World
COVID-19: U.S. records new highs; 247,403 infections, 3,656 deaths
- December 17, 2020
The US is the worst-hit country with the world's highest number of cases and deaths at 16, 959, 267 and 307, 291, respectively, according to the CSSE. Deaths also hit a record high on Friday when over 3,300 people were killed by COVID-19, but as deaths tend to lag behind infections the U.S. is bracing for a somber increase in fatalities. (more...)
- December 17, 2020
The US is the worst-hit country with the world's highest number of cases and deaths at 16, 959, 267 and 307, 291, respectively, according to the CSSE. Deaths also hit a record high on Friday when over 3,300 people were killed by COVID-19, but as deaths tend to lag behind infections the U.S. is bracing for a somber increase in fatalities. (more...)
Modeling agent Jean Luc Brunel arrested in Paris in Epstein probe
- December 17, 2020
An attorney for Brunel did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Giuffre claimed in a 2016 deposition made public past year that Epstein and British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell had directed her to provide sexual services for Brunel. (more...)
- December 17, 2020
An attorney for Brunel did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Giuffre claimed in a 2016 deposition made public past year that Epstein and British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell had directed her to provide sexual services for Brunel. (more...)
Top US general meets Taliban, Afghan leader ahead of pullout
- December 17, 2020
The TPC delegation after the talks at the Foreign Office appreciated Pakistan's facilitative role in the Afghan peace process and shared its perspective on various aspects of the intra-afghan negotiations, said the Foreign Office. Pakistan on Wednesday asked all sides inside Afghanistan to reduce violence so that there could be a ceasefire, as the only way for peace in Afghanistan was a meaningful and comprehensive dialogue. (more...)
- December 17, 2020
The TPC delegation after the talks at the Foreign Office appreciated Pakistan's facilitative role in the Afghan peace process and shared its perspective on various aspects of the intra-afghan negotiations, said the Foreign Office. Pakistan on Wednesday asked all sides inside Afghanistan to reduce violence so that there could be a ceasefire, as the only way for peace in Afghanistan was a meaningful and comprehensive dialogue. (more...)
UK Supreme Court rules Heathrow can have third runway
- December 17, 2020
This meant the UK's transport minister only needed to take into consideration climate change but did not specifically need to state the Paris Agreement to be lawful. Given this warning, it is hard to see how Heathrow expansion can proceed. The ruling comes as the Covid-19 pandemic devastates demand for worldwide air travel. (more...)
- December 17, 2020
This meant the UK's transport minister only needed to take into consideration climate change but did not specifically need to state the Paris Agreement to be lawful. Given this warning, it is hard to see how Heathrow expansion can proceed. The ruling comes as the Covid-19 pandemic devastates demand for worldwide air travel. (more...)
What's wrong, Skip? Kangaroos can 'talk' to humans with their gaze
- December 17, 2020
Nine of the 11 kangaroos also showed remarkable alterations in the type of gaze between the box and the person present - which suggests a heightened type of communication involving a shifting gaze between the box and the human. "Domesticated" animals are those that have been selectively bred over generations to live alongside humans. In the current study, the researchers studied the ability of kangaroos to express human directed gazing behavior, as well as gaze alternations, when faced with ... (more...)
- December 17, 2020
Nine of the 11 kangaroos also showed remarkable alterations in the type of gaze between the box and the person present - which suggests a heightened type of communication involving a shifting gaze between the box and the human. "Domesticated" animals are those that have been selectively bred over generations to live alongside humans. In the current study, the researchers studied the ability of kangaroos to express human directed gazing behavior, as well as gaze alternations, when faced with ... (more...)
Good progress in negotiations with United Kingdom but obstacles remain — EU’s Barnier
- December 17, 2020
After a weekend of negotiations , Ursula von der Leyen , the European Union chief, announced on December 13 that negotiations with the Prime Minister will continue, despite the deadline which was set for this Sunday. "I think, regrettably, the chances are more likely that we won't secure an agreement", he said. He put the probability at "less than 50%", adding that, if the British parliament did not have time to pass the deal into law by December 31, "then the clock has run out and no ... (more...)
- December 17, 2020
After a weekend of negotiations , Ursula von der Leyen , the European Union chief, announced on December 13 that negotiations with the Prime Minister will continue, despite the deadline which was set for this Sunday. "I think, regrettably, the chances are more likely that we won't secure an agreement", he said. He put the probability at "less than 50%", adding that, if the British parliament did not have time to pass the deal into law by December 31, "then the clock has run out and no ... (more...)
Fiji under curfew as powerful Cyclone Yasa set to make landfall
- December 17, 2020
They are urging residents to stock up on food and water, board up windows and move to higher ground if safe to do so. Still a few hours out from the worst weather , Fiji's Meteorological Service said storm force winds and heavy rains have been recorded in some parts of the country already. (more...)
