Here are today’s top stories.
Shutdown debacle leaves Trump with stark choices
It’s as if President Donald Trump’s humiliation over the government shutdown and his failed push to honor his core campaign promise never happened.
Mattis gets standing ovation at elite DC dinner
Former Defense Secretary James Mattis received a standing ovation Saturday at the annual black-tie Alfalfa Club dinner after delivering a speech in which he honored the troops and talked about the importance of the US’ standing abroad, according to a source with knowledge of the event.
Bank of England blocks Maduro’s $1.2B gold withdrawal – report
The Bank of England has blocked Nicolas Maduro’s officials from withdrawing $1.2 billion worth of gold, Bloomberg reported, dealing a further blow to the embattled Venezuelan President as he tries to salvage his authority.
Maduro says a US-led ‘coup’ is behind the political upheaval in Venezuela
As Venezuela’s chaotic political situation continues and the world picks sides, President Nicolas Maduro is alleging the United States orchestrated a coup to remove him from the helm of the embattled nation.
The US is investigating executive pay at Nissan following the Carlos Ghosn scandal
Questions over Nissan’s reporting of executive pay have spread to the United States.
Why a military spat between Japan and South Korea could snowball into crisis
Japan and South Korea are engaged in a heated military dispute that analysts say could damage the already tenuous geopolitical situation in northeast Asia if the two sides do not reach a resolution.
Suspect in five Louisiana shooting deaths captured in Virginia
Dakota Theriot, the 21-year-old man wanted in the killing of five people in Louisiana on Saturday, has been apprehended in Richmond County, Virginia, authorities said.
US ‘will respond to Venezuela threats’
US National Security Adviser John Bolton has warned Venezuela that any threats against American diplomats or opposition leader Juan Guaidó will be met with “a significant response”. Mr Bolton tweeted on Sunday that any such “intimidation” would be “a grave assault on the rule of law”.
Black Panther wins top prize at SAGs
Superhero film Black Panther has won the top prize at the Screen Actors Guild awards (SAGs). The box office hit picked up best ensemble cast award in a motion picture, the SAG ceremony’s version of the best film prize.
Most popular cars at risk of ‘keyless theft’
Hundreds of popular cars – including four of the five best-selling models in the UK – are susceptible to “keyless theft”, new research claims. Consumer group Which? found the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Golf, Nissan Qashqai and Ford Focus were all at risk. Thieves are increasingly thought to be using technology to bypass entry systems on keyless cars.
The mistake that led to a £1.2bn business
The BBC’s weekly The Boss series profiles a different business leader from around the world. This week we speak to Kristo Kaarmann, co-founder and chief executive of money transfer business TransferWise. When Kristo Kaarmann was kicking himself for being “incredibly stupid”, little did he know that it would spark an idea for a business that is now estimated to be worth more than £1.2bn.
What not to say to someone with cancer
Fighter, warrior, hero – some of the terms you might see used to describe people with cancer. But according to a new survey, for some with the illness the words are seen as inappropriate rather than uplifting.
RIP Trevor the ‘world’s loneliest duck’
Trevor, once dubbed the world’s loneliest duck, has died after being attacked by dogs on the remote Pacific island he called home. Trevor was something of a local celebrity in the tiny nation of Niue for being the only bird of his kind living on the island.
US lifts sanctions on Putin ally’s firms
The Trump administration has lifted sanctions on three firms linked to Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, an ally of President Vladimir Putin. Curbs on aluminium giant US Rusal, En+ Group and JSC EuroSibEnergo were lifted after Mr Deripaska ceded control. The oligarch has been linked to the probe into alleged Russian interference in US elections, and Democrats wanted the sanctions to continue.
Trump Turns On Fox News: ‘Even Less Understanding… Than Fake News CNN & NBC’
President Donald Trump lashed out at his favorite network on Sunday, accusing two Fox News journalists of having “less understanding” of his proposed border wall than the “fake news” at his usual media targets, CNN and NBC.
‘Black Panther’ Triumphs With Top Prize At SAG Awards
” Black Panther ” made awards show history Sunday night. The cast of the record-breaking Marvel blockbuster picked up the top trophy at the 25th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.
Lady Gaga Goes Angelic White In Plunging Gown On SAG Awards Red Carpet
Let us always remember Lady Gaga slaying the 2019 SAG Awards this way. The pop star was stunning vision in white arriving on the red carpet at the Shrine Auditorium ahead of the 25th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday night.
Lady Gaga And Bradley Cooper Perform ‘Shallow’ Live For The First Time
Lady Gaga fans weren’t far from the “Shallow” on Saturday night. Her ” A Star Is Born” co-star Bradley Cooper joined her on stage for a surprise rendition of the song at Gaga’s Las Vegas residency, “Enigma.” It was the first time outside of the film that they performed the song live together.
Kamala Harris Kicks Off Her 2020 Campaign With Vow To Fight ‘For The People’
OAKLAND, Calif. ― Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) formally launched her 2020 presidential campaign Sunday, framing her prosecutorial career as one defined by fighting for the people. Speaking to a large crowd, which her press secretary estimated to be 20,000 people, Harris said her resume – which includes serving as district attorney of San Francisco and attorney general of California – was built on the “profound impact law enforcement has on peoples’ lives.”
Samsung ditches plastic packaging for ‘sustainable materials’
Your next Samsung phone could come in recycled and bio-based paper and plastic wrapping. The company’s electronics division announced its new sustainability policy Sunday and it involves changing product packaging for its phones, tablets, and wearables. Now, instead of plastic, pulp molds will form holder trays. Accessories will be wrapped in eco-friendly materials.
You could win a $1.7 million mansion by writing a standout letter
Broke English majors, take your places. A homeowner in Alberta, Canada is selling her $1.7 million (CAD) home via essay contest. Alla Wagner is searching for a new owner for her 5,000 square foot home, which, according to a report from CNN, has “three bedrooms, three full baths and two half baths, in addition to a wine cellar, panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and a pond.”
The CPR episode of ‘The Office’ helped a man save a woman’s life
Do you know how mom and dad are always telling you how bad TV is for you, and to stop watching so much of it because you’re going to rot your brain out? Well, guess what ma and pa?
Nokia’s U.S. comeback starts with two new budget Android phones
Nokia’s finally ready to return to the smartphone race in the U.S. The phone brand, once an independent global powerhouse, then sold to off to Microsoft, then revived under HMD Global in 2016, has announced it’ll sell two new Android phones on Verizon and Cricket Wireless, respectively.
Tesla is made in Fremont, so it’s not surprising local police bought a Model S patrol car
Fremont, Calif., in the San Francisco Bay Area is home to electric car company Tesla’s massive vehicle factory and it’ll soon be the home to what’s believed to be the first U.S. police department with a Tesla in its fleet. Fremont police bought a used 2014 Tesla Model S 85 kWh battery version from Tesla a year ago.
