled sweeping charges against her and the Chinese tech giant. Meng Wanzhou, Huawei's chief financial officer and the daughter of its founder, was indicted along with Huawei and two affiliates in a US case related to alleged Iran sanctions violations that has inflamed tensions with China. In Meng's first court appearance since being released, the judge moved the start of her extradition hearing to March 6, a month later than previously scheduled, in order to allow the defense time to review the evidence in the case.


Death toll rises to 58 as hope dims after Brazil dam collapse

Posted: 27 Jan 2019 06:56 PM PST

Death toll rises to 58 as hope dims after Brazil dam collapseRescuers worked past sunset to search a bus thought to have bodies inside and a home where three bodies were already found, state fire department spokesman Pedro Aihara told reporters. The collapsed dam at Vale SA's Corrego do Feijao mine buried mining facilities and nearby homes in the town of Brumadinho, killing dozens and leaving the community in shock. "Obviously, given the nature of the accident, as time passes, this chance will go down." After announcing the latest number of confirmed dead, state civil defense agency spokesman Flavio Godinho told reporters he expected the death toll to continue rising.


Winter storm snarls travel: More than 1,000 flights canceled on Tuesday

Posted: 29 Jan 2019 01:48 PM PST

Winter storm snarls travel: More than 1,000 flights canceled on TuesdaySouthwest Airlines alone has canceled more than 500 Tuesday flights, including nearly 300 at Chicago's Midway International Airport.


Venezuela crisis: Chief prosecutor asks court to ban opposition leader from leaving country and freeze his accounts

Posted: 29 Jan 2019 01:11 PM PST

Venezuela crisis: Chief prosecutor asks court to ban opposition leader from leaving country and freeze his accountsVenezuela's chief prosecutor has asked the country's top court to impose a travel ban on opposition leader Juan Guaido and freeze his accounts. The United States, along with several other countries, has recognized Mr Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate head of state and denounced leftist president Nicolas Maduro as a usurper. Mr Maduro, who was sworn in earlier this month for a second term after disputed elections last year, accuses Mr Guaido of staging a US-directed coup.


NJ waitress speaks out over anti-immigrant message on receipt

Posted: 28 Jan 2019 02:28 AM PST

NJ waitress speaks out over anti-immigrant message on receipt"Don't tip immigrants." Those three words written on the back of a restaurant receipt has a Burlington County waitress speaking up.


It’s not too late to get the most popular Instant Pot at its lowest price of 2019

Posted: 29 Jan 2019 05:38 AM PST

It's not too late to get the most popular Instant Pot at its lowest price of 2019Did you miss the big Instant Pot sale we told our readers about on Monday? More than a thousand of our readers took advantage of this killer Amazon deal, which slashes the best-selling Instant Pot model on the planet to the lowest price of 2019. We thought the deal might sell out pretty quickly, but it turns out that Amazon has more inventory than expected for this sale. That means if you haven't already snagged a $100 Instant Pot DUO60 6 Qt 7-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker for just $79.95, it's not too late! Here are some key details from the product page: * Duo, the number 1 selling multi-cooker, combines 7 kitchen appliances in 1, Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Saute, Yogurt Marker and Warmer, prepares dishes up to 70% faster to support your busy lifestyle * Features 14 Smart Programs - Soup, Meat/Stew, Bean/Chili, Poultry, Saute/Simmer, Rice, Multigrain, Porridge, Steam, Slow Cook, Keep Warm, Yogurt, Manual, and Pressure Cook. Now, your favorite dishes are as easy as pressing a button * Healthy, stainless steel (18/8) inner cooking pot made from food grade 304, no chemical coating, 3-ply bottom for even heat distribution, fully sealed environment traps the flavours, nutrients and aromas within the food * Built with the latest 3rd generation technology, the microprocessor monitors pressure, temperature, keeps time, and adjusts heating intensity and duration to achieve your desired results every time.Product Dimensions: 14.17 x 14.84 x 13.31 inches * UL and ULC certified with 10 safety mechanisms to provide you with added assurance, designed to eliminate many common errors.Accessories include, stainless steel steam rack with handles, rice paddle, soup spoon, measuring cup, condensation collector and recipe booklet * Power supply: 120V - 60Hz


North Korea 'unlikely' to give up nukes, top US intelligence chief says despite Donald Trump's optimism