- December 17, 2020
They are urging residents to stock up on food and water, board up windows and move to higher ground if safe to do so. Still a few hours out from the worst weather , Fiji's Meteorological Service said storm force winds and heavy rains have been recorded in some parts of the country already. (more...)
Russia banned from using its name, flag at next 2 Olympics
- December 17, 2020
The ban also covers the Paralympic Games next summer and in Beijing, plus world championship events organised by a WADA signatory up to December 16, 2022. Its doping woes have grown since, with numerous nation's athletes sidelined from the past two Olympics and the country stripped of its flag altogether at the 2019 Pyeongchang Winter Games as punishment for state-sponsored doping cover-ups at the 2014 Sochi Games. (more...)
- December 17, 2020
The ban also covers the Paralympic Games next summer and in Beijing, plus world championship events organised by a WADA signatory up to December 16, 2022. Its doping woes have grown since, with numerous nation's athletes sidelined from the past two Olympics and the country stripped of its flag altogether at the 2019 Pyeongchang Winter Games as punishment for state-sponsored doping cover-ups at the 2014 Sochi Games. (more...)
India dropped one spot to 131 in 2020 Human Development Index
- December 17, 2020
As the COVID-19 crisis lays bare the massive vulnerabilities and risks baked into the foundations of human progress, especially in recent decades, the aim is to help countries make "smarter choices for recovery" from the pandemic, he added. (more...)
- December 17, 2020
As the COVID-19 crisis lays bare the massive vulnerabilities and risks baked into the foundations of human progress, especially in recent decades, the aim is to help countries make "smarter choices for recovery" from the pandemic, he added. (more...)
Ghislaine Maxwell proposes $28.5 mln bail package
- December 17, 2020
She's pleaded not guilty . Her lawyers, Christian Everdell, Mark Cohen, Jeffrey Pagliuca and Laura Menninger, hope that detailing Ms Maxwell's connections with the United States and her relationship with her husband, which she failed to mention in the first application for bail, will help her secure release. (more...)
- December 17, 2020
She's pleaded not guilty . Her lawyers, Christian Everdell, Mark Cohen, Jeffrey Pagliuca and Laura Menninger, hope that detailing Ms Maxwell's connections with the United States and her relationship with her husband, which she failed to mention in the first application for bail, will help her secure release. (more...)
Israeli Minister Signs Australia Deport Order for Sex Abuse Suspect
- December 17, 2020
In signing the extradition order, the Justice Minister, Mr Nissenkorn, said: "After many years of legal battle, it is our moral duty to allow the Australian legal authorities to put her on trial". Nissenkorn did not announce an extradition date. Israel's Justice Minister has confirmed he has signed the extradition order for Ms Leifer to be sent to Australia where she can face trial on the serious allegations against her of child sexual assault. (more...)
- December 17, 2020
In signing the extradition order, the Justice Minister, Mr Nissenkorn, said: "After many years of legal battle, it is our moral duty to allow the Australian legal authorities to put her on trial". Nissenkorn did not announce an extradition date. Israel's Justice Minister has confirmed he has signed the extradition order for Ms Leifer to be sent to Australia where she can face trial on the serious allegations against her of child sexual assault. (more...)
Russia's Lavrov says Bosnia's peace deal must not be changed
- December 17, 2020
He made the statement after a meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade on Tuesday. Lavrov was speaking on a visit to Bosnia on the anniversary of the day when the peace accords, agreed previously in the US air base in OH, were signed in Paris by the then presidents of Bosnia, Serbia and Croatia, all parties to the Balkan wars of the 1990s. (more...)
- December 17, 2020
He made the statement after a meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade on Tuesday. Lavrov was speaking on a visit to Bosnia on the anniversary of the day when the peace accords, agreed previously in the US air base in OH, were signed in Paris by the then presidents of Bosnia, Serbia and Croatia, all parties to the Balkan wars of the 1990s. (more...)
France’s Macron tests positive for Covid-19
- December 17, 2020
Macron is the latest world leader to become infected with COVID. Mr Martin and the French president both attended a European Council meeting last Thursday and Friday. Museums, theatres and cinemas as well as other leisure venues such as restaurants and bars are remaining closed until at least January. According to data from Johns Hopkins University, more than 59,400 have died after complications due to the virus. (more...)
- December 17, 2020
Macron is the latest world leader to become infected with COVID. Mr Martin and the French president both attended a European Council meeting last Thursday and Friday. Museums, theatres and cinemas as well as other leisure venues such as restaurants and bars are remaining closed until at least January. According to data from Johns Hopkins University, more than 59,400 have died after complications due to the virus. (more...)
