Here are some of the stories making global headlines today.
Putin confirms US diplomatic missions in Russia will be cut
Russian state media quoted Putin saying 755 out of “a thousand or so” employees will “have to stop their activities in the Russian Federation.” That includes diplomats and technical workers, he said. The United States has not identified how many diplomatic employees are in Russia.
Trump rips China after N. Korea missile test
“I am very disappointed in China,” Trump wrote in a pair of Twitter posts. “…they do NOTHING for us with North Korea, just talk. We will no longer allow this to continue. China could easily solve this problem!” North Korea’s test Friday of a Hwasong-14 intercontinental ballistic missile was its second of the long-range weapon in a month.
Quartet: Qatar talks possible, no concessions
“Dialogue doesn’t mean there are concessions,” Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir said. The four countries also rejected charges about Saudi Arabia’s handling of Qatari travel for Hajj, an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. It is scheduled to start August 30 this year.
Fire engulfs stage at Barcelona festival
No injuries were reported as attendees fled the concert area near Barcelona late Saturday night, the city’s fire officials said in a statement. “At this time, the fire is totally extinct although very hot areas remain and the entire assembly structure is at risk of collapsing,” the statement said.
Australia disrupts alleged plane terror plot
Police said it was an Islamist-inspired plot, but they did not link the plan to a specific terrorist group. Officers became aware people in Sydney were allegedly planning to carry out a terrorist attack using an “improvised device,” Australian Federal Police Commissioner Andrew Colvin said.
Airport worker punches Easyjet passenger
The victim was due to travel on EasyJet flight 2122 from Nice to Luton airport outside London on Saturday. The flight was delayed for a grueling 11 hours. EasyJet says the airport employee does not work for the airline. “It was awful the whole thing.
Pakistan’s Sharif eyes brother to replace him
Shahbaz Sharif, however, cannot step into the role right away because he is not a member of the National Assembly. He would have to resign his provincial position and run for the Parliament seat vacated by his brother first. With the election 45 days away, the ruling Pakistan Muslim League named Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as interim prime minister.
Putin Expels 755 U.S. Diplomats From Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday announced that 755 U.S. diplomats would be expelled from Russia, a retaliatory move in response to Washington’s newest sanctions against the Kremlin. Putin made the announcement during a televised interview with Russia’s state-owned Rossiya 1 network, criticizing the sanctions passed by Congress last week as an unprovoked attempt to worsen U.S.-Russia relations.
Trump Has Parted Ways With A Shocking Number Of Senior Officials
This week was a tumultuous one in the West Wing, even by the drama-laden standards of President Donald Trump ‘s White House. White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus resigned on Thursday after newly appointed White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci publicly singled him out in an ill-informed crusade against leaks to the news media, describing Priebus in one interview as a “fucking paranoid schizophrenic.”
Anthony Scaramucci’s Wife Filed For Divorce While Pregnant, Reports Say
The wife of newly named White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci reportedly wants a divorce, just days after giving birth to the couple’s son. The Page Six gossip column of The New York Post on Friday reported that Deidre Ball, 38, had filed for divorce from Scaramucci.
Anthony Atamanuik Mines Trump’s Darkness For Comedic Gold
It’s the president’s birthday! And what better way to celebrate than with a surprise party? Except at this surprise party, all that awaits the guest of honor is an empty Queens diner, a few balloons and a cake. The attendees, with the exception of the party’s organizer, the vice president, are missing in action.
Joe Biden Reportedly Lobbied John McCain Ahead Of Crucial Obamacare Repeal Vote
Former Vice President Joe Biden personally lobbied Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) before the senator cast a crucial vote taking down a Republican attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act, according to The Washington Post. The call between the two was emotional, according to the Post.
18 Yahoo Answers fails that will leave you scratching your head
Yahoo Answers is a mixed bag of useful information, helpful commenters, weird advice, and most of all, really, really dumb questions. In search of some thoughtful answers, users post their most desperate queries, hoping a kind soul will shed some light and wisdom. But those important questions aren’t always, let’s say, well thought out.
Your most basic and burning questions about next month’s solar eclipse, answered
A total solar eclipse will slice a path across much of the United States on August 21. Perhaps you’ve heard of it? The big-time space event will be visible in some form or fashion across most of the U.S., and it’s sure to impress for anyone within the 70-mile-wide strip of totality across the country (assuming the skies are relatively clear).
How to use WhatsApp on your computer to message more
WhatsApp is clearly a great messaging app – it just reached one billion daily users. But it’s not always ideal to be holding huge conversations on your smartphone. You might not know that WhatsApp isn’t just bound to your phone, though. You can use it on your computer, too.
Doctor takes a break from giving birth to deliver another baby
A doctor in Kentucky and her patient will always remember their babies’ birthdays. Amanda Hess, an OB/GYN in Frankfort, Kentucky, was in the hospital as she prepared to give birth to her daughter. While she waited, Hess heard another expectant mother who was closer to giving birth.
Snake owner calls 911: ‘I have a boa constrictor stuck to my face’
A snake owner placed a harrowing call to emergency services when her recent rescue wrapped itself around her neck and began biting her face. “I have a boa constrictor stuck to my face,” the woman can be heard saying in the 911 call.
Apple removes all VPN apps from China App Store, report
In a move sure to put Apple’s ongoing activities in China under a more intense international microscope, a number of foreign-made VPN software apps have been removed from China’s app store, according to a report from The New York Times.