Posted: 29 Jan 2019 09:03 AM PST

North Korea 'unlikely' to give up nukes, top US intelligence chief says despite Donald Trump's optimismNorth Korea is "unlikely" to give up its nuclear weapons program, America's most senior intelligence chief has said, in stark contrast to Donald Trump's optimistic comments on securing a breakthrough.  Dan Coats, the US director of national intelligence, said that North Korea's leaders see keeping their nuclear arsenal as crucial to "regime survival".  Mr Coats also warned there was evidence that Kim Jong-un's regime was taking actions "inconsistent" with its declared support for denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.  The remarks, which came during an appearance by six US intelligence chiefs before the Senate Intelligence Committee, jar with the US president's public views on the stand-off.  Mr Trump has repeatedly played up the prospect of North Korea denuclearising since he met with Kim, the country's leader, during a historic summit in Singapore in June 2018.  Donald Trump, the US president, and Kim Jong-un, the North Korean leader, shake hands during a summit in Singapore Credit: AP Photo/Susan Walsh The US president tweeted shortly after that meeting that "there is no longer a nuclear threat from North Korea". On another occasion he joked that him and Kim "fell in love" with each other.  Mr Coats is a former Republican senator who serves in Mr Trump's cabinet. The role he holds was created after the September 11 attacks and co-ordinates America's 17 different intelligence agencies.  In his prepared opening remarks on North Korea for a hearing about worldwide threats, Mr Coats begun by playing up the areas of progress in the relationship.  He said: "The regime has halted its provocative behavior related to its WMD program. North Korea has not conducted any nuclear-capable missile or nuclear tests in more than a year and it has dismantled some of its nuclear infrastructure. Christopher Wray, FBI director, Gina Haspel, CIA director, Daniel Coats, director of National Intelligence, and General Robert Ashley, director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, [left to right], at the Senate Intelligence Committee Credit: SAUL LOEB / AFP "As well, Kim Jong-un continues to demonstrate openness to the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula." But Mr Coats went on: "Having said that, we currently assess that North Korea will seek to retain its WMD capabilities and is unlikely to completely give up its nuclear weapons and production capabilities because its leaders ultimately view nuclear weapons as critical to regime survival. "Our assessment is bolstered by our observations of some activity that is inconsistent with full denuclearisation ." The assessment that North Korean leaders do not actually want to give up their nuclear weapons program challenges a central tenant of the Trump administration's stance for talks.  Mr Trump has repeatedly talked up the chance of a breakthrough and has touted Kim's support for denuclearisation – though at times has made clear he does not know where talks will end.  Critics have warned that the North Korean regime is not really willing to give up its weapons, despite its leadership's public statements. Mr Trump and Kim are due to hold a second summit in late February. A location is yet to be announced. During their appearance on Capitol Hill, the intelligence chiefs made a number of stark comments that underlined the scale of threats facing America and other nations.  Mr Coats singled out the "big four"  – Russia, China, Iran and North Korea – as he warned a "toxic mix" of competitors, regional powers, failed states and non-state groups were threatening America. He said that more than a 1,000 Isil fighters remain in Syria and Iraq and that the terror group is plotting resurgence.  The remark comes as Mr Trump withdraws America's 2,000 troops from Syria after declaring Isil had been defeated – a decision that triggered a fierce backlash from allies and the resignation of defence secretary Jim Mattis.  Mr Coats noted that China and Russia's relationship is now closer than for "many decades", an alliance that would have significant impacts on geopolitics if it continues to solidify.  He also warned that the 2020 US presidential election was viewed by adversaries as "an opportunity to advance their interest", raising the prospect of more foreign interference. He said protecting US elections was a "top priority".


With shutdown over, scientists rush to salvage wolf study

Posted: 28 Jan 2019 03:29 PM PST

With shutdown over, scientists rush to salvage wolf studyTRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — A 60-year-old study of wolves and moose at Isle Royale National Park is back on track after being derailed by the partial government shutdown, and enough private funding has been raised to ensure the work will go on even if federal agencies are idled again, officials said Monday.


China condemns US 'smear' in Huawei case as tensions boil

Posted: 29 Jan 2019 02:34 AM PST

China condemns US 'smear' in Huawei case as tensions boilChina on Tuesday accused the United States of "political motivations" behind sweeping charges against Chinese telecom giant Huawei in a case that has ratcheted up tensions between the two superpowers. The Justice Department Monday unveiled 13 charges against Huawei Technologies, its chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou -- the daughter of the company's founder -- and two affiliates related to violating US sanctions on Iran. The firm was also accused of technology theft on the same day China's top trade negotiator arrived in Washington for high-stakes talks with US officials, possibly complicating the discussions ahead of a March deadline to avert a deepening of their trade war.


Brazil eyes management overhaul for Vale after dam disaster

Posted: 28 Jan 2019 03:11 PM PST

Brazil eyes management overhaul for Vale after dam disasterBy Monday night, firefighters in the state of Minas Gerais had confirmed that 65 people were killed by Friday's disaster, when a burst tailings dam sent a torrent of sludge into the miner's offices and the town of Brumadinho. Brazil's acting president, Hamilton Mourao, told reporters a government task force on the disaster response is looking at whether it could or should change Vale's top management. "The question of Vale's management is being studied by the crisis group," said Mourao, who is serving as acting president for some 48 hours while President Jair Bolsonaro recovers from surgery.


Pharma Stocks in Focus as Congress Kicks Off Drug Cost Hearings Tuesday

Posted: 28 Jan 2019 09:35 AM PST

Pharma Stocks in Focus as Congress Kicks Off Drug Cost Hearings TuesdayThe two meetings, by the House Oversight and Senate Finance committees, will both focus on the impact of rising drug prices, and lawmakers are expected to make their case for more direct government involvement in pricing decisions for Medicare and allowing Americans to import certain drugs from Canada for personal use. Drug stocks have been under pressure recently amid jitters about the hearings and disappointing earnings from the likes of Bristol-Myers Squibb and heavyweight Johnson & Johnson.


Toyota Is Replacing the Old Yaris with a Rebadged Mazda 2 Hatchback

Posted: 28 Jan 2019 08:06 AM PST

Toyota Is Replacing the Old Yaris with a Rebadged Mazda 2 HatchbackLike the current Yaris sedan, it's looking like the 2020 Yaris hatch will also be built by Mazda.


Casey Hathaway: Three-year-old boy missing in freezing weather for two days 'looked after by bear'

Posted: 28 Jan 2019 12:52 AM PST

Casey Hathaway: Three-year-old boy missing in freezing weather for two days 'looked after by bear'Rescuers found Casey Hathaway tangled up in thorny bushes in Craven County, eastern North Carolina, close to where he disappeared from his grandmother's home. Casey was located by police after a member of the public heard a child crying and shouting for their mother about 45 metres into the woods. Craven County sheriff Chip Hughes told local television station WCTI: "He didn't really get into how he was able to survive and all that.


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