Here are some of the top headlines from select sources today.
Philippines warns of ‘explosive eruption’ after Taal Volcano spews ash near Manila
Tens of thousands of people are evacuating near the capital of the Philippines, with authorities warning of a possible “explosive eruption” from a volcano that spewed giant clouds of ash on Sunday.
Iranian leaders under pressure at home and abroad as public anger mounts over downed plane
Iranian riot police used tear gas to disperse thousands of protesters in Tehran’s Azadi Square Sunday, as public fury escalates over Iran’s accidental shooting down of a Ukrainian passenger plane, killing all 176 people on board.
A royal showdown at Sandringham looms over Harry and Meghan’s decision to go it alone
There’s a reason the British royal family is called “the firm” and that Queen Elizabeth II is often referred to as “the boss” behind palace walls.
Mexican Wrestler La Parka has died after suffering severe in-ring injuries
La Parka, known for wrestling while wearing intricate costumes and masks, died Saturday at 54, Lucha Libre AAA announced.
This tortoise had so much sex he saved his species. Now he’s going home
A womanizing tortoise whose rampant sex life may have single-handedly saved his entire species from extinction has retired from his playboy lifestyle, returning to the wild with his mission accomplished.
‘1917’ dethrones ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’ at the box office
A war movie once again topped the box office this weekend. However, this one was set in the trenches of World War I rather than a galaxy far, far away.
Retired Pope warns against celibacy change
Retired Pope Benedict XVI has issued a defence of priestly celibacy in the Catholic Church as his successor considers easing a ban on married men serving as priests. Pope Benedict made the appeal in a book co-authored with Cardinal Robert Sarah.
Royals gather for talks over Sussexes’ future
The Queen will meet senior royals in Sandringham later to discuss the future roles of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Prince Harry, the Duke of Cambridge and the Prince of Wales will all attend the meeting, while Meghan is expected join the discussion by phone from Canada.
Barcelona: Will Ernesto Valverde stay as manager as Xavi deal falls through?
Reigning champions, top of the league, Champions League group winners, captained by the Ballon d’Or winner… but still in crisis? That might not sound like a very normal situation, but Barcelona are not a normal club.
Who owns the River Nile – and why it matters
The latest talks to resolve the dispute between Ethiopia and Egypt over the future of a giant hydropower project on the Nile River are due to resume in Washington later. Last year a deadline of 15 January was set to solve the long-standing impasse but the latest round of talks, last week, ended in deadlock.
Former Boeing chief leaves with $62m
Former Boeing chief Dennis Muilenburg has left the company with $62m (£48m) in compensation and pension benefits. Mr Muilenburg will not receive severance pay, according to a regulatory filing by Boeing. Boeing fired Mr Muilenburg in December to restore confidence in the firm after two deadly crashes involving its 737 Max plane.
Iran Faces Tough Questions At Home And Abroad After It Admits To Downing Plane
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – Iran’s acknowledgement that it shot down a Ukrainian airliner, killing 176 people, raises new challenges for the Islamic Republic both externally amid tensions with the U.S. and internally as it deals with growing discontent from its people.
Trump Tied Soleimani Hit To Support From GOP Hawks Ahead Of Impeachment Trial: Reports
President Donald Trump openly discussed how the U.S. airstrike assassination of Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani would shore up support from Republican Senate hawks in time for his impeachment trial, according to reports in both The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.
Trump Trying To Reopen Talks With North Korea’s Kim Jong Un: Report
The Trump administration is attempting to resume talks with North Korea regarding the country’s antagonistic nuclear program after months of stalled negotiations and a new barrage of threats that Pyongyang would soon restart weapons testing, Axios reported Sunday.
2020 Critics’ Choice Awards: The Complete Winners List
The critics have spoken! Quentin Tarantino’s ” Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” picked up a slew of awards at the 2020 Critics’ Choice Awards on Sunday night, including the top prize of Best Picture.
These are the coolest foldable devices confirmed for launch in 2020
All the way back in 2019, a few tech companies decided the world really needed phones with bendable screens. We didn’t actually get our hands on very many of these mobile oddities, but the most notorious, Samsung’s Galaxy Fold, was at least an interesting failure.
Billionaire with first SpaceX moon tickets is holding a ‘Bachelor’ style contest to find his plus one
Single male billionaire seeking woman for long term relationship. Must be over 20, optimistic, and open to being shot into space. Yusaku Maezawa is looking for love in some unusual places. The 44-year-old Japanese fashion entrepreneur has opened worldwide applications for the role of his “life partner,” and to sweeten the offer he’s packaged himself with a round trip to the literal Moon, courtesy of SpaceX.
‘Operation Rock Wallaby’ rains food down on wildlife hurt by Australian bushfires
It’s sweet potatoes and carrots to the rescue for the wildlife of New South Whales. As raging bushfires continue to decimate the animal population of Australia, rescue efforts to save survivors are mounting. Estimates place the death toll anywhere in the millions to billions (although, the accuracy of these figures is up for debate), and hundreds of thousands remain stranded in their burned environments.
Instagram is reportedly removing posts supporting Soleimani
Instagram and Facebook are removing posts that support Qassem Soleimani, a top Iranian general and leader who was killed in a U.S.-sanctioned airstrike, according to CNN. Coda Story reports that Iranian journalists, influencers, and human rights activists have had posts if not their entire accounts removed from the platform.
Looks like the Hummer is making a comeback as an electric pickup truck
The Hummer could be making a comeback as an electric pickup truck. According to a report from The Wall Street Journal , the Hummer name, once known for outrageous gas-guzzling and general douchebaggery, will be repurposed for a new battery-powered SUV from General Motors as early as 2022.
Steve McQueen’s ‘Bullitt’ Mustang sold for $3.4 million at auction
The Bullitt is going, going, gone. On Friday, the Ford Mustang driven by Steve McQueen in the 1968 thriller Bullitt sold for $3.4 million at a Mecum Auction in Kissimmee, Florida. The star in a chase scene lauded by many as the greatest in cinematic history, the vehicle just became the highest-priced Mustang ever sold in a public auction.