Ron Johnson Derails Election Security Hearings To Amplify Biden Smear
- December 17, 2020
Said O'Malley Dillon: "The president-elect was able to connect with people over this sense of unity". In the second clip above, you can see Peters begin to respond to this, saying that Johnson and others shouldn't be allowed to use their platform to mislead the American people, before Senator Rand Paul cuts him off to allege further, still without evidence, that there are credible claims of election interference. (more...)
- December 17, 2020
Said O'Malley Dillon: "The president-elect was able to connect with people over this sense of unity". In the second clip above, you can see Peters begin to respond to this, saying that Johnson and others shouldn't be allowed to use their platform to mislead the American people, before Senator Rand Paul cuts him off to allege further, still without evidence, that there are credible claims of election interference. (more...)
Republicans split after McConnell orders senators to reject Trump call
- December 17, 2020
Senate Republicans had hesitated to oppose Trump's false claims about the election results in part because they need his base to show up for Georgia's two January 5 runoff elections. Although I do not like the results of the current election, the courts and the states have spoken. "Unless there is an unforeseen, valid legal challenge, I intend to support the results of the electoral college". (more...)
- December 17, 2020
Senate Republicans had hesitated to oppose Trump's false claims about the election results in part because they need his base to show up for Georgia's two January 5 runoff elections. Although I do not like the results of the current election, the courts and the states have spoken. "Unless there is an unforeseen, valid legal challenge, I intend to support the results of the electoral college". (more...)
Germany enters harder lockdown to curb coronavirus cases
- December 17, 2020
As Germany entered into a new partial lockdown , the death toll due to coronavirus shot up to 952 in the last 24 hours which is the highest since the outbreak of the virus in the country . Germans are waiting for regulatory approval for a vaccine partly developed in Germany even as other countries, including Britain and the United States, are rolling it out. (more...)
- December 17, 2020
As Germany entered into a new partial lockdown , the death toll due to coronavirus shot up to 952 in the last 24 hours which is the highest since the outbreak of the virus in the country . Germans are waiting for regulatory approval for a vaccine partly developed in Germany even as other countries, including Britain and the United States, are rolling it out. (more...)
Hacker Reveals Trump's Twitter Password And It's A Very Easy, Obvious One
- December 17, 2020
In a lengthy Monday Facebook post , Graham lauded Trump for his four years in the White House amid his disappointment in the results of the election. Some of his neighbours, however, have written a letter to Palm Beach authorities and the US Secret Service saying that Trump has no legal right to live there full time, The Post reported . (more...)
- December 17, 2020
In a lengthy Monday Facebook post , Graham lauded Trump for his four years in the White House amid his disappointment in the results of the election. Some of his neighbours, however, have written a letter to Palm Beach authorities and the US Secret Service saying that Trump has no legal right to live there full time, The Post reported . (more...)
EU Chief sees progress on Brexit talks
- December 17, 2020
She added that she and Barnier can now see a "narrow path to an agreement". British and European Union negotiators were closing in Wednesday on a deal to oversee fair competition in a post-Brexit trade deal, but remained deeply divided over fishing. (more...)
- December 17, 2020
She added that she and Barnier can now see a "narrow path to an agreement". British and European Union negotiators were closing in Wednesday on a deal to oversee fair competition in a post-Brexit trade deal, but remained deeply divided over fishing. (more...)
14 found guilty over 2015 Paris terror attacks — Charlie Hebdo trial
- December 17, 2020
Three others, including the wife of one of the attackers, were tried in absentia in connection with the attacks on January 7 and January 9, 2015. Occasionally dubbed " France's most wanted woman ", Boumeddiene was found guilty Wednesday of financing terrorism and playing a role in a criminal network. (more...)
- December 17, 2020
Three others, including the wife of one of the attackers, were tried in absentia in connection with the attacks on January 7 and January 9, 2015. Occasionally dubbed " France's most wanted woman ", Boumeddiene was found guilty Wednesday of financing terrorism and playing a role in a criminal network. (more...)
U.S. to announce new charges in 1988 Lockerbie airline bombing
- December 17, 2020
The suspect, Abu Agila Mohammad Masud, is now held by Libyan authorities and the Wall Street Journal reports that USA authorities are seeking his extradition to stand trial in the United States. All 259 people aboard the plane and 11 on the ground were killed. He died in 2012. The announcement of a new prosecution would likely carry personal significance for Attorney General William Barr, who is leaving the position next week, but held the same job when the Justice Department revealed ... (more...)
- December 17, 2020
The suspect, Abu Agila Mohammad Masud, is now held by Libyan authorities and the Wall Street Journal reports that USA authorities are seeking his extradition to stand trial in the United States. All 259 people aboard the plane and 11 on the ground were killed. He died in 2012. The announcement of a new prosecution would likely carry personal significance for Attorney General William Barr, who is leaving the position next week, but held the same job when the Justice Department revealed ... (more...)
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